Fourteen people, including four children, were left homeless after a fire at Barnett Lane in Montego Bay. The fire destroyed a building with a bar downstairs and living space upstairs. Among those affected were ten adults and four children. While there were no reported injuries, one woman fainted during the incident.
Anthony Sloley, a hotel worker, was asleep when the fire broke out. He managed to escape and help his neighbors but lost most of his belongings. Another affected individual, John Flowers, also lost all his possessions. The fire started around 8:00 p.m., and the cause is still unknown.
The fire department managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. This incident occurred after several other fires in the area, causing significant losses.
Police Officer Fatally Shot While Responding to Robbery and Shooting in St Ann.
The St Ann authorities are currently in pursuit of an assailant who fatally shot and killed one of their officers and wounded a woman in St Ann’s Bay on Monday evening.
The authorities identified the deceased officer as Constable Ricardo Fairclough.
According to reports, at about 8:00 p.m., constable Fairclough intervened in a shooting on Bravo Street near the police station and was fatally shot by the perpetrators, who then fled the scene.
Following the incident, he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The gunmen managed to escape the area, prompting a concerted effort by the authorities to locate them.
The Police Federation has conveyed their deep sadness at the untimely passing of Constable Fairclough.
St. Ann Detectives Investigate Armed Robbery at Scotts Service Station.
Detectives in St. Ann are actively pursuing leads in their investigation of an armed robbery at Scotts Service Station in Golden Grove that took place on Saturday. The violent attack reportedly left several employees deeply shaken.
According to reports, a white Toyota Probox arrived at the service station around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday evening, April 13, 2024. It is understood that five masked men, all armed with handguns, exited the vehicle and entered the establishment.
The perpetrators proceeded to rob the employees of the day’s sales, and a watchman was also robbed of his mobile phone and other personal items. As they made their escape, the criminals opened fire, causing damage to a bus parked on the compound.
Fortunately, no employees were injured during the ordeal. The authorities continue to search for those responsible for this brazen act.
Domestic-related Homicides Surge in St. Ann.
Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, who leads the St. Ann Police, mentioned that there has been a notable increase in domestic-related killings in the parish. This has contributed to the overall rise in homicides in the area this year. He expressed worry that too many household conflicts are becoming deadly violence.
At a recent event for St. Ann residents, SSP Powell shared that there have been 21 homicides in St. Ann since the beginning of the year, and we are only on the 11th day of the fourth month. This suggests an average of over five homicides per month since the year started, which is concerning for the ‘Garden Parish’ of St. Ann. By the same time last year, 19 homicides had occurred.
He mentioned that 60% of the homicides so far this year resulted from domestic conflicts. He pointed out that all areas in St. Ann are dealing with domestic violence situations.
SSP Powell also appealed to St. Ann residents to avoid participating in mob justice, especially regarding livestock theft. He emphasized that it’s crucial to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to leave policing to the authorities. He addressed the recent incidents of mob killings in St. Ann, emphasizing the need to avoid resorting to crime and violence. He stressed that the official authorities will handle policing with purpose.
311 murders were recorded in Jamaica up to Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The latest statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force reveal a concerning rise in the country’s murder rate, which has surpassed 300, albeit still 14 percent lower than the previous year.
As of April 13, a total of 311 murders were reported across the 19 police divisions, reflecting a reduction of 50 murders compared to the previous year. Among the divisions, St James, St Catherine South, Westmoreland, St Andrew South, St Ann, and Clarendon have reported the highest number of homicides, while Portland has the lowest reported murders, totaling two incidents.
Additionally, there has been a three percent increase in shootings and a one percent increase in robberies compared to the corresponding period in 2023. However, there has been a notable decline in rape incidents by 37 percent and break-ins by six percent.
Notably, there has been a seven percent rise in gun seizures and a significant 41 percent increase in ammunition seizures, reflecting an alarming proliferation of firearms and ammunition. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges and areas of concern that require urgent attention and strategic interventions.