ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

More CCTV for downtown Kingston

The national surveillance system, JamaicaEye, will be bolstered in the coming months with the installation of more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the downtown Kingston area.

"Currently, we have projects in train for large expansion across the downtown business district," Emil Holgate, senior director with responsibility for major technology transformation at the Ministry of National Security, said.

"I won't go into too much detail about the exact area, but it's in the very near future that our presence will be established in the general downtown business district, as well as specific or targeted areas within the St Andrew South Police Division," he noted.

JamaicaEye is a network of CCTV cameras across the island that monitor public spaces and assist the authorities in responding to incidents of crime, accident or disaster.

Launched in 2018 with about 180 cameras, the system now boasts just over 850 devices.

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MPs get money to spruce-up communities

Jamaicans can expect to see significant improvements in their communities following the announcement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness of the first phase of a comprehensive government initiative to renew, transform and upgrade communal spaces across the island.

The programme, which will improve the quality of life of citizens by ensuring safe and beautiful parks, improved sidewalks and signage to mark streets, and the provision of a facelift for communities with the removal of zinc fences, will see each member of parliament being allocated $4 million for its implementation.

The prime minister, in making the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, said Jamaicans should feel good about their homes and communities, and be able to enjoy quality parks and amenities during their leisure time.

"The transformation of the physical and built environment in communities plays a crucial role in social and economic transformation. It improves quality of life, fosters inclusivity and social equity, encourages community engagement, supports economic development, and promotes sustainable practices," Holness said.

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Woman locked in house for 11 months

A Trelawny carpenter has been slapped with several human-trafficking charges after he allegedly held a woman against her will by locking her in a house in the parish.

The police said that the accused man, Shamarie Spencer, 37, of Wakefield, Trelawny, has been charged with human trafficking, false imprisonment, possession of a prohibited weapon, assault at common law, assault occasioning bodily harm, and benefiting from human trafficking.

According to the police, Spencer offered a woman the place to stay and she accepted. Between March 2022 and February 2023, he allegedly beat and threatened her with a gun and locked her inside the house to prevent her from leaving. He also reportedly took several men to the house and told them to have sexual intercourse with the woman for payment.

Spencer was arrested during a targeted operation in the community, and subsequently charged on Tuesday. He is set to appear at the Clarks Town Parish Court on July 12.

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St Paul's Lane undergoes rebirth

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he is pleased with the progress being made on the multimillion-dollar housing development being undertaken at St Paul's Lane in St Andrew West Central.

Holness, who is the member of parliament for the area, toured the project on Tuesday. He was accompanied by George Yearwood, portfolio manager of the Basic Needs Trust Fund at the Caribbean Development Bank.

"We are trying to formally settle the community and provide them with proper housing and proper infrastructure, putting in the sewerage; and these are houses that are fully subsidised," the prime minister shared, noting that the undertaking is a model for how informal settlements can be transformed across Jamaica.

The project is being sponsored by the National Housing Trust and Housing Agency of Jamaica, with support from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund.

Holness said the development will provide housing for 24 families, adding that plans are being explored to construct an additional 12 units. He advised that within a month or two, the units will be ready for occupation.

As part of the development plans for the community, a state-of-the-art infant school and a senior citizens home will be constructed at St Paul's Lane.