ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Chang defends police

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang said the marked increased in the number of fatal shootings involving members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) should not be seen as extrajudicial killings.

Chang, speaking at the opening of the new Lacovia Police Station in St Elizabeth last week, said that better intelligence, improved equipment, and increased police visibility naturally leads to more engagement with criminals.

More than 50 persons have been killed in alleged confrontation with members of the JCF since the start of the year. Human Rights watchdog Jamaicans for Justice has raised concerns about "the dramatic rise in fatal police shootings", arguing that it "warrants greater scrutiny".

"JFJ firmly believes that body cameras will significantly enhance transparency and accountability in our crime-fighting efforts," the group said.

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Coffee producers urged tap other markets

Coffee stakeholders in Jamaica are being encouraged to explore the prospects of creating a wider array of value-added products from the commodity.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said while much emphasis has been placed on the brew, there are lucrative opportunities in manufacturing coffee derivatives and urged Jamaicans to tap into that market.

"Countries have used the bark of the coffee bean to create all kinds of manufactured goods. They make caps, they make hats; they make ties, and they make mats and all sorts of other items that are useful and have a value," he said.

The minister made the call as he welcomed patrons to the eighth staging of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival at Hope Gardens in St Andrew on Saturday.

"The derivatives from coffee are far more lucrative [than the brew] and offer great opportunities for upside and downside, lateral and vertical, and all sorts of action that enables wealth creation. We want to make coffee a wealth-creating agent, not just an item for gastronomy, but an element of job creation and prosperity," Bartlett said.

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NWC offers discounts to commercial customers

Commercial customers of the National Water Commission (NWC) are being encouraged to take advantage of its ongoing Amnesty Programme, which is in effect from January 2 until March 31, 2025.

In particular, commercial accounts can access significant financial relief under the customer-relief measures component.

As part of this special offer, commercial account holders can benefit from 30-50 per cent write-offs on balances that are more than three years old. Additionally, business owners -- whether operating small, medium, or large-scale enterprises -- can negotiate short-term payment arrangements to settle outstanding balances, ensuring continued access to essential water services.

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Ambassador touts literacy as crime-fighting tool

EU Ambassador to Jamaica Dr Erja Askola has emphasised the crucial role education plays in addressing the island's crime and violence issues. She shared her belief that literacy is a powerful tool in transforming lives and communities, particularly in vulnerable areas.

"When children learn to read, they gain the power to change their lives and their communities. Our goal is to partner with the Government of Jamaica to improve literacy in schools, fostering youth engagement and paving a brighter path for the children of the nation," the ambassador said.

The EU has partnered with the Government of Jamaica to improve literacy in schools, particularly in at-risk communities. It's support for the Creative Language-Based Learning Foundation, which implements research-driven educational programme, is one of the key initiatives helping to improve literacy.

"Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing crime and violence, as it empowers young minds, provides opportunities, and helps break the cycle of poverty," Askola said.

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Jamaicans urged to 'Speak Peace, Live Peace'

Peace and Love in Society Jamaica will observe Peace Day tomorrow under the theme 'Speak Peace. Live Peace'.

Acting Director of the Safety and Security in Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Richard Troupe, said Peace Day is an important initiative aimed at fostering a culture of peace and non-violence within educational institutions, homes and communities.

"Creating a culture of peace in Jamaica is a collective effort involving community organisations, private-sector entities, and churches. I am encouraging all these groups to engage with their constituencies and hold conversations that remind us all of the critical need to build a peaceful society," he said.

Schools are encouraged to partner with local churches to enhance community involvement and foster dialogue around peace and non-violence.