ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

$75M pipeline project promises relief for Trelawny residents

Approximately 2,500 residents from several communities in southern Trelawny are set to benefit from more reliable access to potable water under a $75-million project being undertaken by the National Water Commission (NWC).

De facto Water Minister Matthew Samuda last Friday broke ground for the Jackson Town Pipeline Project, which will improve water supply and distribution to Jackson Town, Barnstable, Biddeford, Bottom Common,Grove, First Hill, Stewart Town, and other areas.

The project is expected to be completed within three months and will involve the laying of 1.5 kilometres of 150-millimetre ductile iron pipe from the Barnstable Well to Jackson Town Square.

Paula Greaves, from Barnstable, said that residents of the area have faced water challenges for several years.

"I hope everything works out the best way, and I'm so grateful. I hope that this project solves our water problems," Greaves said.

Jackson Town resident Delroy McFarlane said that the project has the potential to transform the lives of the beneficiaries.

"This project will make a big difference. It's a wonderful thing, so we give thanks," he said.

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Parents urged to battle underage drinking

The National Council on Drug Abuse is imploring parents to play an active role in steering their children away from alcohol use.

Collette Kirlew, principal director in the prevention, public education and treatment branch, said active parental involvement is essential in combating underage drinking and its potential long-term health impacts.

"Parents must pay close attention to their children. Investigate changes in behaviour, attitude, hygiene, friends and academic performance. By practising 'talk, listen, care', parents can create open dialogue and build trust with their children," Kirlew said.

She emphasised that alcohol consumption is not just a legal or social issue, but a significant public health challenge.

"The more you consume, the greater your risk of developing one of seven types of cancer, including breast cancer in women, throat and liver cancers," she pointed out.

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St Catherine man charged with stabbing

The St Catherine North police have charged 31-year-old Kamar Gordon of Frazers Content, Spanish Town, in the parish, with wounding with intent.

The charge arose out of an incident that occurred in Frazers Content last Tuesday. Reports from the Spanish Town police are that about 8:30 a.m. on the day in question, Gordon and another man had an altercation during which Gordon allegedly used a knife to stab the man in his head, while threatening to kill him.

The man managed to escape, a report was made to the police, and an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, Gordon was arrested and later charged. He is scheduled to appear before the St Catherine Parish Court tomorrow.

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Man on gun charge after grave digging chaos

Detectives from the Westmoreland Police Division have charged 29-year-old Daniel Dwyer of Waterworks in the parish with multiple firearm offences following a heated altercation at a grave digging in Log Wood, Waterworks, on January 18.

Reports indicate that the incident unfolded around 10:35 a.m., when an argument erupted between Dwyer and another man during the event. The confrontation escalated when Dwyer allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband, pointed it at the man, and threatened to kill him.

Following the incident, Dwyer left the scene on a motorcycle. The matter was reported to the police, prompting an investigation. Dwyer later surrendered to law enforcement and was charged with assault at common law and possession of a firearm during the commission of a first schedule offence under the Firearms Act.

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Williams to speak at 'Let's Connect' town hall

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams will headline the upcoming 'Let's Connect' virtual town hall, hosted by Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks.

The session, scheduled for this Thursday, comes at a crucial time as Jamaica unveils ambitious new investment opportunities worth billions.

"The Jamaican diaspora has been the bedrock of our nation's development," stated Marks, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining transparent communication channels with Jamaicans abroad.

"Through this forum, we're committed to providing our people with direct access to the most current and accurate information about their homeland."

Amid evolving US immigration policies, the meeting will also feature prominent Jamaican immigration attorneys Sekou Clarke and Andrew Francis. Their inclusion comes as the Trump administration implements sweeping changes to immigration regulations that could significantly impact Jamaicans, both at home and abroad.

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