标签： Jamaica

In a landmark verdict, a French court has sentenced Pascal Lafolie, 58, to 30 years in prison for the 1994 murder of 17-year-old Nadege Desnoix, marking the resolution of one of France’s longest-standing cold cases. The trial, held in Laon, northern France, concluded on Thursday with Lafolie receiving the maximum sentence. He must serve two-thirds of his term before being eligible for parole. Lafolie, who has a history of rape and sexual assault convictions, was arrested in 2021 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to shift blame onto his deceased brother, investigators found no evidence to support his defense. The breakthrough came when Lafolie’s DNA, collected in a domestic violence case, matched genetic material found on a hairband worn by Desnoix at the time of her death. The case had remained unsolved for decades, with investigators initially exploring leads involving her boyfriend and notorious serial killer Michel Fourniret. Desnoix’s body was discovered in Chateau-Thierry, near her school, with a nylon cord and a freshly picked rose found beside her. The autopsy revealed no signs of sexual assault. Lafolie’s conviction brings closure to a case that has haunted the Aisne region for over three decades.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamalco, in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, has introduced a comprehensive heavy-duty equipment training programme at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. This initiative aims to equip residents from surrounding communities with essential skills in this specialized field, fostering both personal and professional growth. The programme’s launch attracted approximately 130 participants from Jamalco’s seven council areas, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for this opportunity. Scheduled to commence on Monday, September 29, the three-month course will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical training. The latter will be conducted in partnership with Jamalco’s contractors, ensuring trainees gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Certified HEART/NSTA Trust instructors, alongside Jamalco’s Mobile Equipment Instructor, Nigel Braham, will lead the sessions using a blend of classroom instruction, online learning, and simulated environments. This approach is designed to build participants’ confidence and competence before they transition to live operations. During the launch event, Managing Director Marvin Jackson emphasized the transformative potential of the programme, urging participants to fully embrace the opportunity. He stated, ‘We view the communities around our operations not merely as neighbours but as partners in our journey. It is both our responsibility and privilege to invest in initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build capacity for the future.’ Jackson also stressed the importance of discipline, commitment, and a drive for excellence as key factors for success. Jamalco extended its gratitude to the HEART/NSTA Trust, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their support in bringing this initiative to fruition. The company reiterated its dedication to workforce development and its ongoing efforts to create stronger, more resilient communities through such impactful programmes.

Last Friday, the Corporate Area of Jamaica was hit by torrential rains described by climate change and extreme rainfall specialist Dr. Christopher Burgess as an ‘extreme’ weather event. Data from privately owned automatic weather stations indicated that the rainfall represented a ’50-to-100-year return period event,’ making it both rare and severe due to its duration. The downpour, which began around 4:30 pm on September 19, caused widespread flooding, immobilizing motorists, inundating homes, and leaving a trail of debris and devastation. The rains subsided after 8:00 pm, but the damage was already significant. Dr. Burgess, a registered professional and civil engineer with expertise in environmental and coastal engineering, identified New Kingston, Cross Roads, and Cherry Gardens as the ‘epicenter of the weather event.’ He emphasized, ‘There is no doubt that the rainfall was extreme.’ The Meteorological Services of Jamaica reported rainfall amounts from various stations, including 39.1 mm in three hours at Kingston College, 68 mm in two hours at Mona Reservoir, and 75.6 mm in two hours at Shortwood Teachers’ College. However, the Mico University station in Cross Roads went offline during the storm. Climate Services Manager Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings noted that the rainfall was significant, with Mona receiving 68 mm in two hours, nearly half of the 30-year mean rainfall for September. She highlighted the intensity of the event, stating, ‘You got almost half of what’s expected in a month in about an hour and a half.’ Dr. Burgess pointed out that privately owned stations recorded higher rainfall levels than the Meteorological Services, suggesting the event was even more extreme. Meanwhile, Professor Carol Archer of the University of Technology warned that such flooding will persist unless Jamaica overhauls its rainwater infrastructure and enforces existing legislation. She stressed the need for updated regulations and enforcement to prevent improper development. The Meteorological Services also forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms across most parishes in the coming days, underscoring the ongoing risk of extreme weather.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrations are in order for Jamaican Olympic gymnast Danusia Francis and her husband, Elliot Reid, as they joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby boy. The couple shared their exciting news on Wednesday through Francis’ Instagram stories, where she posted a heartwarming photo of their newborn accompanied by the caption, “23/09/2025 Our baby boy was born.” In a subsequent post, Francis unveiled a tender maternity photo alongside her husband, proudly introducing their son with the words, “Welcome baby boy Reid to the world.”

Danusia Francis, who represented Jamaica at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, tied the knot with Elliot Reid in 2022 in the United Kingdom. The birth of their son marks a new chapter in their lives, blending their personal joy with the pride of their growing family. Fans and well-wishers from around the globe have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating this milestone with the couple.