标签： Jamaica

In the wake of the 2021 Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries scandal, Jamaican religious leader Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller has provided crucial insights into distinguishing legitimate religious organizations from dangerous cults. The controversy erupted when two congregants died during an alleged human sacrifice ritual, culminating in the death of pastor Kevin Smith while facing criminal charges.

Reverend Miller, founder of Whole Life Ministries, emphasizes that authentic churches operate under established principles with Jesus Christ as the head, guided by biblical teachings about love and humanity. “Most churches have their beliefs and teachings but… it’s open for dialogue all the time,” Miller explained to the Jamaica Observer. “People are free to interact. It’s not about control.”

In contrast, Miller identifies cults as organizations centered around charismatic leaders whose personal beliefs supersede scripture. These groups typically discourage critical thinking and demand strict adherence to the leader’s ideology. The Pathways scandal exemplified these characteristics, with reports indicating Smith exercised extreme control over followers—fining them for tardiness, demanding money, and even threatening death for non-compliance.

Miller highlights several warning signs of cultish behavior: leaders who prioritize themselves above doctrine, demonstrate excessive pride, and emphasize money, pleasure, and fleshly desires. “When these signs appear,” Miller warns, “it means something is not going right here.”

The clergyman stresses the profound responsibility religious leaders bear as representatives of God, noting that love must form the foundation of all church operations. He advocates for strong accountability systems within religious communities, emphasizing that both leaders and congregants should maintain mutual oversight to prevent extremist developments.

Regarding the 2021 tragedy, Miller expressed astonishment that such extreme activities could occur unnoticed, though he acknowledged the secrecy cults often enforce through sworn commitments to leaders perceived as messianic figures.

For survivors of the Pathways incident, Miller offers a message of healing and hope: “Don’t give up on God. Men fail, God can’t.” He encourages victims to learn from the experience without self-blame, maintaining their faith and relationship with God.

Ultimately, Miller identifies four protective elements against cult formation: love-driven faith, complete trust in God rather than oneself, humility of heart, and proper respect for divine authority. These principles, he contends, counteract the pride, power, and pleasure seeking that enable cult mentalities to flourish.

A tranquil afternoon on the western coast of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, turned tragic on Thursday when a shark fatally attacked a US tourist swimming near the shore. The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis, a regular visitor to the territory.

The incident occurred in shallow waters during the afternoon hours. Local authorities and emergency medical teams responded immediately to the distress call. According to official reports, first responders performed with exceptional speed and professionalism despite confronting extremely challenging and gruesome conditions at the scene.

Lillis was rapidly transported from the beach to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. However, she succumbed to her severe injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, despite all efforts to save her life.

The specific species responsible for the lethal encounter remains undetermined, as marine officials have launched an investigation into the attack. While shark sightings are not uncommon in the biodiverse waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands, actual attacks on humans are statistically rare events that generate significant community concern and international attention. This incident marks a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with marine environments, even in frequently visited tourist areas.

BRISTOL ALEXANDRIA, St. Ann — A late-night robbery attempt turned deadly on Friday, resulting in one fatality and leaving a local business owner hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The incident occurred approximately at 9:00 p.m. in the vicinity of Aabuthnott Gallimore High School.

According to law enforcement officials from the St. Ann police division, 33-year-old Kemar Brown, popularly known as Mars, was fatally shot during the violent encounter. Norma Linton, who also goes by Barbara, sustained serious injuries but managed to survive the attack.

Investigative reports indicate that both individuals were concluding business operations at Linton’s commercial establishment when an unidentified assailant brandishing a firearm approached them. The solitary gunman explicitly demanded monetary compensation from the victims. When the demands remained unfulfilled, the perpetrator discharged multiple rounds at close range.

Brown suffered critical injuries to his upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the crime scene. Linton, despite sustaining comparable injuries to her upper body, successfully escaped the immediate danger zone through pedestrian evacuation. Bystanders and community members provided crucial assistance by transporting the wounded shop owner to a medical facility where she remains under professional care.

This violent episode has generated widespread anxiety among Bristol residents, with many expressing heightened concerns about public safety. While criminal activities involving firearms have previously occurred in the district, the brutality of this particular incident has profoundly disturbed the community.

Local authorities have confirmed that this tragedy represents the second homicide recorded in St. Ann since the commencement of the calendar year. Police investigators continue to pursue active leads in the case, examining evidence and seeking witnesses who might provide critical information regarding the perpetrator’s identity and whereabouts.

PORTMORE, Jamaica – A tragic altercation between two taxi operators has resulted in homicide charges after a fatal stabbing incident in the St Catherine parish. Lloyd Armstrong, a 33-year-old resident of Gregory Park known locally as ‘Juju Frass,’ now faces murder charges for the death of fellow driver Damion Lawrence.

