ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Chef charged for raping 13-y-o

A 41-year-old chef from Old Harbour, St Catherine, has been charged for the rape of a 13-year-old girl.

According to the police, the incident happened about 11:40 p.m. on September 3. The teen reportedly went to a shop and while there she went to use the bathroom. She was then pounced upon by the chef, who was armed with a knife. He allegedly proceeded to have sex with her.

A report was made to the police and an investigation launched.

The chef was later positively identified by the complainant and charged following a question-and-answer interview in the presence of his attorney.

His court date is being finalised.

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Charles Jr wants more urban farming

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is aiming to expand the implementation of agricultural practices in urban areas, which will include backyard gardening and vertical farming.

Agriculture Minister Pearnel Charles Jr noted urban spaces have limited areas for farming, requiring the introduction of techniques to optimise production within what is available.

"Whether it is vertical or hydroponics, there are systems that can be introduced to our urban areas," he said.

"We want people to know that they don't need to be farming land, they can utilise different techniques to farm their vegetables and small crops," he pointed out.

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Holness to host education town hall

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams will host a town hall focusing on education.

The meeting is scheduled to be held this Friday at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College, starting at 5 p.m. under the theme: 'Education Time for Action'.

Parents, guardians and educators in and around the Kingston and St Andrew metropolitan areas are invited to participate in this face-to-face meeting, which will provide a great opportunity to share ideas, pose questions and express thoughts on matters relating to education.

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Minister to lose firearm review power

The National Security Minister will not have a role in the gun licence appeal process if the provisions of the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act are passed into law.

Portfolio minister Dr Horace Chang made the disclosure during his presentation in Parliament on Tuesday.

"This means the letters can now stop coming as we have established in this new-look Bill a review panel that will take all appeals out of the hand of a single individual," said Chang.

Meanwhile, Chang stated his intention to utilise this provision provided in the new Bill to establish a gun amnesty to "get rid of the illegal weapons off our streets".

The amnesty would allow persons who may be in possession of illegal firearms the opportunity to surrender these weapons to the State without the fear of prosecution. The amnesty may be declared upon the minister being satisfied that it may result in the reduction in the number of illegally possessed firearms or ammunition in the country.