Police raided a bar in Old Harbor, arresting owner Kemelia Smith for possession of marijuana, uncustomed goods, and counterfeit liquor. During the raid, officers seized marijuana bags, uncustomed cigarettes, and counterfeit liquor. Separately, a 16-year-old was arrested for robbing a taxi driver, threatening him with a knife while posing as a passenger. The taxi driver bravely fought back and escaped, later reporting the robbery to police, who continue to search for the accomplice. Also, Police arrested a 16-year-old boy after he and an accomplice allegedly ambushed and robbed a taxi driver while posing as passengers along Thompson Pen Road in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Tag: Jamaica News
Primary Elections: Jamaicans in Florida seek historic win.
In the Primary Elections on August 18, 2026, candidates of Jamaican heritage, like Dale Holness and Kaysia Earley, are gaining attention. Dale Holness seeks to become the first Jamaican-born member of Congress, running in a competitive District 20 race against Debbie Wasserman Schultz and others. Kaysia Earley, a first-time candidate with a strong Jamaican background, is running in Congressional District 22. Jamaican Carla Spaulding hopes to win her Republican primary to challenge the Democratic nominee in the general election. Other Jamaican candidates, Tamar Hamilton and Veronica Walker, are also competing for judgeships in the elections.
Sexual Harassment Tribunal makes progress in Jamaica.
The Sexual Harassment Tribunal has processed 22 complaints since July 2024, including two from males, showing increased empowerment and engagement. About 50% of complaints came from the private sector, with 20 females and two males reported as of December 31, 2025. The tribunal has closed 64% of cases swiftly, reflecting its commitment to addressing complaints efficiently. Established in February 2025, the tribunal aims to create safe work environments and resolve complaints fairly and promptly. The PIOJ has conducted 133 sensitization sessions, engaged 420 organizations, and supported 69 in drafting workplace sexual harassment policies
Road Rage: Cop allegedly shot colleague during traffic incident.
Early Saturday morning, August 15, law enforcement from the Manchester Division responded to the scene of a possibly road rage altercation involving two police officers. This unfortunate incident resulted in one officer sustaining a minor gunshot injury, according to police sources.
Andrew Holness: Jamaica’s Most Controversial Prime Minister.
Andrew Holness is criticized as Jamaica's worst Prime Minister after his delayed response to the demolition of over twenty homes in Cooper's Pen. He claimed ignorance of the operation, which contradicts evidence of extensive police involvement, suggesting prior planning. Despite his attempts to show concern, public skepticism about his honesty remains high.
Police Arrested Two in the Zimi Seh Beach Party Brawl
Donovan Collins confirmed that his client, Dave Taylor, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and unlawful wounding following an altercation at the Zimi Seh Beach Party. Taylor, a 43-year-old New York City business operator, maintains he was not involved in the incident or shown in any videos. The police have not yet set a court date for Taylor, who was arrested at Sangster International Airport. A second suspect voluntarily surrendered and will participate in an identification parade, according to Senior Superintendent Carlos Russell. Two boys, aged 15 and 17, were injured during the brawl that began due to a splashing incident at a water party.
Counterfeit Goods: Cops seized over $75m in cash and apparel.
Law enforcement seized over $75 million in cash and counterfeit goods, including 300 pairs of Nike sneakers, during operations in Jamaica. The police arrested the husband-and-wife owners of a wholesale shop for charges related to counterfeit goods and trademark violations. Concerns for safety have prevented the police from releasing the names of the accused, who were granted bail of $1.5 million each. Investigators discovered additional counterfeit items and a large sum of cash during the operations, reportedly linked to one of the owners' vehicles. The police confirmed that these seizures stem from an ongoing investigation into counterfeit goods.
Coopers Pen Demolitions: Many Residents Left Homeless.
Residents of Coopers Pen faced unexpected demolition of their homes by heavy equipment, displacing many families. The demolition occurred around 3 a.m., affecting approximately 25 homes without prior notification to residents. Residents had been involved in a legal dispute over land ownership, believing they had an agreement to purchase the land since 2019. Many community members worked to salvage belongings while seeking support from local authorities amidst the chaos. This incident raises serious questions about government accountability and the treatment of Coopers Pen residents after Hurricane Melissa.
Cocaine Bust Valued at J$1 billion Shakes Kingston Freeport
The Kingston Freeport Terminal underwent a lockdown due to a major cocaine bust estimated at J$1 billion. Security forces arrested at least eight employees connected to the cocaine investigation. The authorities expanded the probe to other parishes, conducting searches and intercepting trailers related to the shipment. As of now, the exact quantity and value of the seized cocaine remain undisclosed, alongside the number of detained individuals. Jamaica is experiencing a record year for cocaine seizures, surpassing previous records with over 5,100 kilograms confiscated in just six months.
Sweepstake Fraud: Jamaican Pleads Guilty in $9 Million Scam
Jordan Trought, a Jamaican national, pleaded guilty to being a leader in a Sweepstake Fraud ring that stole over $9 million from 200+ older Americans. He faces up to 30 years in prison and has agreed to pay restitution of $6,166,227 after being extradited to the U.S. The fraud involved con artists claiming victims won prizes but requiring them to pay fees before receiving their supposed winnings. Victims sent money through various methods, often to accounts controlled by Trought and his associates, who exploited trust and targeted older individuals. Prosecutors emphasize their commitment to protecting vulnerable Americans and pursuing fraudsters across borders.