Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 75

Chamber initiates pothole repair in Negril

By
admin
-
0

Sashane Shakes

The Negril Chamber of Commerce (NCC), the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and Dr. Carey Wallace, commenced repairs of the West End road from the roundabout to the Negril Light house that has been marred by enormous potholes, with the project amounting to little over $1.2 million.

The Chamber noted that the potholes were extremely dangerous to pedestrians, motorists and have endangered the lives of school children for some time now. The NCC admits to having tried to get the potholes fixed by the usual sources, but their efforts proved futile.

Once the NCC contacted Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the TEF, and pointed out the danger which the potholes presented – the required TEF documentation was sent, completed and returned. This initiated the undertaking to fund the project which was ultimately satisfactorily executed within a short time period and well within budget.

President of the NCC, Daniel Grizzle, in expressing his gratitude to the TEF and Dr. Wallace said, “We appreciate the speed and efficiency with which the TEF operated. Once they agreed, they didn’t take long to come to our assistance.”

The NCC stated that this little project demonstrates how they continuously strive for the best for their citizens and work with local contractors efficiently, as well as highlighting how the TEF and the NCC can work together for the betterment of the Negril community.

While the roads littered with potholes have decreased significantly, the NCC continues to fix the issues of other areas within the town by being persistent in their lobby for funding for other projects such as the implementation of better sidewalks, funding for a fruit and vegetable market, the development of the public beach park and increased road safety measures along the West End, as well as the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril.

Mental House

By
admin
-
256
Photo source; EmpowHer.com

Barrington Flemming – Staff Reporter

The St. James Health Services and representatives from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund will meet with stakeholders in Montego Bay on Wednesday to craft a plan for the construction and maintenance of a multi-million-dollar centre for the mentally ill in Montego Bay.

Lennox Wallace, Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James, discloses that, “The proposal was submitted to the CHASE Fund and they have come aboard to assist us with the building of this facility. The St. James Municipal Corporation, through its Chairman and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, has given us land near the border of the infirmary to erect this new centre.”

He further explained that the new centre would be constructed on the same site which now houses the Refuge of Hope Night Shelter for the mentally ill and homeless at Albion, adding that it would be incorporated as part of the new centre.

Mr. Wallace said the municipal corporation has also committed to paying some of the staff to be employed at the new facility.

“The St. James Health Department will provide the staff to treat these people whose families are sometimes afraid to have them around and so many times after just two or three days they are back on the street.  They urinate and defecate on the street, which apart from not being aesthetically pleasing, also poses a health hazard. So, it is good that we are having a facility that will house and treat them until they are fit to be returned to society to take up their full place as worthwhile citizens,” the Chief Public Health Officer noted.

YEAR-END COMPLETION

Mr.  Wallace indicated that at Wednesday’s meeting, the final budget and the policy guiding the operations of the new mental health centre would also be finalized and submitted.

He said all things being equal, the new mental health centre should be completed at year’s end.

Mr. Wallace maintained that with St. James having a black patch in its history with the mentally ill, the idea is a timely one noting that the St. James Health Department would not want to have a recurrence of that.

He was making reference to what was dubbed the ‘Street People Scandal’ which saw 39 street persons being whisked from the streets of Montego Bay in the pre-dawn hours of July 15, 1999, and transported to St Elizabeth, where they were subsequently dumped near a mud lake.

The Street People Scandal sparked an international outcry and was followed by a commission of inquiry, but no one was found criminally responsible.

The enquiry, however, revealed the involvement of a St James Parish Council truck, rope purchased by the municipal authority, and police officers in carrying out the act.

The Government accepted liability and was ordered to pay the victims a $20,000 monthly stipend as part of a compensation package

Joy Crooks, Nurse Administrator at the Committee For the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill, CUMI, when contacted, welcomed the proposed new centre for the mentally ill.

“This is would be very good news because we need an intermediate facility to complement what already exists here, we need something to treat these people who would otherwise have nowhere to go to she said.

DECIDER

By
admin
-
1
Captain sensational in the return leg semi-final, Tyshan Hill and Chad Howell, who could be a trump card if used by Wadadah, challenge Courtney Allen along the touchline when the teams met in the lone preliminary clash between the sides in the Charley’s JB Rum Western CONFED Super League game at Jarrett Park. Noelita Lawrence photo

Noelita Lawrence

  • Charley’s JB Rum CONFED

It’s a win or go home bonus contest for over $100,000 when bitter city rivals Faulkland and Wadadah go head-to-head this Sunday, May 13, to decide the 2017/2018 champions of the Charley’s JB Rum Western CONFED Super League.

The two are expected to engage in a fierce battle at Montego Bay’s premier longstanding venue, Jarrett Park, beginning at 6 p.m., as both seek title honours and bragging rights for a place in the All-Island Playoffs and a shot at Premier League qualification.

Faulkland, the overwhelming favourites to hoist the title, will be gunning for a first-ever hold on the crown and with their talented squad, pundits have tipped them to get the better of their opponents.

However, Wadadah, who have won the title before, and will be seeking a second in four years, are expected to be no pushover as they too have high expectations going into the contest.

Wadadah hold the physical advantage going into the showdown as the first time the teams met earlier this season, the Daniel Ricketts-coached team, heavy underdogs, clipped their opponents 1-0 in a shock result.

The former two-times National League champions are in high spirits going into the contest and their coach and former player, Ricketts, says morale and expectations are high ahead of the head-to-head clash on Sunday.

Ahead of a training session on Thursday, Ricketts told the Western Mirror, “We can win it”.

“We have given ourselves the chance by making the final and with that, our mindset must be that we can win it and move straight into the playoffs”

Ricketts also noted that two-goal hero, Obrian Robinson, is being watched and given a 50-50 chance to take his place after suffering a hamstring injury in the return leg semi-final.

He was, however, quick to point out that should he lose the fitness race, “adequate replacement is available”.

FAULKLAND OOZING

Meanwhile, Faulkland will be mindful of their opponents going in and their assistant coach, Gregory Palmer, is beaming confidence ahead of the contest.

“I know it will be a difficult challenge; we are a confident bunch, we know our talents and capabilities, but we will also have to turn up on the day if we are to be victorious,” he noted.

We have been working hard at getting to this stage all season and with that part of the puzzle now put together, it is up to the players to complete the remaining half; all the pieces are in place. All we have to do now is execute,” Palmer added

“We are ready and we are confident in what we have to do to get the job done. Wadadah is a solid and compact team but if we stick to the plan, we should get over the line.

It promises to be an exciting game though can promise you.”

DALEY ANTICIPATES KEEN CONTEST

In the meantime, President of the FA, Gregory Daley, says although he is not picking any sides as the teams are both from the same parish, he is looking forward to an epic battle between the two.

“It really should be an interesting game,” Daley, told the Western Mirror. I am so looking forward to the blast of the whistle. I’m just hoping for good refereeing and a clean match-up from the players.”

Wadadah and Faulkland earned their trips to the grand finale with contrasting semi-final aggregate wins over Reggae Youths and Harmony respectively.

Wadadah totally outgunned Reggae Youths 4-2 on aggregate after losing the first leg 1-0, while Faulkland steam rolled Harmony 4-1, despite the Trelawny side offering stern resistance.

 

Attorney General and Reggae Sumfest organizers meet

By
admin
-
0
Robert Russel, Marlene Malahoo Forte and Joe Bogdonovich talk Reggae Sumfest and the State of Emergency over some drinks.

Member of Parliament for West Central St. James, Marlene Malahoo Forte, has given assurances to the organizers of Reggae Sumfest that she stands ready to make representations on their behalf to ensure that the Enhanced Security Measures that have been rolled out in the parish of St James under the State of Public Emergency do not adversely impact the 26th staging of the music festival.  Reggae Sumfest 2018 will take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St. James from July 15 to 22, 2018.  The festival is dubbed ‘the world’s greatest music festival’.

Following a recent meeting with the main organizers of Reggae Sumfest, Joe Bogdanovich of Downsound Records and Robert Russell, Deputy Chairman of Reggae Sumfest, Malahoo Forte said that she was pleased to hear from the businessmen, who declared their support of the extension of the State of Public Emergency, while candidly sharing their concerns about any logistic issue that may impact the staging of the music festival.

Malahoo Forte, who is also Jamaica’s Attorney General said, “We had a very candid and cordial meeting.  The main issue discussed was the likely impact of the extension of the State of Public Emergency on Reggae Sumfest 2018.  Given the importance of the festival to the economy and the fact that my St James West Central Constituency is the home of the event, I assured the businessmen that I stand ready to make representation on their behalf to ensure that the enhanced safety and security objectives of the State are realised in ways that do not negatively impact the organizers, goods and service providers, patrons and everyone involved in the staging of the festival.”

Mrs. Malahoo Forte said she will be keeping a close watch and she stands ready to have necessary dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the event, which has proven over the years to be a main bread-earner for citizens of St. James, is properly managed and implemented in the context of a State of Public Emergency.

“Music is regarded as one of the world’s most potent unifying forces and Reggae Sumfest brings people from all walks of life together.  In addition, the event provides much needed seasonal employment for our local citizens, a number of whom are from my St. James West Central Constituency.  Over the years, Reggae Sumfest has been a main bread-earner for the people.  It has also played a major role in attracting visitors to our second city. This has a huge financial impact on our country’s economy.  Patrons support the local transport sector, craft sector, store operators and of course our restaurants and places of amusements. The event is a major income earner for citizens.  From my positions as Member of Parliament and Attorney General, I will do whatever is within my powers to ensure that the appropriate balance is struck.”

Meanwhile, CEO of Downsound Music, Joe Bogdonovich is excited about this year’s show which kicks off on Sunday, July 15, with a Colourfest Beach Party, which will be followed by Street dance along Montego Bay’s Hip Strip on July 16, an All-White party at Pier One on June 17 before the much-anticipated World Sound Clash, also at Pier One, on July 19 and the two mega nights at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre on July 20 and 21. Included also is Blitz at Hard Rock Café on July 18 and a Reggae Industry Symposium at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on July 20 and the Morning Medz at Dump Up Beach on the morning of July 22.

According to Bogdonovich, “We are in high spirits as we look forward to the 26th staging of Reggae Sumfest. We have added a few new events this year which we know will be well supported.  We love Montego Bay and we always seek to give the people what they want. The line-up for the two nights at Catherine Hall is the best. We have the Boss, Beres Hammond, Grammy winning Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and the Fireman Capleton as well as Maxi Priest who is well loved by all. In addition the crowd’s favourites are there and we should have a great show”.

 

 

Motorola gives smart public safety solutions

By
admin
-
0
Cristian Quintero, Motorola Solutions Expert (left) and Leidy Girigori, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager at Critical Communication Caribbean, were stacked with information on “Smart Public Safety Solutions and Services” being offered by Motorola Solutions at the recent 33rd ACCP annual meeting and conference held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. – Phillip Green photo

Sashane Shakes

As part of the planned activities for the 33rd general meeting and conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), longstanding affiliates, Motorola Solutions, indulged discussions on public safety for a safer Caribbean.

Motorola Solutions has designed and plans to implement the “Smart Public Safety Solutions and Services for a Safer Caribbean”.

Motorola Solutions and Services Expert and Business Development Manager, Cristian Quintero, explained to the Western Mirror that the “Smart Public Safety Solutions and Services for a Safer Caribbean” initiative was designed on the grounds that the agencies of public safety need tools in order to achieve the goals of their jobs. He continued that in the case of police officers, for the scope of their work, it is easier to have radios to facilitate communication, access to videos when working in the field and any type of technology that can help the public safety agencies to function efficiently.

Motorola is well aware of the crime dilemma in Jamaica and believes that the tools they offer would be of much relevance to fighting crime in order to facilitate safer communities.

Quintero believes one such tool, the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), would have been particularly beneficial to Jamaica, explaining that when someone calls 119, the 1st responder would record incidents in the CAD system, categorizing them on criteria such as manage incidents, change priority, assign resources, and manage resources. He gave the example, “The CAD comes with a map and you can see exactly where police officers are in real time as they are in the field so you can serve as a pair of (or several pairs of) extra eyes as they go about their mission.” In short, it should create more situational awareness.

But Motorola Solutions are not new to providing safety and security to Jamaica as Cristian recounted that a few years ago, they implemented the Mission Critical Network for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Kingston. The tools implemented included the radio system, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and videos which were designed to improve operations within the police commission.

With the increase in crime, he hopes that, “implementing these safety measures will lead to safer cities; not only to protect the public, but the law enforcers who put their lives on the line to curve crime.”

Motorola Solutions not only delivers technology but best practices as well. Quintero admitted that Motorola has been working with the ACCP for years, as well as other agencies worldwide in understanding the needs of the different countries so that they can better gauge what technologies would be best suited and offer the requisite solutions worldwide.

