ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Ennis elected confederation president

St Patrice Ennis has been elected as the president of the Jamaica confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU). Ennis, general secretary of the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel, was elected at the JCTU's congress at the Jamaica Teachers Association offices on Church Street in Kingston yesterday.

In his inaugural address, Ennis emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration.

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every worker, irrespective of their role, feels valued and protected. Together, we will pave a path that ensures fairness, equity, and progress," he said.

Ennis will be supported by Lambert Brown, Granville Valentine, Leighton Johnson, Techa Clarke-Griffiths, Rudolph Thomas amd Shamir Brown, who have all been elected vice-presidents.

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Bajan on cocaine charge

Detectives from the Narcotics Division arrested a Barbadian national last Thursday on reasonable suspicion of breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act following a seizure of more than two kilograms of cocaine at the Sangster International Airport in St James.

Reports are that about 10 p.m., the man was about to board a flight to London when his luggage was searched. During the search along with the JCF K9, the package of cocaine, which attracts a street value of more than $16 million, was found concealed in his luggage. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

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Cops jail 'Quelly'

A St James man who allegedly tried to rob a motorist of his Toyota Probox motor car has been charged with robbery with aggravation and possession of a prohibited weapon.

According to the police's Corporate Communications Unit, a man was driving his car along Valley View Drive, Westgate Hills in the parish on Saturday when Jamal Gordon allegedly posed as a passenger and attempted to rob him.

The police said upon reaching his destination, Gordon, 24, brandished a firearm and proceeded to rob the driver of the motor car of his belongings. The driver made an alarm and was assisted by a licensed firearm holder within the area who apprehended him.

The police were summoned and on their arrival Gordon, otherwise called 'Quelly', was accosted and searched. A .40 Glock pistol was taken from his possession. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody and charged in the presence of his attorney.

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Sangster to welcome five million passengers by Christmas

Operations at the country's two international airports are being streamlined to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for travellers during the upcoming winter tourist season that begins on December 15.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, said that logistics and operations at the Sangster and Norman Manley International airports are being refined to minimise wait times for both incoming and outgoing passengers, particularly residents returning during the festive period, and tourists.

"I can assure our visitors, and, of course, our users of both airports, that we are making plans to put in place special measures for the winter season," he said.

The minister said that the Sangster International Airport is set to welcome a record five million passengers by December.

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Man charged with brother's murder

The St James police have charged 23-year-old Ricardo Pusey, otherwise called 'Rick', of Farm Heights in the parish with the murder of his brother, arising from an incident at their home on October 4.

Dead is 21-year-old Wilton Pusey, otherwise called 'Tan', a labourer of Farm Heights.

Reports from the Montego Bay police are that about 10:50 p.m., the father of the two was at home with his common-law wife when he was awakened by a commotion in the house. He went to investigate and saw Ricardo going through the window and Wilton leaning against a refrigerator holding his chest. Upon closer examination, Wilton was seen with stab wounds. The police were alerted and Wilton was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Following an investigation into the incident, Ricardo was arrested.

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