ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Ministry seeks duty relief on farm inputs

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said that given the ongoing supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine, it will be asking the finance ministry to provide additional concessions to farmers.

Presently, farmers receive GCT relief on a number of inputs, including fertiliser (except urea) and feeds.

The Pearnel Charles Jr-led ministry said that it has intensified its discussions with key stakeholders within the sector, with a view towards developing a plan to reduce the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on farmers.

Russia and Belarus are major suppliers of potassium, one element of the fertilisers that are manufactured in Jamaica. The agriculture ministry said that it is aware of efforts being made by major suppliers to source fertiliser from other areas such as Africa.

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Anti-gang task force makes major ammo find

Members of the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force (JAGTF) recovered a firearm and several rounds of ammunition in Independence City, St Catherine, on Sunday.

The police said that a 9 mm Bryco pistol along with a magazine of three rounds were recovered during a snap raid. One man has been arrested and charged in relation to the seizure.

In another operation by the JAGTF, 75 rounds of ammunition were seized during an operation in Whithorn, Westmoreland, last Friday. The police said that the rounds were found beneath makeshift beds in huts on a hillside in the community.

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Judge issues warrant for Davian Bryan's arrest

Fugitive Davian Bryan, who is wanted for abduction and rape, is being asked to turn himself in to the Portland police.

The police said that a warrant was issued for his arrest by the High Court judge after he failed to turn up for court.

Bryan, who is out on bail, was charged by detectives from the Criminal Investigative Branch (CIB) in Port Antonio on July 16, 2020 with rape and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, which stems from an incident involving a woman at Norwich district in the parish.

Bryan, who failed to appear before the Portland Circuit Court on February 17, 2022, has been on the run since October last year following the abduction of two students in Bath, St. Thomas , nine-year- old Phylisa Prussia and 13-year-old, Winshay Barrett.

He has been listed as Portland's most wanted man.

Commanding Officer for the Portland Police Division, Superintendent Kenneth Chin, said that Bryan is wanted for the offence of illegal possession of firearm and rape.

"Davian Bryan is considered to be dangerous and the quicker he is taken in custody, is the safer Jamaica will be," said Chin.