标签： Jamaica

Sheldon Millington’s journey from the economically challenged streets of Kingston’s Whitfield Town to his current role as a philanthropic corporate executive demonstrates how early experiences can shape a lifetime of service. His childhood exposure to poverty instilled in him a profound commitment to helping others, a value he continues to exemplify through numerous charitable initiatives.

Millington’s philanthropic philosophy took root during his school years when he received an unexpected scholarship recognizing not academic achievement but his consistent compassion in assisting ill classmates. This early validation of his caring nature solidified his dedication to service. Throughout high school, he established a committee to support students who couldn’t afford meals, demonstrating organizational skills that would later enhance his humanitarian efforts.

The corporate executive has since channeled his resources into substantial community projects. Through the House of SDM Educational Grant, Millington has provided comprehensive educational support to over 300 young children by covering their entire booklist expenses. His community involvement extends to Labor Day projects, including the renovation of the Gilmore Early Childhood Basic School, technology donations for students, and creating employment opportunities across various organizations.

Millington’s humanitarian response following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Westmoreland showcased his deep commitment to practical assistance. Personally leading relief efforts, he distributed 310 care packages, 100 children’s snack bags, and clothing for affected families. The emotional impact of witnessing the hurricane’s destruction motivated what he described as an unavoidable moral imperative to help fellow Jamaicans in crisis.

His ongoing community engagement includes seasonal initiatives such as Christmas events for senior citizens in his childhood neighborhood and New Year’s celebrations for children in Rae Town. Millington attributes his sustained philanthropic drive to what he describes as an inherent nature ‘characterized by love, compassion and a willingness to extend assistance beyond immediate circles.’ His life’s work embodies a philosophy where community service transcends charity to become a fundamental aspect of corporate leadership and personal identity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development in Jamaica’s fight against arms trafficking, a serving soldier from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been formally charged in connection with one of the largest illegal weapons seizures in the nation’s history. The case centers on Odeen Lawrence, a 36-year-old JDF member from St. Andrew, who faces serious charges following a major December operation at the Kingston Logistics Centre.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), culminated on December 19 with the interception of 28 illegal firearms and an astonishing 6,142 rounds of ammunition. The seizure represents a major blow to weapons trafficking networks operating within Jamaica.

Lawrence’s involvement came to light when he evaded police during an operation on January 5, only to surrender to authorities the following day. Subsequent forensic examination of his vehicle on January 7, conducted with his cooperation, yielded additional evidence—a 9mm round discovered in the glove compartment.

The accused soldier now faces two serious charges: conspiracy to traffic prohibited weapons and unauthorized possession of ammunition. These charges stem from comprehensive evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.

Superintendent of Police Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the significance of this case, stating: ‘This investigation remains active as we work to dismantle the channels that facilitate the flow of illegal weapons into our communities. Our mission is to uphold the law without fear or favour, regardless of the status or profession of those involved.’

Authorities have indicated that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation into the broader weapons trafficking network continues. The case underscores the Jamaican Constabulary Force’s commitment to combating organized crime and protecting national security. Lawrence’s court appearance date is currently being finalized as judicial proceedings prepare to move forward.

A high-profile trial involving 25 alleged members of the Klansman Gang faction faces significant delays as Jamaica’s Supreme Court grapples with critical evidence disclosure issues. The prosecution, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Janek Forbes, acknowledged substantial evidentiary gaps during Friday’s proceedings before Justice Dale Palmer in downtown Kingston.

Prosecution representatives revealed multiple outstanding documents including DNA reports for several defendants, chain-of-custody documentation, expert statements, and crime scene reports. Particularly concerning is the forensic laboratory’s indication that DNA analysis alone would require six to eight weeks, followed by additional time for peer review and report completion.

Defense attorney John Clarke, representing alleged faction leader Tesha Miller, raised constitutional concerns about the prosecution’s proposed ‘ongoing disclosure’ during trial proceedings. Clarke argued this approach could violate defendants’ rights to adequate trial preparation and a fair hearing, stating that receiving crucial evidence mid-trial would effectively abrogate these fundamental rights.

The complexity deepened with additional defense challenges, including attorney Denise Hinson’s objection to obtaining a DNA sample from client Nashaune Guest five years after evidence collection. Hinson characterized the belated request as fundamentally unfair given the extended timeframe without prior forensic analysis.

Justice Palmer, who had previously indicated reluctance to grant the prosecution’s requested adjournment to June, delayed his ruling until Monday following these substantial submissions. The court extended bail for one defendant while remanding others who attended virtually via Zoom, underscoring the case’s complex logistical dimensions.

The proceedings highlight persistent challenges in Jamaica’s judicial system when handling complex organized crime cases, particularly regarding forensic evidence processing and the balance between trial efficiency and defendants’ constitutional rights.

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Lacovia Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth has achieved a significant milestone by fully restoring in-person education for all enrolled students, marking the end of months of disruptive rotational schedules implemented after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Principal Stacia Williams Brown confirmed the complete resumption of academic activities, expressing profound gratitude for overcoming substantial infrastructural challenges that had severely compromised daily operations.

The educational institution, which initially adopted a phased reopening approach in November following the hurricane’s passage, has now successfully reintegrated its entire student body. Current enrollment stands at 293 pupils, with attendance figures demonstrating consistent improvement as normalcy returns. School authorities continue outreach efforts to locate remaining students who were displaced due to extensive facility damage, with some families having relocated to other parishes temporarily.

Principal Williams Brown detailed the considerable damage sustained during the hurricane, which critically affected essential facilities including student bathrooms, the administrative block, and perimeter fencing. Reconstruction efforts led by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information through the National Education Trust (NET) have been progressing steadily since commencement in December. School administration anticipates full restoration of administrative operations within approximately three months, allowing staff to return to their original office spaces.

The principal extended appreciation to the Education Ministry for their sustained support and to contractors executing rehabilitation work, noting that the entire school community remains encouraged by the ongoing assistance and visible progress in restoring the educational environment.

PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Dr. Sharon Lewis, Medical Officer of Health for Portland, has issued an urgent appeal for the immediate allocation of additional garbage collection trucks to the parish. This call to action aims to build upon and sustain the recent successes achieved in controlling the local rodent population through targeted eradication efforts.

Addressing the monthly meeting of the parish’s municipal corporation last Thursday, Dr. Lewis emphasized the visible diligence of National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) teams but stressed that their efforts are hampered by insufficient resources. She formally requested that Portland be prioritized to receive a minimum of two new garbage trucks by 2026, framing the issue as critical for public health and community well-being.

The appeal is directly linked to the outcomes of an extensive, multi-month rodent baiting initiative. Dr. Lewis provided a detailed report on a major operation conducted on December 6, 2025. A team of nine public healthcare workers serviced 255 bait stations at key locations, including all three points of entry to the port and the Musgrave Market in Port Antonio. The operation utilized 284 packs of three different rodenticide brands and involved replacing 37 stations that had gone missing.

Notably, the data revealed extremely high bait consumption. All baits previously placed in the park areas of the Errol Flynn Marina and the main market were completely consumed by the time of the replenishment mission. Only 11 stations in secondary locations, such as the boat yard and the old marina, contained stale, unconsumed bait, which was promptly replaced. An official evaluation of the bait uptake is scheduled for this month, with findings to be shared subsequently.

Dr. Lewis directly connected efficient garbage collection to public health safeguards. She expressed deep concern over frequent delays in solid waste collection across Portland communities, noting that accumulated refuse creates ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests like rodents, flies, and mosquitoes. While acknowledging that Portland was fortunately spared significant outbreaks of leptospirosis and dengue fever recently, she warned that this positive health status is fragile. The officer concluded that bolstering the NSWMA’s operational capacity is an essential investment in preventing vector-borne diseases and maintaining the parish’s overall health security.