Less than twenty-four hours after councilor-elect Winston Ennis issued this statement:
“I just want you all to know that I have walked away from the Jamaica Labour Party. I have to protect my dignity, I have to protect my values and I have to protect my family.” “The way I have been treated and disrespected, I am not having any more of it and I have walked away, so officially I am an independent,” he added.
Winston Ennis, councilor-elect for the KSAMC
He issued a retraction:
“I have not sent a formal letter withdrawing my membership in the Jamaica Labour Party. I wish to categorically state that I retract any verbal suggestion that I have left my party, which I have served faithfully for several decades.”
Winston Ennis
Ennis acknowledged in a media statement on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, that the “leaked voice note” was transmitted to a JLP-affiliated group during a moment of heightened emotions.
He expressed surprise at the leak and conveyed disappointment that private discussions had become public knowledge. Ennis successfully secured the Waterloo Division in the recent local government election for the JLP within the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
The KSAMC is deadlocked, with 20 divisions each for the JLP and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP). As the PNP achieved the popular vote in Kingston and St. Andrew, it will designate the next mayor of Kingston.
Westmoreland Man Faces Charges for Allegedly Using Illegal Firearm to Threaten Another Man.
The Westmoreland police have charged Tevin Spence, also known as ‘Drogba,’ aged 30, of Jungle Lane in Frome, Westmoreland, with violations of the Firearms Act in Ricketts River in September 2023.
Spence is facing allegations of possessing a prohibited weapon, committing assault at common law, and causing bodily harm through assault.
As per the Westmoreland police, an altercation between Spence and the complainant escalated into a physical confrontation around 11 p.m. on the specified day. Subsequently, Spence reportedly departed the area but later returned brandishing a firearm, which he purportedly aimed at the complainant, threatening to use it.
The complainant promptly reported the incident to the authorities, prompting an investigation that led to Spence’s subsequent arrest on Monday, March 4, 2024, following an intelligence-led operation in his community.
Spence has been officially charged, and his court appearance date is currently pending.
Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of 16-Year-Old Girl in Arnett Gardens.
The Kingston Western Police have brought forth charges against an individual implicated in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl in Arnett Gardens just over a week ago.
Taje Squire, a 23-year-old resident of Albion Avenue, has been formally charged with the murder of Bianca Thompson, also known as “Abby,” a student of St. Andrew Technical High School.
According to investigators, at approximately 11 p.m. on February 24, the teenager, who also resided on Albion Avenue, was visiting a friend’s residence when she was assaulted and shot multiple times by a group of assailants. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The perpetrators discharged firearms at the wooden dwelling, prompting the occupants to take evasive measures. A total of sixteen spent casings were recovered from the scene.
Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps, the head of the Kingston Western Police, informed Radio Jamaica News that Squire was apprehended during a police operation.
In addition to the murder charge, Squire also faces charges of shooting with intent, possession of prohibited weapons, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and the use of a firearm to commit a felony.
SSP Phipps disclosed that law enforcement is actively seeking three other suspects related to this case, known by their aliases “Saleem,” “?Sherlando,” and “Yashi-Pee.” He urged these individuals to surrender themselves to the Denham Town Police immediately.
Gun taken from the suspect was used to kill Toshyna Patterson, Sarayah Paulwell.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn, informed the Court that the illegal firearm confiscated from Bijon Black upon his arrest is the weapon used in the killing of Toshyna Patterson and her daughter, Sarayah Paulwell, as confirmed by ballistics testing. This revelation took place during the case management hearing for murder accused Leoda Bradshaw and her three co-accused, including her cousin Roland Balfour.
Furthermore, Bijon Black and David Smith also appeared in the Home Circuit court concerning the tragic incident. They are unrepresented. Justice Vinette Graham Allen has instructed the Legal Aid Council to appoint two senior attorneys to represent each accused due to the technical and complex nature of the case. She specified that the council should consider attorneys with at least six years of experience.
All four accused individuals have been remanded until June 13 for further case management. The legal proceedings are ongoing.