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Articles by Fiona Daniels
A 1920s bungalow reimagined for modern entertaining
To stand inside a dark, unwieldy rabbit warren of a house and envisage a light, airy sanctuary takes a special eye. To mentally strip away obstructive walls and bulky materials, the confusion of earlier, unsympathetic renovations, and picture instead the possibilities requires some creative thinking.
Complete Staking Process for iMe Lab $LIME on StakingRewards
In an increasingly competitive DeFi landscape, investors are constantly looking for smarter ways to make their crypto assets work for them. One of the most effective strategies is staking — locking tokens to support a network and earn passive income in return. If you’re looking to stake LIME from iMe Lab, StakingRewards offers an edge that few platforms can match: boosted APYs, transparent analytics, and deep market intelligence — all designed to help you earn more with less friction.
Kingston Western Police probing shooting death of 16-year-old girl at her home last night
The Kingston Western police are probing the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl at her home on Albion Avenue, Kingston 5 last night. Dead is Bianca Thompson. Reports from the Denham Town Police are at about 11:22 P.M., lawmen were summoned to the community by persons who reported hearing explosions. Upon the arrival of the lawmen, Bianca was found lying in a bedroom with several gunshot wounds. She was taken to hospital, however, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
NWA making headway in providing contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of three major bridges in the island
The National Works Agency (NWA) is making major headway in providing contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of three major bridges in the island. That’s according to Chief Executive officer of the agency, E.G. Hunter. He says the structures are the Troy Bridge at the border of Trelawny and Manchester, the Craig Mill Bridge in Portland and the Spring Village Bridge in St. Catherine. Residents who utilise the bridges have been affected significantly by the dilapidated facilities for years.
Two killed in Nannyville shooting incidents, curfew imposed
Two men were shot and killed in separate incidents in Nannyville, St. Andrew on Saturday. In the latest incident, at around 7:40 pm, 43-year-old Kimanie Reece otherwise called ‘Itamar’ was shot and killed at his home on Mandingo pathway in the area. Reports are that residents heard explosions and alerted the police. On their arrival, Reece was seen lying in the yard with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at hospital.
NWC to carry out emergency sewage works at Coronation Market
Emergency sewage works being facilitated by the National Water Commission (NWC) in collaboration with the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will begin on Monday in the Coronation Market, Downtown Kingston. This was announced during a tour of the area by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, last Friday.
St Ann police probe suspected drowning
The St. Ann police are investigating a suspected case of drowning at a beach on Forte Land Road in Discovery Bay, in the parish on Saturday. The deceased is 56-year-old Sharon Taylor of Corner Street, Discovery Bay in St. Ann. Reports from the Discovery Bay police are that about 3:50 p.m., Taylor went for a swim and got into difficulties, and drowned before help could reach her. Taylor’s body was removed from the water by members of the marine police division.
Salary parity exercise among measures to implement new salary arrangements at Utech
A salary parity exercise for administrative staff is among the measures being undertaken by the University of Technology (Utech) to implement new salary arrangements. This in the wake of industrial action by staff in recent weeks, to air their grouse over wage talks, as well as the staff members’ rejection, of a recent compensation package offer, from the government. Utech President, Dr. Kevin Brown told Irie FM News, that the aim of the parity exercise, is to have equivalence in the market.
CPFSA probes rape of 7-y-o by adult cousin in Trelawny
The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is investigating the rape of a 7-year-old child by her 26-year-old male cousin in Trelawny. According to the agency, the incident occurred at the man’s home, on Saturday, January 20. He has since been arrested and was charged on Monday, January 22. Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Mrs. Laurette Adams-Thomas, said the agency is providing psychological support to the victim and her family.
Licence renewal for PPV and commercial vehicles to be done online through new Transport Authority system, starting next month - IRIE FM
Licence renewal for public passenger (PPV) and commercial vehicles will be done online, through the new Transport Authority Advanced Integrated Management System (TAAIMS) effective February 1. Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Ralston Smith, says the new system will make the licensing application and renewal processes more efficient, allowing for faster turnaround time, approval and delivery of road licenses.
