Jamaican News Observer

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Spirit Airline blazed with gunfire in Haiti

A Spirit Airlines plane was reportedly struck by gunfire while attempting to land at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This incident occurred amidst ongoing violence in the area, which has been plagued by gang-related conflicts. The flight, arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came under fire as it was descending towards the airport, though thankfully, the aircraft managed to land safely without any significant injuries reported among passengers or crew. The incident appears to be related to clashes between rival gangs in the vicinity of the airport, which have escalated tensions in the region. The shooting resulted in damage to the aircraft but did not affect its critical systems. This is not an isolated event, as another aircraft operated by Sky Cana was similarly shot at while landing in Haiti, leading to damage to its fuselage . The violence surrounding the airport has prompted multiple airlines, including American Airlines and Spirit A...

Unidentified Body wrapped in sheets Found Along Lyndhurst Road, Jamaica

In a tragic turn of events, a passerby made a grim discovery on Lyndhurst Road in Kingston, Jamaica, early Thursday morning. The unidentified body of a man was found lying near the roadside, sending shockwaves throughout the usually busy community. The body, discovered at approximately 6:30 a.m., has left both residents and authorities with more questions than answers, as the circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain shrouded in mystery. According to initial reports, the lifeless body was spotted by a pedestrian who was on their way to work. The passerby, upon noticing the motionless figure, immediately contacted the police. Eyewitnesses describe the scene as distressing, with several onlookers gathering as word spread about the discovery. The man appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s, but there were no immediate indications of his identity, as he carried no identification documents. The police arrived on the scene promptly, securing the area and diverting traffic to ensur...

World Dawg shot and friend killed

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, popular TikTok influencer "World Dawg" was shot in his hand during a tragic incident in Miramar, Florida, around 4 a.m. The shooting also claimed the life of one of his close friends, who was fatally wounded on the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a black BMW fleeing the area shortly after the shots were fired. The influencer, known for his humorous content and Jamaican roots, was taken to the hospital for treatment and is currently recovering. Authorities are investigating, but no suspects have been arrested yet.( Photo from Mckoy News and Sun Sentinel)

Ex Soldier killed girlfriend in club off South Odeon Ave

On October 10, 2023, a former soldier fatally shot his girlfriend, 29-year-old Rochelle Mason, at a nightclub off South Odeon Avenue in Kingston, Jamaica. The tragedy has left the community reeling and raised concerns about domestic violence and mental health issues. Rochelle Mason, a resident of Denver Crescent, was reportedly involved in a heated argument with her boyfriend, an ex-member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), inside the club. Eyewitnesses stated that the argument escalated quickly, and before anyone could intervene, the ex-soldier pulled out a firearm and shot Mason multiple times. Patrons of the club were left in shock and panic as the violent scene unfolded before them. Emergency services were called, but Mason was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the shooting, the ex-soldier fled the location, prompting an intense police search. He was later apprehended by authorities and is currently in custody, facing charges of murder. Police have launched an investigation ...

Juicy Beef Plaza set on fire in Mandeville

Today, a major fire broke out at Juici Beef Plaza in Mandeville, Jamaica, causing significant damage to the popular shopping and dining area. The fire, which reportedly started early in the morning, quickly spread throughout the plaza, leading to the destruction of several businesses, including the well-known Juici Patties restaurant, which is a local favorite for its patties and baked goods. Emergency services, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade, were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze. Initial reports estimate that the damage could run into millions of Jamaican dollars. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported at this time, though the full extent of the loss is still being assessed. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The fire has disrupted business operations in Mandeville, as the Juici Beef Plaza is a central hub for both locals and visitors. This incident comes as a significant blow to the community and the businesses th...

Andrew Holness pushes back against illicit enrichment law for public officials

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has come under fire for seeking to implement a law that prohibits illicit enrichment in a manner critics argue is unconstitutional. The controversial proposal aims to address the longstanding issue of corruption by targeting individuals who accumulate wealth beyond their legitimate earnings without offering a satisfactory explanation. However, legal experts and opposition voices have raised concerns that the proposed law could infringe on basic constitutional rights. Illicit enrichment laws typically require individuals, often public officials, to justify significant discrepancies between their declared income and their accumulated wealth. The Holness administration believes that this law would be a vital tool in fighting corruption, helping to ensure greater transparency in public office. However, critics argue that the current form of the legislation runs afoul of constitutional protections. The primary concern revolves around the burden o...