One-Minute Reads ... News from across Jamaica

JCF urges vigilance by back-to-school shoppers

Persons engaging in back-to-school shopping are being reminded to remain vigilant while doing so.

Member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit, Corporal Kayla Keane, advised parents who may be out shopping with children to be mindful that the youngsters are most vulnerable.

"Keep them held by the hand. Don't allow them to just be wandering around, because persons can use them to get to you," she explained. Keane also encouraged parents to "educate your children about assisting you in being aware of your surroundings".

She also advised parents and general shoppers to be mindful of how they store goods they have purchased.

"Don't just take for granted that you can just put the items into the car on the ... seat, [as] some of you may not have tinted windows and persons may be tempted to break into your car," Keane said. Additionally, persons conducting transactions using cash are advised to do so discreetly, and, where possible, use bank cards instead.

St Ann scholars receive education grants

Approximately 70 students in St Ann North Western were awarded education grants and book vouchers during the constituency's third annual awards ceremony, held at the St Mark Anglican Church in Brown's Town on Sunday.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, who was the guest speaker, encouraged the students to understand their responsibilities.

"You are the ones who others will look on for direction,'" he said. For those entering high school, the minister said they are expected to "not be normal or mediocre".

Member of Parliament Krystal Lee charged the awardees to ensure that when they complete their education and are in their various professions, they give back to their communities.

The top girls and boys from eight primary schools who excelled in their Primary Exit Profile exams were each awarded a trophy and book voucher valued at $15,000.

Students enrolled at several tertiary institutions were each awarded grants valued between $30,000 and $50,000.

Farmer charged with assault

A 48-year-old farmer of Stettin, Trelawny, has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident in his community on August 15.

Reports from the Falmouth police are that about 10:30 a.m., the complainant was at a barber shop in the area, when an argument developed between him and the accused, Errol Chaplin. It escalated and the accused subsequently used a machete to hit the complainant on his upper body. A report was made to the police and an investigation launched. Chaplin turned himself in to the police and was subsequently charged on Monday. His court date is being finalised.

Man on weapon charge held with firearm

One man was arrested and charged following a firearm seizure on the Salt Marsh main road in Trelawny on Monday.

Charged is 24-year-old Neil Walters, a construction worker of Charles Town, St Mary. Reports from the Falmouth police are that about 9:40 p.m., a team of officers was conducting a

vehicular checkpoint operation in the area when they signalled the driver of a Toyota Isis motor car to stop and he complied. The vehicle and its occupant were searched and one Colt

Commander .45mm pistol fitted with a magazine containing three .45mm cartridges was found in the possession of the occupant.

Following an investigation, it was revealed that Walters is on bail for a similar breach of the Firearms Act. He was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and unauthorised possession of ammunition.