Alleged Daryl Vaz impersonator and would-be scammer charged
The police have charged an auto mechanic who allegedly impersonated Government Minister Daryl Vaz and attempted to defraud persons using the minister’s name, following an incident in Kingston on Wednesday, January 10. Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud and Attempts to Obtain Money by False Pretense, is 31-year-old Giovani Francis, otherwise called ‘Geico’, of Delmar District in Drax Hall, St. Ann.
Another prisoner recaptured after escaping from the Oracabessa lock-up, last year
Another of the prisoners who escaped from the Oracabessa lock-up in St. Mary in December, last year, has been recaptured. He is 24-year-old Tray Walker of Claremont in St. Ann. Reports from the police are that Walker was taken into custody on Monday, December 27 for larceny of motor vehicle and malicious destruction of property, following an incident in St. Catherine, on the same day.
Three killed in separate road accidents across the island, between Friday evening and yesterday
Three men were killed in separate road accidents across the island, between Friday evening and yesterday. The accidents occurred in Trelawny, St. Catherine and St. Ann. In the latest incident at about 6:45 last evening, 59-year-old Dalbert Miller, a farmer of Calderwood District in St. Ann died as a result of injuries he sustained in a motor vehicle accident along Lawrence Road, Alexandria in the parish. Reports are that Miller was crossing the road when he was hit by a motorcycle.
Government has partnered with Food for the Poor to build more housing units for the most vulnerable
Prime minister Andrew Holness has announced that the government has partnered with Food for the Poor (FFP) to build additional housing units for the most vulnerable in Jamaica. During the handover of a two-bedroom house in Berkshire, St. Catherine, on Thursday, Mr. Holness said the organization has the building supplies and the technology, as well as the expertise to construct the dwellings. He added that the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) is well run with acceptable procedures.
Normal operations resume at FLA; representatives to meet with Finance Ministry today
Normal operations have resumed at the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), as representatives from the entity have been summoned to a meeting with the Finance Ministry, later today (January 18). Chief Executive Officer of the FLA, Shane Dalling gave IRIE FM News, the update, this morning. It comes after workers walked off the job, on Tuesday, to register dissatisfaction with the Finance Ministry’s handling of issues relating to compensation.
Psychological support being provided for children removed from de-licensed Sunbeam Children's Home after reports of child abuse
In keeping with their zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and its parent ministry, the Ministry of Education and Youth, have moved to de-license the Sunbeam Children’s Home, in St. Catherine. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, the decision came after various intervention methods, to curb abuse at the facility, failed. Mrs.
Ground broken for redevelopment of Spanish Town Hospital; Prime Minister warns that no criminal activity will be tolerated during works
Medical services at the Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine, are set to be transformed with the redevelopment of the facility, valued at some JMD $5.5Billion. The renovation works will see the building of a state-of-the-art, six-storey facility, which will be equipped with cutting-edge technology. As a result, patient care delivery at the facility will expand to new services including urology, oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry.
Police to increase monitoring of trucks traversing Spur Tree Hill Main Road following oil spill that led to accidents involving seven vehicles
Head of the St. Elizabeth Police Acting Superintendent Coleridge Minto says he will be coordinating with the Manchester Police for more police presence on the spur tree hill main road. This, after several people were injured in accidents involving seven vehicles along the roadway this morning. The collisions, which occurred sometime after 6:00 a.m., were reportedly caused by an oil spill. A truck is believed to be the source of the spill.
Former PSOJ President says Jamaica needs a leader who has a vision of integrity, prosperity, and purpose
Former President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Howard Mitchell has suggested that Jamaica needs a leader who has a vision of integrity, prosperity, confidence and purpose.
Twenty-five people left homeless in Whitfield Town, Kingston, after fire destroyed their homes
Twenty-five people, most of them children, were left homeless in Whitfield Town, Kingston, after a fire destroyed their homes Wednesday night. Councillor for the Whitfield Town Division, Eugene Kelly says the cause of the fire is not yet known, as the Jamaica fire brigade is still conducting investigations. He says some of the persons were victims of a previous fire, last year.
Opposition calls for immediate and comprehensive action to address financial related frauds - IRIE FM
Opposition Spokesman on Technology Dr. Andre Haughton is calling for immediate and comprehensive action to address financial related frauds and ensure compensation for affected individuals. His appeal comes amidst growing concern over unauthorized financial transactions and missing funds from bank accounts across various institutions.
