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JAMAICA: Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigators Better Equipped

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#Jamaica, May 29, 2018 – Kingston – After receiving the highest mark of 90.08 per cent in the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigators’ Training Course, Detective Constable Sharline Griffiths has pledged to use the lessons learnt to help victims of such crimes.

“For me, I will use the techniques to really get to the root in helping the victim,” she told JIS News.

She said that often victims are not forthcoming with certain information, but noted that “by persevering a little more, coupled with what was taught, you will be able to go deeper”.

Detective Constable Griffiths, who is an investigator at the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), was among 24 persons who successfully completed the course offered by the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ).  The four-week training programme was designed to meet the specialist work requirement of the investigators.

Among other things, it served to widen their knowledge of sexual violence; strengthen understanding of the laws governing the offences; and improve their investigative skills and competencies.

Detective Constable Griffiths, who spoke to JIS News at the graduation ceremony at the NPCJ recently, said that among the areas covered was how to properly complete a case file with all the necessary impactful evidence in place to punish sexual offenders.

“Once a case file is properly put together and you have evidence properly collected with DNA, you’ll find that you will be successful in the courts, and convictions will be secured,” she pointed out.

Other topics covered included DNA handling, analysis and examination of emotions, interviewing reluctant witnesses, crime scene management, exhibit handling, biometrics, sexual offences investigations, rape trauma syndrome, legal and ethical issues and committal proceedings.

Lessons were delivered using a range of teaching methods that catered to different learning styles such as lectures, which were accompanied by PowerPoint presentations; discussions; brainstorming; role play; and cooperative learning.  Practical exercises were used in the delivery of certain topics such as case file preparation, court room demeanour and testimony.  Exercises involving the courts were supervised by personnel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and attorneys.

Detective Constable Griffiths told JIS News that at the end of the training, the participants were able to reach consensus on how investigations should be conducted, and noted that the processes will be applied in the field.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, is optimistic that with the training received, the investigators will make a difference in investigating, interrogating and apprehending perpetrators of crimes against women and children.  She noted that sexual offences and child abuse are forms of gender-based violence, and despite efforts to eliminate and address these issues, arrests and convictions remain low.

“This must be changed, and you are poised to become the agents of change,” she said in a speech read by Acting Senior Director at the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Sharon Robinson, at the graduation ceremony.

Ms. Grange told the graduates it is paramount that they address cases of sexual offences in a sensitive manner, and, with the newly acquired skills, they are expected to provide greater support and hope to victims of various sex crimes.

“You are now better equipped to deliver supportive and other necessary services, to collect critical forensic evidence, some of which is unique to crimes of a sexual nature, to ensure due process for defendants (thereby) resolving cases swiftly, fairly and effectively,” she pointed out.

Ms. Grange argued that investigators are most effective when they are guided by specialised knowledge, are sensitive to the needs and interests of victims, and are committed to multidisciplinary collaboration.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police, Wayne Josephs, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch, said that the DNA Evidence Act is an important piece of legislation in investigating sexual offences and child abuse.

“It is the best thing to happen to CISOCA,” he noted, adding that it will be useful in solving cases that have gone cold.  CISOCA cases are mainly those (involving) bodily fluids.  For those persons already behind bars (who have committed sexual offences), they might come up on the radar, because the science and the technology doesn’t lie,” he pointed out.

The DNA Evidence Act stipulates the compulsory extraction of DNA samples from suspects and convicted persons; outlines the protocol for collecting, retaining and preserving these in addition to the retention or destruction of DNA profiles; and outlines penalties for breaches of the Act.  These breaches include falsifying profiles, swapping DNA samples or profiles with intent to deceive, and tampering with containers or packages bearing profile samples.

 

By: Chad Bryan (JIS)

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JAMAICA A STEM ISLAND – PM

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KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS):

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared Jamaica a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering citizens to thrive in the global knowledge economy. 

“Through our collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach, Government, private sector, academia and civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared a STEM island,” he said.

 

Prime Minister Holness was addressing the Future Ready International Conference held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston on April 24.

As a STEM island, he said that the Government will seek to implement comprehensive education reforms from the primary to the tertiary levels, with the objective of developing a skilled workforce, capable of competing in global markets. 

He said that ecosystems will be developed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the STEM disciplines to drive industry and economic growth, as well as to address social issues.

“We will encourage the growth of STEM industries such as biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing. We will also leverage STEM to grow and monetise the musical, artistic, cultural and other natural talents of our people. We will leverage STEM solutions to address environmental challenges including climate change, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture,” the Prime Minister said.

