Key Takeaways
- Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake is on planned departmental leave, clarifying rumors amidst a high-level cocaine investigation involving the FBI.
- He criticized the spread of false information on social media, emphasizing the public’s need for accurate updates during uncertain times.
- Three children were injured by a boulder while using a railway track as a shortcut in St. Elizabeth; one child remains in intensive care.
- Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon visited one injured child, expressing support and concern for their recovery and well-being.
- The Ministry will prioritize the welfare of affected students and families as they recover from the incident.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has announced that, contrary to rumors, he is currently out of the office on departmental leave.
Unfortunately, Commissioner Blake’s statement came approximately two weeks after the JCF confirmed that several high-ranking officers are the subject of a high-level cocaine investigation. In addition, this investigation is also involving the FBI.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, Commissioner Blake aimed to clarify the speculations circulating online. He also wanted to reassure the public that his absence had been planned several months in advance. However, this raises the question of why Commissioner Blake waited until three days before his return. He waited until then to inform the public about his absence.
In his statement, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake stated the following:
“I am providing this clarification due to the growing danger posed by the deliberate creation and circulation of false information, particularly on social media.
In today’s environment, some individuals seem willing to fabricate stories to attract attention and generate likes, shares, and engagement. They do this without considering the damage such irresponsible behavior can cause to individuals, institutions, and public confidence,” the commissioner stated.
Commissioner Blake recognized that the public deserves accurate information, especially when there is real uncertainty surrounding important issues. However, the Police High Command has not released an official statement regarding his absence. They have also not officially stated who will serve in his position until he returns.
Keeping the public informed about developments in the management structure is standard practice in the JCF. Therefore, when the Police High Command failed to follow standard procedures, it give the public reason to speculate.
The statement indicated that Commissioner Blake is due to return to the office on Monday, September 14.
Education Minister visits child injured in St Elizabeth boulder incident
Three children were injured after being struck by a boulder while walking along a railway track on their way to Merry Wood Primary School in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, on Friday morning.
Reports indicate that residents are forced to use the dangerous railway track as a shortcut between communities. This is due to the condition of the main, which is under construction.
Of the three children involved in the freak accident, one has since been treated and released from the Black River Hospital. Meanwhile, one child remains at Black River Hospital. The third is receiving intensive care at UHWI.
Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, the Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, visited a child injured in the incident that occurred in St. Elizabeth on Friday. The child is currently receiving treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
During her visit, Minister Morris Dixon spoke with the child’s parent at UHWI and expressed her support on behalf of the Ministry.
“This is an extremely distressing situation for the children and their parents. No one anticipates that such natural incidents could occur, affecting their children in this way. My thoughts are with all three children and their families as they recover from this frightening experience, and I know Jamaica is praying for the full and speedy recovery of both children who remain in hospital and for the continued recovery of the child who has been released,” she stated.
The Ministry has assured that it will remain focused on the welfare of the affected students, their families, and the school community as the children continue their recovery.