Police probing debit card skimming which impacted JN Bank customers in St. Thomas
Police have launched an investigation into the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the bank accounts of some 19 Jamaica National (JN) Bank customers in Morant Bay, St. Thomas. The transactions, reported from unknown Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) machines took place from January 6 to 9. In a release today, the bank said preliminary findings indicate that this occurred via card skimming.
Police arrest St. Ann man allegedly linked to an ongoing scam impersonating Government Minister Daryl Vaz
The police have arrested a St. Ann man, believed to be linked to an ongoing scam being carried out by persons impersonating Government Minister Daryl Vaz. The scammers have fleeced millions from people. The police say the latest suspect was arrested after they launched an investigation into an incident involving the owner of a hotel in Portland which occurred between January 09 and 10.
Opposition Spokesman points to misuse of Gov't resources as contributing factor to Jamaica being unable to keep murder rate down
Opposition Spokesman Peter Bunting points to misuse of Gov’t resources as contributing factor to Jamaica being unable to keep murder rate down Newly appointed Opposition Spokesman on Citizen Security and Productivity, Peter Bunting has again pointed to how Government resources are used as a contributing factor to Jamaica being unable to keep the murder rate down. Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force indicate that 1,511 persons were murdered as at the end of 2022.
Holness says government cognizant of health sector issues
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government remains cognizant of issues the public is facing in the health sector, and is advancing in its commitment to fix them. He was speaking during a visit to downtown Montego Bay in St James, to inspect infrastructure projects, on Monday. Mr. Holness noted that work is progressing in the region, to upgrade the Cornwall Regional Hospital, its adjacent type 5 hospital, and the regional adolescent hospital.
14-year-old boy charged with Attempted Rape, Burglary and Wounding with Intent following incident in St. James
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with Attempted Rape, Burglary and Wounding with Intent following an incident along Crawford Street, in Mount Salem, St. James. Reports from the Montego Bay Police are that about 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday, the boy gained entry to the victim’s home and attempted to rape her. A struggle ensued and he used a knife to inflict several stab wounds to her upper body and head. After she made an alarm, he ran from the home.
Government support for agriculture to be increased this year says Green
Government support for agriculture will be increased this year, to boost productivity and enhance the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green says agriculture currently contributes about 8.3 per cent of GDP. The aim is to get to the nine per cent mark. Expressing optimism for the outlook of the sector, the minister notes his ministry will be advocating for more resources, especially for farm roads.
Double murder along Wildman Street in Rose Gardens, Kingston last night
Two men were shot and killed, and another man shot and wounded along Wildman Street in Rose Gardens, Kingston last evening. Dead are 26-year-old Akiel Ainsworth, otherwise called ”Bull”, and 30-year-old Dishane Palmer, otherwise called “Eddie”, both from Kingston. Reports from the Central Police are that about 8:34 p.m., all three men were standing along the roadway when they were approached by a man who brandished a firearm and opened fire.
Six detained, six guns and 80 rounds of ammunition seized in Clarendon
Six people were detained and six guns, along with over 80 rounds of ammunition were seized, during targeted operations in Clarendon, on Wednesday morning. The Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch, (CTOC), conducted raids in Oliver Gardens, May Pen and the farm community in New Ground. Head of the Clarendon police division, Superintendent Carlos Russell said the operations are part of targeted efforts to clamp down on illegal firearms and criminal activities in the area.
Three teen boys arrested and charged following seizure of several rounds of ammunition
Police charged three teenage boys, following the seizure of several rounds of ammunition along Bedward Garden Crescent in August Town, Kingston on Monday. The boys aged between 15 and 17, have been charged with unauthorised possession of ammunition. Reports from the Half-Way-Tree police are that at about 1:58 A-M, lawmen were on patrol in the area when the three boys were seen acting in a manner that aroused their suspicion. The boys were approached, searched and a transparent bag retrieved.
