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Cop in viral video pulled from frontline duties

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said it has removed one of its members from frontline duties pending the outcome of a thorough investigation by the Inspectorate and Professional Oversight Bureau.

This after the lawman was identified in a viral video depicting an altercation following a motor vehicle collision. In a press release issued yesterday, the JCF noted that all parties involved have been identified and contacted.

"We take these allegations seriously and have taken immediate action," the JCF said. The force also said that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Security guard facing weapon charge

Twenty-three-year-old Tajay Nelson, a security guard of Carlos Road, Kingston 11, has been charged with possession of prohibited weapon following an incident at the intersection of Maxfield Avenue and Spanish Town Road on July 20.

Reports from the Denham Town police are that at 3:45 p.m., a patrol team signalled a Toyota Pro Box motor car to stop. The driver complied, and the passengers exited the vehicle, during which a bulge was observed in Nelson's waistband. A search was requested, and he complied. When searched, an imitation firearm was removed from his waistband. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody, where he was formally charged.

His court date is being finalised.

NHT expands cash refunds recipients

All eligible National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors can now receive their contribution refunds in cash.

Speaking with JIS ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É recently, Administrative Manager at the NHT, Shara Luke Cooper, said the policy change took effect on July 1. Previously, this cash refund option was exclusively available to public-sector workers, while contributions for other individuals were automatically applied to their mortgage accounts.

"With this change, all contributors will have the option to receive their refunds directly, provided their NHT accounts are current and not in arrears," Luke Cooper said.

Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, said applications must be submitted online via the NHT's website, nht.gov.jm, or the NHT mobile app, which is available on the Google Play and Apple Stores.

"If individuals face challenges navigating the online platforms, they (contributors) can visit NHT offices for assistance with downloading the app or guidance through the application process. However, all applications must be submitted online," Berbick explained.

Top PEP students receive prestigious scholarships

Rashmi Gibbore of Kensington Primary School in St Catherine and Myles Whittingham of Montego Bay Christian Academy in St James have emerged as the top girl and boy, respectively, for the 2025 sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).

Come September, Rashmi will be attending Ardenne High School in St Andrew, while Myles will matriculate to Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. Both students have been awarded the Guardian Group Foundation Scholarship, which will support them throughout their five-year tenure at high school.

The Education Ministry has announced that 32 Government scholarships have been awarded to top-performing students. The recipients of named Government scholarships are Damarcus Bennett of Angels Primary School, who was awarded the Marcus Garvey Scholarship; Haley Saunders of McIntosh Memorial Primary and Nalani Bailey of Southborough Primary schools, who received the JAG Smith Scholarship and the George William Gordon Scholarship, respectively; and Denisha Smith of Lyssons Primary School, who earned the Paul Bogle Scholarship.

Government of Jamaica scholarships were also granted to 14 boys and 14 girls. The boys awarded are: Adam Simpson, Alex Rainford, Gaville Goburn, Rhys Hanson, Liam Russell, Carson Campbell, Noah Thwaites, Kailani Brown, David Dunkley, Khael Davis, Derwin Hamil, Tanner Reid, Brandon Crookendale and Malique Elvy.

The girls are: Sarah Stimpson, Anushka Wisdom, Khaleesi Sherman, Sarita Desai, Hayley Harvey, Najaa Rattray, Emilia-Rose Leake, Aria Thomas, Zaria Stern, Carissa Chin, Tahlia Brown, Tenese Mowatt, Madison Murray and Hailey Cadogan. Other outstanding PEP students have also been awarded scholarships by several organisations.