ç over statements he made on July 16, 2023, at the funeral service for slain police constable Damien Blair.

The disciplinary action stemmed from recent comments by Corporal James chastising the Police High Command over the prolonged delay in correctly implementing the software system to calculate overtime for rank-and-file members.

Corporal James had also accused the High Command of seeking to cap the overtime payments.

“This Federation that I lead is not going to be submissive to the space, a place where rank and file membership leaves the citizens of Jamaica compromised in their safety. It will never happen under my watch; mark my word. And I also want to say to High Command and our Commissioner that God helps you if the membership is not paid there over time come this month. I am tired of the abuse being meted out and believing that persons can call me to intimidate me,” Corporal James said on July 16 at the funeral service for slain police constable Damien Blair.

Rohan James

On Thursday morning, he confirmed with the media that he has been served papers by the High Command outlining the charges against him.

With immediate effect, Corporal James has been sent home on three-quarters pay pending a hearing by the High Command.

He can only leave the island with the requisite two months’ notice.

Corporal James said he would continue to lobby for rank-and-file members to ensure they get adequately compensated for fighting crime and violence on the island.

Bert Samuels, one of the attorneys representing Corporal James, said the team is now perusing the documents served at his offices Thursday morning.

“It takes some time for us to do the research, but I can tell you this. If there is an action to be brought, it will be brought within at least another two days,” he indicated.

Bert Samuels

The attorney also used the opportunity to speak on behalf of his client as he urged rank-and-file members of the force to remain calm as they continued to serve and protect.

Woman among three the police arrested following gun, ammo seizure in Kingston.

KINGSTON, Jamaica— On Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force arrested three people, including a woman, following the seizure of a firearm and several rounds of ammunition during an early morning operation on Cling Cling Avenue in Kingston. 

The seized items include one pistol, 56 9mm cartridges, and four 5.56mm cartridges.

The police withheld the identities of the three people arrested pending further investigation. 

The police encouraged the public to partner with the security forces and share valuable intelligence with the police in the fight against crime.

Those wishing to speak with the police can call Crime Stop at 311, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) tip line at 811, or the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) tip line at 876-837-8888 to report guns, gangs, and gunmen.

Obeah accusation sparks Vendors’ brawl.

According to reporting, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the St James Parish Court ordered two female vendors who got into a fight after one accused the other of working Obeah–to attend restorative justice sessions to settle their quarrel.

Judge Sasha-Marie Ashley made the order Wednesday when Merlene Ricketts, who the police charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, and the complainant appeared before the court.

 According to court documents, on May 27, 2023, at about 3:30 pm, the complainant stood at her stall along the Main Road in Montego Bay when Ricketts flung a glass bottle and hit her. 

The complainant summoned the police. Upon their arrival, Ricketts admitted under caution that she accused the complainant of working Obeah.

During proceedings, the Judge asked the women whether they would attend mediation sessions together, and both parties answered yes.

Judge Ashley then advised the women to attend the local Restorative Justice Unit office to have their dispute mediated ahead of their court appearance date on September 12, 2023.