425 persons were killed in road crashes last year
425 persons were killed in road crashes last year. According to the Road Safety Unit (RSU) this is a 13 per cent decline when compared to 2022. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists and pillion passengers accounted for 59 per cent of the road users killed in 2023. While for public transportation, PPV drivers accounted for two per cent of the road users killed and PPV passengers accounted for five per cent of those killed.
Five females in custody for allegedly beating teen girl in Clarendon
A 14-year-old girl has been hospitalized in serious condition, after she was attacked and beaten by a group of females, in Clarendon at the weekend. A video of the incident which has been circulating on social media shows the group cornering and beating the teen until she appeared to be unconscious. Head of the Clarendon police, Superintendent Carlos Russell told IRIE FM News, that lawmen have taken at least 5 females, including teens, into custody and are searching for others.
Jamaica's economy grew by 2.1 per cent in this year's 3rd quarter
Jamaica’s economy grew by 2.1 per cent in the third quarter of this year when compared to the same quarter in 2022. According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, STATIN, this was as a result of 2.1 percentage growth in both the services and goods producing industries. STATIN said improved performances were recorded for all services industries, with the exception of producers of government services which declined by 0.9 per cent.
New wrecking fees to take effect January 2 next year
In an effort to curtail and manage the wrecking service operation across the island, the Transport Authority, the police and wrecker operators, have established an agreement on new wrecking fees. The fees come into effect on January 2, next year. Speaking with Irie FM News, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Ralston Smith said the agreement will govern the conduct and behavior of wrecker operators, and further manage the charge for the services they render.
Six people arrested in relation to seizure of over 500 parcels of Ganja in St. Thomas
A total of six people have been arrested in relation to the seizure of over 500 parcels of Ganja during an operation on Ken Jones Highway, in St. Thomas, on Wednesday. Head of the St. Thomas Police Division, Superintendent Allison Byfield said a team of officers conducted an operation at a premises off the highway, which led to the discovery of over 2000 lbs of vegetable matter resembling Ganja. The illicit drug has an estimated street value of $12.2 million.
Police once again urge citizens to exercise vigilance on roads to stem fatalities, as the year draws to a close
As 2023 draws to a close, the police are once again urging citizens to exercise safety and vigilance on the nation’s roads to stem road fatalities. At least 414 people have been killed in crashes so far this year. Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (P-STEB), Assistant Commissioner Gary McKenzie lamented that road fatalities continue to climb. He said speeding remains the main cause of road fatalities.
Phillips says the transport sector needs designated enforcement body
Opposition spokesman on Transport Mikael Phillips says the transport sector needs a designated enforcement body. His response follows concerns raised in a recent virtual meeting of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services, (TODSS), about overcharging in the wrecker system. Mr. Phillips said he believes the transport authority operating both as a regulating body and an enforcing body, is affecting the proper and effective operations of the wrecker system.
Police receive 3000 ticketing devices and printers to enhance road safety and public order
National Security Minister, Dr. Horace Chang says the new rugged e-ticketing handsets and printers handed over to the Jamaica Constabulary Force will enhance road safety and public order. He handed over 3000 devices at the Public Safety Traffic Enforcement Branch Headquarters in Kingston yesterday. Speaking to IRIE-FM NEWS Dr Chang said the transition to electronic ticketing is a significant progress, as he underscored the Government’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan granted stay of his two-year suspension
Attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan will be allowed to continue his practice and represent Dancehall Artiste Vybz Kartel at the Privy Council. This after the Court of Appeal yesterday granted Buchanan a stay of his two-year suspension by the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Counsel. A stay is an action taken by a court to stop or pause a legal proceeding or the actions of a party.
Two St. Ann Councillors call on Municipal Corporation to take control of land matters
At least two St. Ann councillors are calling on the Municipal Corporation to take control of land matters in the parish. Councillor for the Sturge Town Division, Winston Lawrence and, Councillor for the Lime Hall division Genevor Gordon Bailey raised the issue of idle lands at last Thursday’s Council meeting. According to Mr. Lawrence, the corporation owns many acres of land in St. Ann, some of which are captured by residents.
Health Minister describes accusations regarding his alleged interference in operations of UHWI’s board, as unfortunate
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has described accusations regarding his alleged interference in the operations of the University Hospital of the West Indies, UHWI’s board, as unfortunate. Two weeks ago, board chairman Wayne Chai Chong and his deputy, Dr. Andre Foote, both resigned from the board.
