ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Prisoner charged in $160 million ruse

A Kingston man, who is currently serving time in a correctional institution, has been charged fraud after he allegedly fleeced a business woman of approximately $160 million between 2017 and 2024.

The accused has been identified as 37-year-old Garrett Savoury of Paddington Avenue, Kingston 6.

He was charged on April 29 with four counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Investigations said that that Savoury, a multiple convict, orchestrated a series of elaborate schemes against the woman, while in custody at a correctional facility. It is alleged that Savoury later demanded significant sums of money from the woman under the guise of resolving the non-existent issues.

One of his schemes in this incident, involved him allegedly impersonating a US diplomat and fabricating crisis scenarios about the victim and her family. It is alleged that Savoury later demanded significant sums of money from the woman under the guise of resolving the non-existent issues.

Detectives said that the victim transferred funds in both Jamaican and United States currency to Savoury's bank account over the period.

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St James to get centre for homeless

St James is set to benefit from a new transitional centre designed to support the needs of some of the parish's most vulnerable residents.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure while addressing the official opening of a kitchen facility at the St. James Infirmary on May 2.

"It (building transitional centres) is the intention of the [Government], working with the NHT (National Housing Trust), which I'm going to be speaking of in Parliament when I make my [2025/26] Sectoral [Debate] presentation ... [in terms of] what the outlook will be as we try to tackle homelessness in the country, especially for those persons living on our streets," Minister McKenzie added.

McKenzie indicated that Kingston has already seen success with its first transitional centre, which is currently being expanded to accommodate an additional 100 people with a second wing.

Jamaicans urged to protect children

Jamaicans are being implored to create a safe and nurturing environment for the nation's children.

The call was made by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, at the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) annual Child Month Candlelight Vigil, on Sunday, at the Secret Garden Monument in downtown Kingston.

Swaby said the monument, which was constructed 17 years ago in memory of children who died under tragic circumstances, is also a reminder that each Jamaican has a responsibility to protect the nation's youngest citizens.

"We recommit ourselves to building a Jamaica where every child feels safe, seen, and supported. So, this is not just another calendar event for the KSAMC. It is a declaration - a declaration that the KSAMC sees the protection and well-being of our children as a priority, that their resilience matters, that their voices matter, and that their future is something we will defend with everything we have," he said.

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Holness to honour educators

Seventy-nine educators have been selected to receive the Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education.

The biennial awards ceremony, to be held on May 28 at Jamaica House, will recognise 39 educators for 2023 and 40 for 2024.

Instituted in 2005, the Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation is given to an educator who has served for a minimum of 15 years, displayed exceptional service in the teaching profession and has shown evidence of community involvement, innovation and creativity in service.

Among the 2024 recipients are Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, Dr Taniesha Ingleton, and former president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association and principal of Golden Spring Primary, Winston Smith.

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Cop charged in Westmoreland nightclub shooting case

A member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Corporal Shawn Walker, has been charged with multiple offences in relation to a shooting incident of two men a nightclub in Frome, Westmoreland, on December 25, 2022.

Walker was charged following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), and a ruling from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He appeared in court yesterday where he answered to charges of two counts of wounding with intent, and discharging a firearm in any place, contrary to the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act.

Corporal Walker was granted bail in the sum of $400,000.00 with one to two sureties, and reporting conditions.

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