 

Firefighters stage protest

By
admin
-
0
Placard-bearing Firefighters in St. James as they press home their demands for the government to deal with a number of issues plaguing them including retroactive wages and allowances

Firefighters in St James, along with their colleagues across the island, carried out industrial action on Thursday to press home demands of the Jamaica Fire Brigade hierarchy to remedy some issues that they deem as outstanding.

Armed with placards, the firefighters gathered at the gate of the fire station in Freeport, Montego Bay, in protest, demanding resolution to the problems that they are facing. The firefighters say they are fed up with issues surrounding retroactive monies stemming from the current wage period. They say that the JFB continues to renege on agreements on how payments are made in terms of the retroactive monies since March.

The overlapping of pay scales within the ranks since 2015, issues with call out allowance and also the matter of promotions with the Brigade are some of their grouses. However, they also pointed out that the issue of the living conditions is always fresh in the back of their minds as each time it rains, the station yard in Freeport becomes inundated and that is the reality for them.

Firefighters also took industrial action in other parishes in the West to include Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth.

The firefighters are hoping that a meeting planned for today will put these issues to bed.

Speaking to one firefighter he highlighted that the workers think that the administration does not care about their welfare and will treat them in any manner that they want. They hope that the administration of the Fire Brigade will realize that they are serious and will work to correct the problems especially with that of the payroll which they say has been happening now for a number of years.

Political activist murdered

By
admin
-
0
Mickey Dawes

A popular political activist, allegedly linked to the People’s National Party (PNP), was gunned down by unknown assailants in West End, Negril, Westmoreland, yesterday morning (Thursday, May 10).

Dead is Michael Dawes, also known as ‘Mikey’, a businessman of a West End address in Negril.

According to Police reports, about 11:30 a.m., Dawes was on the construction site, overseeing the erection of his house when gunshots were heard.

His body was found with multiple gunshot wounds to its upper region.

Dawes, who was a known constituency leader for the PNP in Western Westmoreland, was taken to Sav-la-Mar Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Westmoreland Police say robbery may have been at the heart of the killing.

Dawes was described as upstanding community member, one who was loved by all he came in contact with

Cop shooter slain

By
admin
-
0

Overworked, battered and fighting back, at times in a decisive manner, the security forces on Wednesday (May 9) struck another deadly blow to the surge of hoodlums, even as the State of Emergency and the Zone of Special Operations, which remain in effect in St. James, come under some scrutiny about their effectiveness.

This as another alleged gunman was killed in Somerton in a reported confrontation with lawmen.

He has been identified as 35-year-old Omar Stephens of a Somerton address.

Stephen, it is alleged, was one of two gunmen who were involved in the 2008-gun attack on CCN Liaison officer for St. James, Corporal Peter Salkey. The beloved cop, who was returning from church when the incident occurred, was badly injured.

The other alleged attacker was killed by the police some time ago.

The police report that about 11 a.m. Wednesday, Stephens was at an area in the community when the lawmen, acting on intelligence, went to a house. On the lawmen’s approach to the back of the premises, Stephens reportedly ran out with gun in hand and challenged the lawmen in a shootout and they responded.

He was later found suffering from several gunshot wounds.

A Smith and Wesson revolver loaded with two .38 MM rounds of ammunition was seized.

The Inspectorate of the Constabulary Force (IOC) and the Independent Commission of Investigation are both investigating the killing.

Stephens’ killing comes on the heels of the fatal shooting of notorious gangster Ryan “Ratty’ Peterkin and Nico ‘Bowza’ Samuels, since the January 18 imposition of the State of Public Emergency in St. James.

West’land police reap more successes

By
admin
-
86

As the security forces continue the heightened operations in Westmoreland to curtail the gang activities in the parish, a sub-machine gun has been seized; two wanted men, along with four of the persons of interest, have been taken into custody.

Reports from the Westmoreland Police are that about 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, an operation was carried out in the Solas area of Frome where an Uzi submachine gun, along with two magazines and twenty-four 9 mm cartridges, were seized. Two women and seven men were detained during that operation.
In the meantime, six of the ten persons listed as wanted men and persons of interest, following the flare-up of gang-related violence in Grange Hill last week, are now in Police custody.

The men, who are all from addresses in Westmoreland, are:
Haldane Hamilton, otherwise called ‘Fishy’ of Paul Island district, Grange Hill, who was wanted for murder.
Jeffery Ramdass, otherwise called ‘Boogie’ 30 years old, of Paul Island district, Grange Hill, who was also wanted for murder.