1,349 people murdered across the island up to December 16
One-thousand three hundred and forty-nine (1,349) people were murdered across the island as at Saturday, December 16. That’s according to the latest crime statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The number of murders represents an 8.2 per cent decline, when compared to a total of 1,469 murders for the similar period last year. All divisions recorded murders, with st. James leading the tally at 185, followed by St.Andrew south with 117.
Proposed amendments to Domestic Violence Act of 1996 to include stricter penalties for perpetrators
In the hopes of stemming domestic violence and assisting victims in their search for security and redress, Gender Minister Olivia Grange has made several suggestions to amend the Domestic Violence Act of 1996. She opened the debate on the Bill to amend the act in the House of Representatives yesterday. She said the amendments are a declaration of commitment to safeguard the vulnerable and strike fear into the hearts of those who would perpetrate harm.
Guy urges Tufton to respond to assertions made about his interference in work of former UHWI board
Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Morais Guy is urging Portfolio Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton to respond to assertions, reportedly made about his interference and overreach in the work of the former University Hospital of the West Indies, (UHWI) board. The assertions were reportedly made by former board Chairman Wayne Chai Chong. Mr. Chong and Dr. Andre Foote recently resigned from the board and were replaced by new chair Patrick Hylton and Dwain Deandre Cox.
Opposition demands immediate re-evaluation of Jamaica’s crime management strategies
The opposition is once again demanding an immediate re-evaluation of Jamaica’s crime management strategies amid a flare-up of crime in sections of the country. Spokesman on National Security, Senator Peter Bunting has expressed concern that violent crime continues to escalate across Jamaica despite the government’s declaration of States of Emergency (SOEs) in 6 areas.
St. Catherine fisherfolk yet to commercialise and gain sales on new stock of fish placed in the Rio Cobre
Fisherfolk in St. Catherine are yet to commercialise and gain sales on the new stock of fish that was placed in the Rio Cobre, recently. Since last year, there have been around three reported cases of fish kill in the river as a result of pollution. A number of tilapia fingerlings were released into the river months ago as a temporary solution for those in the area who depend on the fish for food or make a living from it.
St Ann father shot dead while three-year-old daughter nursing gunshot wounds
A man was shot and killed and his 3-year-old daughter was shot and wounded by unknown assailants in their community in St. Ann at the weekend. dead is 40-year-old Orlando Atkinson, otherwise called ‘Junior’, a contractor of Lilyfield District in Bamboo. Reports from the St. Ann’s Bay police are that about 8:15 PM on Saturday, Atkinson and his daughter were in his vehicle when armed men approached and opened gunfire at them.
Gunmen rob KFC Restaurant in Downtown Kingston, taking over $100,000
Four men held up and robbed patrons and employees at the KFC Restaurant located on Kings Street in Downtown Kingston this morning. According to reports from the City Central Police, at approximately 11:06 a.m. the men entered the establishment and robbed persons of their phones and other personal devices. Head of the Kingston Central Police, Superintendent Berrisford Williams told Irie FM News that the thieves also stole cash from the store, amounting to over $100,000.
Westmoreland businessman ‘Baba Roots’ murdered
A probe is underway into the killing of a businessman at his home and establishment in Westmoreland early this morning. Dead is 64-year-old William Webb, otherwise called ‘Baba Roots’, of Lower Darliston. It is understood that he is the owner of the local herbal drink brand called ‘Baba Roots.’ Reports from the Darliston police are that about 3:45 a.m., four armed men entered Webb’s property, held up one of his employees, demanded money and the location of Webb.
Joint Select Committee reviewing various recommendations to improve the Cybercrimes Act - IRIE FM
Minister with Responsibility for Digital Transformation, Senator Dana Morris Dixon has announced that a Joint Select Committee has accepted various recommendations to improve the Cybercrimes Act. Plans to remedy the issues were recommended by the committee, which convened to review a report on the continued deliberations of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. During Friday’s Sitting of the Senate, she noted that one major recommendation is stricter penalties for cyber-crimes committed against children.
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