Photo by Marc King
A section of the Irwindale main road in Trelawny which has been eroded by November rains.
A deadly road to travel
FALMOUTH, TRELAWNY:
Deaths from crime and violence have no equal, save those that stem from traffic accidents.
The state of roads has added to that fact, and soon the Irwindale main road could become a killer as well. The November rains have washed away a third of the road, which runs from Irwindale in Trelawny to St. James.
Many people agree that a combination of alcohol, speeding and an unaware driver could add to our extravagant toll of traffic deaths, if this road is allowed to deteriorate further.
Residents say several calls to the National Works Agency have been futile and motorists and pedestrians are expressing major concern.
Mr. Brown, a 35-year-old self-employed resident, living about 300 metres east of the danger zone, claims he hears tyres screeching on a daily basis but has not heard of any accidents at that location yet.
This rural road originates in Wakefield, Trelawny, and passes through Irwindale, before ending in Montego Bay.
- Marc King
Sugar divestment by June 2008
KINGSTON:
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has outlined the government's schedule for the divestment of the sugar industry, which should culminate in June 2008 with the handover of assets to the new owners.
He said the government would be taking all the necessary steps to protect the interest of the workers in the industry in particular, and of Jamaica in general.
He was giving the main address at a ceremony to mark the official launch of the 2007/08 sugar crop, held on the grounds of the Frome sugar factory in Westmoreland on December 21.
The crop officially began on Boxing Day and ends in May 2008.
The minister said by early March a bidder would be identified, and negotiations with that company would begin.
Dr. Tufton explained that the government's role in the whole divestment process is to ensure that the industry remains viable and continues to operate in the best interest of those directly involved and the country at large.
- JIS
Guns seized on Highway 2000
SPANISH TOWN, ST. CATHERINE:
Wayne Carlington Simpson, 27-year-old chef of 1 Lechin Avenue, Vineyard Town, Kingston 3, and London, England, was caught with a Taurus 9mm pistol on Thursday.
The Gleaner learnt that at about 1:15 p.m., the 27-year-old, who was visiting the island from England, was spotted by police in a vehicle along Highway 2000 in the vicinity of the March Pen Road and Bernard Lodge overhead bridge.
He was signalled to stop and after a search, a pistol containing thirteen live 9mm rounds was found. He was subsequently charged with illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
Simpson revealed to the police that the car is the property of Jamaica Labour Party councillor for the Gregory Park division, Suzette Camille Buchanan.
Checks confirmed the information and the vehicle was later released in her custody.
According to Maxine Russell Thomas, Constabulary Communica-tions Network officer for St. Catherine North, the seizure of the gun brings to seventy, the number of illegal weapons that have been taken from the hands of criminals since the start of the year.
Simpson will appear in court January 8 next year.
- Rasbert Turner
May Pen police seek witnesses
MAY PEN, CLARENDON:
The May Pen police are seeking three witnesses in a case of solicitation to commit murder from June 24, 2006.
They are Bendilea Mckoy, Oniel Gordon o/c Shortman or Sammo and Oniel Richards o/c Chicken.
Their last known address was Fosmor Drive, May Pen.
Their next court date is January 3, 2008 in the May Pen RM Court.
Anyone knowing their whereabouts is being asked to contact Detective Corporal Myles or the May Pen CIB at 986-2529.
- Contributed
Farmers certified
YALLAHS, ST. THOMAS:
Thirteen farmers of Richmond Gap-Vale in St. Thomas were certified in farm management last Friday.
Kevoy Community Development Institute and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) administered the course and certification.
The farm management course was a three-week programme with an emphasis on farm safety, animal welfare, financial management, crop rotation, rural tourism and environment.
At the end of the programme, the participants were awarded with a certificate at a ceremony held at the Baptist Church Hall in the community. Having successfully completed the farm management course, the farmers were afforded three credits for entry into the College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Portland.
In addition, the participants' names have been submitted to CDB as resource personnel in specific areas of farming.
The farm management course has been established in other Caribbean islands but only in Jamaica is the programme provided at an individual level.
- Shelly-Ann Thompson
Daisy Foundation brings Christmas joy
Photo by Anthony Minott
A little boy (left) shows his friends a pack of pencils and other school supplies he received during a Christmas treat at the Crescent Primary School in St Catherine recently. The treat was put on by a Maryland-base organisation called 'Daisy Foundation. More than 400 students received bags and school supplies, while the school itself received foodstuff.
SPANISH TOWN, ST. CATHERINE:
Daisy Foundation, a charitable organisation based in Maryland, U.S.A, brought Christmas joy to children at Crescent Primary on Wednesday, December 19.
A team of volunteers, with the assistance of the school's teachers and principal, Iris Lewis, gave out bags and school supplies.
Heather Henry, the spokesperson for Daisy Foundation, said there was a need at the school and her organisation filled it. A number of companies including GraceKennedy supplied juices and snacks, and World Foods assisted in making the event successful.
Crescent, situated in proximity to G.C. Foster College, was an all-age school a number of years ago, but through a Ministry of Education initiative was transformed into a primary institution.
- Anthony Minott
