ONE-MINUTE READS News from across the nation

Linstead Hospital opens doors to more children

Families in Linstead and surrounding communities now have easier access to healthcare for their children, as Linstead Public Hospital has expanded its services to provide paediatric care for children from infancy to 12 years old.

The new service means parents and guardians will no longer have to travel as often to Bustamante Hospital for Children or Spanish Town Hospital to seek treatment for their children. This is expected to save families time and transportation costs while making it easier to access medical care closer to home.

Chief executive officer of Linstead Public Hospital, Camile Wallen-Panton, said the expansion is a major step in improving healthcare for children in the area.

“Providing paediatric care at Linstead Public Hospital brings essential health services closer to the families we serve. We recognise the importance of timely medical attention during childhood, and this expansion will help make accessing care more convenient for parents and guardians,” said Wallen-Panton.

-----------

Holness declares war on gunmen

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has ordered security forces to ramp up operations against criminal elements following the deadly police operation in Sligoville, St Catherine, which claimed the lives of two police officers, left another officer injured, and wounded a 10-year-old girl.

Holness described criminals as “parasites and pestilence upon our society”, adding that “We must separate these evil men from our society. We must stop making excuses for men who carry illegal guns, terrorise communities, and prey upon the vulnerable … . The society is better off without them.”

Holness extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

“My heart goes out to the families of Corporal Shaw and Constable Rose, who lost their lives in the line of duty in Sligoville, St Catherine. I extend my deepest condolences to their loved ones and the wider Jamaica Constabulary Force. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I am praying for the 10-year-old girl who was shot during the incident and for the recovery of the injured police officer.”

--------------

Police charge man in alleged rental scam

Lawmen assigned to the Kingston East Policing Division have charged 41-year-old Ingel Wright, of 8 Miles, Bull Bay, St Andrew, with larceny by trick following an incident in his community on July 31.

Reports from the Bull Bay Police are that, about 7:30 a.m., Wright received $70,000 from a woman for a rental property he had advertised. However, the property was not handed over to the woman, and her efforts to obtain a refund were unsuccessful. A report was subsequently made to the police.

Wright was subsequently charged following a question-and-answer session on Saturday, October 17.

His court date is being finalised.

---------------

New St Elizabeth custos promises to serve with integrity

Newly appointed Custos Rotulorum for St Elizabeth, Bernard Henry, has pledged to serve the parish with humility, fairness and integrity while ensuring that residents are treated with dignity and respect.

Henry officially assumed the role last Thursday after receiving his Instrument of Appointment from the Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, at a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House. He succeeds Stevon Sheriffe, who had been serving in an acting capacity following the retirement of former Custos Beryl Rochester in January after nearly 12 years in the post.

In his remarks, Henry outlined his vision for the parish, promising a people-centred approach focused on listening to residents and working closely with key stakeholders.

“I will do my best to represent you with dignity and to serve the people of St Elizabeth with humility, fairness and integrity,” Henry said.

The businessman stressed that collaboration would be a key part of his tenure, noting that he intends to engage closely with justices of the peace and community partners across the parish