The violent encounter occurred on the evening of July 25, 2025, when what began as a verbal dispute escalated dramatically. According to official reports from the Portmore Police Division, the confrontation turned physical approximately at 6:15 p.m., culminating in Armstrong allegedly producing a knife and delivering multiple stab wounds to Lawrence’s upper torso.

Emergency services transported the critically injured 45-year-old victim, who was colloquially known as ‘Trainer’ within the Spanish Town community, to the nearest medical facility. Despite immediate intervention by healthcare professionals, Lawrence succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

In a significant development following the incident, Armstrong voluntarily surrendered to authorities accompanied by legal representation. His attorney facilitated the coordinated surrender with law enforcement officials, after which formal murder charges were filed against the suspect.

The Homicide Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has confirmed the ongoing judicial process, with court proceedings currently being scheduled. The case has drawn attention to tensions within the transportation sector and prompted discussions about conflict resolution mechanisms among professional drivers.

Community leaders in Portmore have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for peaceful dispute resolution while awaiting justice through the formal legal system.

Jamaican authorities have escalated efforts to apprehend 30-year-old Kerrin Bailey, alias “Bones,” who remains at large following a deadly November 2025 shooting incident in St. Andrew. The Kingston East Police Division has issued a renewed public appeal for information regarding Bailey’s whereabouts, emphasizing his status as a primary person of interest in the case.

The violent episode unfolded on November 13th at approximately 8:30 PM in the Jack Vale community of Bull Bay. Local residents reported hearing explosive gunfire originating from a residential property, prompting immediate emergency response. Law enforcement personnel arriving at the scene discovered two gunshot victims—a male and female—both suffering from critical injuries.

Emergency medical services transported both individuals to a nearby medical facility, where 28-year-old truck operator Rai-Ronaldo Fry was declared deceased upon arrival. The female victim received urgent treatment and was admitted in stable condition, subsequently undergoing recovery procedures.

Following comprehensive investigation, police identified Bailey as a central figure in the shooting incident and officially listed him as a wanted individual. Investigators have disclosed that Bailey’s last confirmed residence was located on Talmania Avenue in the Harbour Heights sector of Kingston 17. Surveillance operations indicate he frequently visits various locations across St. James Parish, alongside regular appearances in Bull Bay and Harbour View districts.

Law enforcement officials are strongly urging Bailey to voluntarily surrender at the Elletson Road Police Station without further delay. The public assistance hotlines include direct connections to the Elletson Road Police Station (876-928-1261/1262), the National Intelligence Bureau (811), Crime Stop (311), and all local police precincts.

A significant legal confrontation has emerged in Jamaica’s Home Circuit Court, centering on attorney access to electronic devices within correctional facilities. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) issued an official denial Thursday refuting claims that lawyers are being prohibited from bringing cellphones and digital devices into prisons when consulting with incarcerated clients.

The controversy surfaced during preliminary proceedings for the landmark trial of Tesha Miller and 24 co-defendants, who face extensive charges under anti-gang legislation including murder and robbery allegations. Miller is identified as the alleged leader of the Clansman gang faction based in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Wednesday’s scheduled trial commencement collapsed as prosecutors requested a substantial 12-14 week adjournment to complete documentation and finalize case preparations. Presiding Judge Dale Palmer rejected this extended delay, instead mandating that DCS representatives, including Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier Radgh Mason, appear in court Friday to address the device access policy.

Defense attorneys presented compelling arguments against the device restrictions. John Clarke, representing Miller, revealed he had raised concerns since April 2024 regarding electronic disclosure accessibility. Clarke described inconsistent implementation across facilities, noting that while medical professionals receive device access privileges, attorneys remain restricted despite judicial correspondence advocating for their access.

Co-counsel Tameka Harris expressed profound frustration, disclosing that the matter had been discussed in multiple stakeholder meetings with Commissioner Mason, who had previously committed to resolving the issue through formal institutional orders. Harris emphasized the practical impossibility of adequately presenting digital evidence—including videos and audio recordings—without electronic devices, potentially compromising defendants’ rights to comprehend evidence against them.

The DCS response affirmed its commitment to inmates’ constitutional rights to legal representation, referencing February 2025 discussions with the Jamaica Bar Association and subsequent March 2025 correspondence from Commissioner Mason. The department stated it facilitates legal consultations through virtual platforms and permits electronic devices when “safe, reasonable, justified and practicable,” while encouraging formal reporting of any rights violations.

Judge Palmer, adamant about progressing the long-pending case, declared a June adjournment unacceptable and scheduled Friday’s hearing to determine a reasonable preparation timeline, acknowledging the substantial judicial resources already invested in this complex gang prosecution.