 “We will position Jamaica as a hub for STEM research, innovation, collaboration and other developments in the Caribbean and beyond,” he added. 

The Prime Minister said that by embracing STEM as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential driving prosperity, peace and productivity in a sustainable, equitable way for all our Jamaican citizens and, indeed, the world,” Holness said.

CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS

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One Nation TCI Pageant to Launches this Weekend

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

“Founded on the principles of Unity, sisterhood and community service,” is how Alicia Swann, One Nation TCI Founder, and President, describes the organization as it gears up for its inaugural showing, to be marked by a pageant and parade of nations, family fun day and cultural show. 

When Magnetic Media spoke to Swann she explained the inspiration behind the name.

“The reason why we chose ‘One Nation’ was because we wanted to ensure that all of our beautiful ladies within the Turks and Caicos feel as if they are a part of our society. Speaking with the ladies I’ve gotten the opinion that a lot of them feel as if they are in our country but they don’t actually feel fully a part of it,” she explained. With constants whose heritages span the DR and TCI, TC-Trinidadians and more the contest is showcasing the rich and diverse culture of the country.

At least two contestants flew in from the UK and the US to participate in the pageant and the event is not just an array of pretty girls.

“We’ve taken the aspects of pageantry to another level, the young ladies have a platform  based on our pillars of the organization which include education and mental health,” Swann continued “We wanted to ensure that they understand the value and importance of  having a role and voice in society.”

The contestants were all allowed to choose an area to speak on and advocate for, and the President told Magnetic Media that so far the young women are taking the challenge seriously. There are 10 contestants overall, five in the ‘Miss’ category and five in the ‘Teen’ category.

The pageant is already receiving regional recognition as the eventual winner has been invited to take part in a regional pageant in St Kitts in August, a feat which Swann says she is extremely proud of. 

In addition to that event a cultural showing, family fun day and parade of nations will be held. 

“We will be honoring people from across the Turks and Caicos, out of every island, for their lifetime achievement in terms of giving back to their society. The persons being honoured are unsung heroes. They have been active in their communities in various roles and we felt the need to recognize all of them.” Swann explained.

The Founder didn’t share the names of those being honoured, preferring to leave it a surprise but did drop hints about who would be highlighted during the event; a smiling clinic nurse in South Caicos, a Grand Turk Taxi driver committed to the island’s development, a dedicated principal from North Caicos, a shipping pioneer from North Caicos as well and a creative founder from Providenciales.

“Our company is huge on ensuring that the community is involved and a part of doing that is ensuring that persons in the community are honoured,” the president said.

Several sponsors have stepped up to the plate including 

No monetary support has come from TCIG but endorsements from both Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, and Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, have been shared and the girls are currently undergoing intense training with a pageant coach in preparation for their big night.

Swann is hoping that once the community has a chance to see what One Nation TCI is doing they’ll understand the importance of the events, 

“We are a diverse culture and society and– we want people to understand the importance of diversity, supporting our young ladies and empowering them so they can see they have a role in the Turks and Caicos– The more we offer our young ladies [the more] we are able to retain that talent. Once they feel empowered the sky’s the limit.”

The Pageant and Crowning will be on the 25 and 26th of April while the parade and family fun day will be held on the 27th.

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Agriculture Ministry Providing Two Water Trucks to Serve St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine

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#Kingston, Jamaica, April 24, 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is to unveil two more water trucks this week, which will be used to service communities in St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

He also informed that of the $90 million earmarked to support farmers being impacted by the current drought, the Ministry will be providing additional support for storage and drip-irrigation systems.

“So, we have targeted about 600 water tanks and about 400 12-millimetre drip irrigation hoses, and that distribution has already started. Additionally, we have earmarked about $8 million to really help with our livestock farmers,” Mr. Green said.

“We know the difficulty that you’re facing now in this time; [it’s] very hard to get the right nutritional support for your animals. As such, we will be providing some hay, and we will [also] provide some trucking of water to you. Again, our livestock farmers, if you are in need, please contact the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and let us see how we can help in these times,” he further stated.

Mr. Green also encouraged farmers to download the RADA App, so that the Agency can “help guide you, not only in relation to what is happening on the rainfall side, but also in relation to your integrated pest management”.

“We do see some increases of certain types of pests during this time, and it’s important that our farmers are paying attention to that. It’s also important that you’re taking drought management seriously [by undertaking] soil mulching, looking at planting drought-tolerant crops, timely harvesting, implementing land husbandry treatments and contour ditches,” he stated.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release: JIS

 

Photo Caption: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, speaking during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

 

Donald De La Haye Photo

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