Persons of Interest
– Cassinero Shields, otherwise called ‘Gaza Man’ of Rocky Hole, Burnt Savannah District, Frome.
– Tevin Tomlinson, otherwise called ‘Nandy’ of Sterling District, Grange Hill.
– Derval Williams, otherwise called ‘Lukie’ of Kings Valley district, Grange Hill.
– Eggerton Gordon, otherwise called ‘Jason’ of Church Lincoln district, Grange Hill.

Hamilton turned himself over to the Negril Police on Thursday, while Ramdass handed himself in to the Sava-la-Mar Police on Friday. Shields, Tomlinson and Williams handed in themselves on Thursday while Gordon did likewise on Friday.
The Police are renewing their appeal for the others who were published to hand in themselves immediately.

They are:
Persons of Interest
1. Martin Humes, otherwise called ‘Kartel’ of Kings Valley district, Grange Hill, Westmoreland
Wanted
– Isaiah Perry, otherwise called ‘Matthew Perry’ or ‘Cat’ of Kings Valley, Grange Hill, Westmoreland. He is wanted for shooting.
– Richard Hamilton, otherwise called ‘Brutus’ or ‘Mad Move’, 23-year-old, of Paul Island district, Grange Hill, Westmoreland. He is of dark complexion, slim build and is wanted for murder other related incidents in the division.
– Burton Shearer, otherwise called ‘Bap’, 49-year-old of Church Lincoln district, Grange Hill, Westmoreland. He is of dark complexion, slim build and 5 feet 11 inches tall. He is wanted for murder.

These wanted men are considered armed and dangerous; as such their whereabouts must be reported to the Police immediately through Crime Stop at 311, 811 or the Police 119 emergency number. Citizens are also being reminded that it is not only an offence harbour criminals and provide a safe haven for them but it also places the lives of family and friends at increased risks of attack.

Flanker unveils new Training Institute

By
admin
-
153
A representative from Ward’s Power Tools and Supplies, Shanice Lewis (3rd from right) presents a laptop to the Flanker Skills Training Institute on behalf of one of the Directors of the institute, Howard Ward (absent). Sharing in the moment are (from left to right) Coordinator of the institution Tanya Petgrave, Councillor for the Flanker Division, Senator Charles Sinclair, Directors Leslie Smile, Christopher Hylton and Reverend Desmond Brackett. -Phillip Green photo

Sashane Shakes

Councillor for the Flanker Division, Senator Charles Sinclair, stressed the importance of being certified at the official opening of the Flanker Skills Training Institute on Monday, May 7, 2018, at the Flanker Multipurpose Centre.

The newly opened institute, dubbed the brainchild of the Member of Parliament for North West St. James and the Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang and Senator Charles Sinclair, Councillor for the Flanker Division, is an initiative to provide training opportunities for persons living within the Flanker community and surrounding areas.

Senator Sinclair announced that the HEART Trust National Training Agency (NTA), which has several institutions in St James, has expanded by partnering with this venture.

He emphasized that the programme will provide the students that have successfully completed their courses with certificates, as with the aim to be a single market, there is the need to be certified which will help with seeking and securing jobs locally and internationally.
“Work hard and diligent and give of your best because only that is good enough,” he encouraged. “Getting yourself certified and marketable is your voluntary participation,” he added.

The Councillor lauded the government for ensuring that job opportunities are on the increase and will continue as such, considering the recent announcements that more flights are scheduled to arrive in Jamaica. This, he surmised, will ultimately mean an increase in the tourist arrival hence the relevance of the training programme.

The training programme offers skills in the area of Bartending, Housekeeping and Hosting with all trainees being exposed to Communication Skills, Numeric Skills, Computer Skills, Personal Development, Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Plans are being made to increase the offerings to include Landscaping and Heavy Duty Equipment and Maintenance.

With a current enrollment of 65 students, the training institute officially opened on April 16, 2018. Approximately 90% of trainees are from within the community, the other 10% are from surrounding communities; Norwood, Barrett Town, Mount Salem and Salt Spring.
Senator Sinclair said that the training institute is part of the solution to the crime dilemma that has led to the ongoing State of Emergency in St James.

1...747576...101Page 75 of 101

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Newspaper is your news, entertainment, music fashion website. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry.

Contact us: contact@yoursite.com

FOLLOW US

© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv