Connect with us

News

PSOJ launches Violence against Children Reward Fund

Published

on

Kingston, Jamaica, December 16, 2016 – The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) on Friday (December 16) launched its Violence against Children Reward Fund, which will reward persons who assist in the arrest and charge of persons who commit violent acts against children up to the age of 18 years.

These violent acts include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, molestation, carnal abuse or child abuse.   Crime Stop Jamaica will manage the fund, and will be responsible for determining the value of each reward granted based on a case-by-case scenario.

Speaking at the press launch at the PSOJ’s offices on Hope Road, St. Andrew, Honorary Secretary, Eva Lewis, said the initiative will assist in reducing violence against the nation’s children.   She indicated that donors have already contributed $1.2 million to the Fund.  The Musson Foundation has provided $1 million, while Guardsman Group, Prime Asset Management, Charles Hyatt, FirstCaribbean Bank, Pan-Jam, GraceKennedy, Prism Communications and Sterling Asset Management have contributed $25,000 each.

Ms. Lewis said the Fund will be replenished by the membership of the organisation periodically.  Chief Executive Officer, Child Development Agency (CDA), Rosalee Gage-Grey, welcomed the establishment of the Fund.  She said violence against children cuts across boundaries of geography, race, class, religion and culture.  “The perpetrators of violence against our children are parents, family members, teachers, caretakers, law-enforcement authorities and other children. Some children are particularly vulnerable because of gender, race, ethnic origin, disability or social status,” she noted.

Chair, Musson Foundation, Melanie Subratie, said the protection and safety of the nation’s children is paramount and led to the foundation’s contribution to the initiative.  “As Jamaicans, I think we have grown tired of the abuse meted out to our children… . Our children represent our future and they are the ones who we are relying on to make for a more productive society,” she pointed out.

Chairman, Crime Stop, Major General Robert Neish, said the initiative is important as it provides additional funding in the fight against crime.  He assured that information provided to Crime Stop will be treated confidentially. “Each and every source of information, every piece of information, whether we have paid out a reward or not has been protected.  The integrity of the information, the integrity of the individuals, the safety and security of the individuals has always been the prime focus,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, George Quallo, said the fund represents a call to action by all law-abiding citizens for their individual and collective assistance in stamping out violence against children.   He noted that murder, rape and other sexual offences against children have trended down in 2016 in comparison to 2015.

There have been 40 reported murders, so far, this year, down from 61 in 2015. Rape has also declined from 352 to 234, and other sexual offences have been reduced from 463 to 261.

 

 

#MagneticMediaNews

 

 

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

Published

on

Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

Continue Reading

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

Continue Reading

Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

Published

on

February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING