THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: ASSISTANT CHIEF Ruel Stephenson, the highest-ranking Jamaican officer in the New York Police Department (NYPD), is facing allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation from a female subordinate in a lawsuit filed last Friday in Manhattan Supreme Court. Lt Mariela Matos-Leo, who works at the 24th Precinct, which is located in the same building as Manhattan North, has filed the lawsuit against Stephenson and the NYPD. Mariela Matos-Leo alleged that Stephenson sexually harassed her in 2022 and then tried to derail her career after she rebuffed his advances. In a May 2023 meeting, Stephenson reportedly told Matos-Leo that if he had the power, he would fire her because her “work is mediocre”, the lawsuit said. “It got to the point where people recognised me,” she said. “Everyone knew he would take any chance to drag me through the mud.” After that, Matos-Leo began putting in for transfers to various other units. Matos-Leo claims Stephenson’s alleged retaliation caused her to make less than male lieutenants and cost her as much as US$1.7 million in lost pension benefits, the lawsuit alleges. She further claims that in December 2023 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, Stephenson held a “best dressed” contest at a Christmas party, offering a US$700 prize and targeting female subordinates. “There was no prize for best dressed man,” said Matos-Leo of the holiday party contest. The lawsuit states that Stephenson, who commands Manhattan North and was one of the judges of the contest, attempted multiple times before the event to persuade Matos-Leo to attend. She chose to skip the event, citing that Stephenson’s persistent invitations made her feel as though he had “his sights on making her the conquest” of the event, she said in court papers. Matos-Leo alleges that after she didn’t attend, Stephenson’s behaviour towards her changed dramatically. She claims he belittled her at meetings, calling her incompetent in front of colleagues. According to the lawsuit, one sergeant allegedly told Matos-Leo, this is “how the Chief gets when he is rejected”. CRIMINAL COMPLAINT This lawsuit is not Matos-Leo’s first. In 2019, the 19-year veteran of the department claimed retaliation by other employees after filing a criminal complaint against her boyfriend, a fellow officer. That case was later settled. In her current lawsuit, Matos-Leo is seeking unspecified damages. The city’s Law Department has stated they will review the litigation once it is served. An NYPD spokesperson emphasised that the department does not tolerate sexual harassment and is committed to maintaining a respectful work environment. The department also offers various reporting options for employees, including anonymous submissions, the spokesperson added. Stephenson, the first Jamaican in NYPD history to be appointed as borough commander, has made significant contributions throughout his career. Born in Clarendon, he attended Race Course Primary before migrating to the US at age 10. He joined the NYPD in June 1995, starting as a patrol officer in the 70th Precinct. Over the years, he served in numerous precincts and bureaus, earning promotions from sergeant to assistant chief. Speaking with The Gleaner when he was made assistant chief, Stephenson said the appointment would put him in a position to affect how the NYPD interacts with the Jamaican community as there would now be someone in a position of authority who is sensitive to the cultural norms of the community and speaks its language. “My hard work and perseverance paid off. I am now in a position to effect change coming out of the police policies that affect our community in a fair and impartial way,” he said at the time. He said that members of the community are more at ease with the police when they have someone relatable to the community in charge. editorial@gleanerjm.com Lawsuit accuses J’can NYPD chief of sexual harassment, retaliation Assistant Chief NYPD – Ruel Stephenson. CONTRIBUTED TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL’S confirmation that Jamaica remains stuck in the bottom half of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), among the countries deemed to have a serious problem of governance and the management of state resources, ought to be a signal to the Government of the need for an urgent reset of its relations with the island’s anti-corruption agencies. Prime Minister Andrew Holness should start by seriously enforcing, and observing, his edict of two years ago against his legislators and party officials denigrating the Integrity Commission (IC); ensure an end to the dog whistles against the auditor general; and tell his members of parliament (MPs) to end their bid to neuter the IC to make it less transparent. Mr Holness should also signal that he would have no objection – although it is not his call – if the governor general, Sir Patrick Allen, chose to reappoint the IC’s chairman, Justice Seymour Panton, and Eric Crawford when their terms end later this month. Although, either way, the die on that matter has already been cast. Most people would be surprised, given the assault the IC has endured, if Justice Panton, a retired president of the Court of Appeal, and Mr Crawford, a former auditor, accepted an invitation to stay on, which is in Sir Patrick’s sole discretion. This newspaper hopes they would. If they are indeed moving on, we expect Sir Patrick to choose successors of equal integrity and strength, who are willing to speak truth to power and to transparently fulfil their obligations of their office, in accordance with the law. Transparency International is a global anti-corruption, good governance and transparency NGO, whose annual CPI has become an important benchmark of how countries are performing on the corruption front. CPI SCORES Using a matrix that covers issues such as financial disclosure rules for public officials, the prevalence of bribery, diversion of state funds, public-sector nepotism and the management of conflicts of interest, the CPI scores countries from zero to 100, where zero is very corrupt and 100 indicates an absence of public corruption. A score of below 50 says that a country has a serious corruption problem – or the perception thereof. In the index for 2024, published this week, Jamaica ranked 73rd of 180 countries, down four places from a year early. But more significant is the fact that the score of 44 which Jamaica recorded has been the same since 2017, the year it improved five points. Among its peers in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaica ranked behind Barbados (23rd, with a score of 68); The Bahamas (28th, with a score of 65); St Vincent (32nd, with a score of 63); Dominica (36th, with a score of 60); St Lucia (38th, with a score of 59); and Grenada (46th, with a score of 56). These rankings are important. While they are far from the sole basis on which foreigners make investments in countries, the credibility of the CPI causes it to be among the instruments relied upon when making such decisions. In other words, a good CPI adds to a country’s comparative advantage. More importantly, it helps to enhance citizens’ trust in leaders and public officials, which strengthens social cohesion. This perception of Jamaica is not new. However, it is deeply troubling that the island’s CPI score has been static over the seven years since its big jump, which coincided with Parliament’s approval of legislation to establish the Integrity Commission. It would be ironic if the Government’s attitude to, and fights with, the IC contributed to the lack of upward movement in the island’s CPI score. Anyone who has been the subject of adverse findings or conclusions by the IC has an absolute right to disagree with it, as loudly as they wish, as well as to challenge those findings/conclusions in court, as provided in law. It is another matter, however, for public officials to mount a sustained effort to weaken, to the point of dismantling, the commission. Which is the sense which many people have of what government members of Parliament have attempted since the IC’s clumsy handling, in early 2023, of a report of an investigation into whether Mr Holness influenced the award of contracts when he was education minister years earlier. RESET ON CORRUPTION EDITORIAL Will Mr. Damian Baker of a St. Elizabeth, Jamaica address or anyone knowing his whereabouts, kindly contact the Child Protection & Family Services Agency, 10 Hanover Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica at 876-301-4983. N O T I C E
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Will Mr. Keith Roberts, whose last known address is 31 Gols Road, Upper Darby, PA, 19082 anyone knowing of his whereabouts kindly contact the Family Court, 55A Duke Street, Kingston, Telephone # (876) 633-7107. NOTICE Kimone Francis/ Senior Staff Reporter FORMER US Ambassador Luis G. Moreno is defending the role played by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Jamaica, insisting that funding from the agency was used to do “much more” than strengthening advocacy for the LGBT community. Moreno, a 35-year career diplomat who served in Jamaica under the Barack Obama administration from 2015 to 2017, said people are choosing to focus on the work done by USAID for LGBT rights because this is a hot-button issue in Jamaica. He said the level of homophobia is high in Jamaica, noting that hostility and violence against gay people have been significant. “What we wanted to do was to create dialogue and have people speak to each other, exchange points of view, and also to promote equality in Jamaica like what was our policy throughout the world under the Obama administration,” Moreno told The Gleaner on Sunday. His comments follow criticisms levelled against the agency by Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who listed Jamaica among countries she said benefited wrongfully from USAID. Mace claimed that USAID was being used to fund and promote agendas which run counter to an America first policy. Last week, the South Carolina representative mentioned in a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing that USAID had allocated US$1.5 million (J$225 million) to strengthen support for LGBT rights in Jamaica. The agency has been a lightning rod for Republican critics and has landed in the cross hairs of the Donald Trump administration, which has been direct about gutting its programmes and reeling back global support for vulnerable communities in mostly developing countries. USAID is an independent government agency and the principal US organisation responsible for administering tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian aid overseas each year. It has been doing so for six decades. Nearly all foreign assistance has been frozen by Trump, who said the agency is being run by “radical lunatics”. Moreno, however, dismissed such claims, asserting that USAID’s work had positively impacted Jamaica and many countries worldwide. “We were very active in PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) between treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. We also did a lot of economic development for small businesses. We did good [for] governments,” said Moreno, recalling that USAID sponsored the leadership debate between Dr Andrew Holness and Portia Simpson Miller in the run-up to the 2016 general election. USAID’S INVOLVEMENT IN JA In addition, Moreno highlighted USAID’s involvement in anti-corruption initiatives as well as support for the Electoral Commission of Jamaica and disaster response efforts. “During a couple of storms, we’ve had what we call DART (disaster assistance and recovery) teams from USAID. We did coordination meetings. We did things like working with the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) and US SOUTHCOM (Southern Command) aircraft to transport JDF to places where there were natural disasters in the region. “It’s such a force for good and for helping people. I don’t see how anyone could be against it. It’s just mind-boggling,” said Moreno. He said criticisms of the agency are “very shortsighted”, pointing to, as an example, the more than US$1 billion in contracts provided to American farmers to supply food globally to people in need. He said as a result of the order halting USAID activities, food sat on ships rotting, leaving the people in Sudan, the Congo and Gaza who benefit from these programmes to starve. “All these people saying America first, it is kind of America first because what we’re doing is we’re showing the world what the United States is, and if we don’t do these things, China, Russia and Iran – the Middle East – they’re going to fill that vacuum and they’re going to have the influence,” he said. Critics of the Trump administration’s decision to clamp USAID have argued that the US runs the risk of ceding soft power to other major foreign powers many of which, they say, offer aid with strings attached. Moreno added that USAID ran programmes that targeted at-risk youth who could fall prey to terrorist groups as well as programmes in Central America to create economic conditions that prevent citizens from wanting to leave and immigrate northwards. He noted that these programmes are long-term and are not designed to work overnight, but said sometimes “unfortunately, in the US, we get tunnel vision and have to see instant results”. “The most tragic thing about this is that USAID is being portrayed as being corrupt, as being political [and] all these things. I can assure you, I spent 35 years working side by side, shoulder to shoulder with USAID officers, offices and programmes. It’s nothing of the sort,” the former ambassador asserted. He warned that such misconceptions, especially those spread on social media, harm both global development efforts and the US’s standing in the world. kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com MORE THAN GAY RIGHTS Former US Ambassador Moreno laments shortsightedness of USAID critics, says agency did far more work in Ja Former US Ambassador to Jamaica Luis G. Moreno. FILE Kimone Francis/Senior Staff Reporter A UNITED States congresswoman has listed Jamaica among countries she says are benefiting wrongfully from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, asserting that agendas which run counter to an America first policy are being promoted. Republican Nancy Mace, the South Carolina representative, used last Wednesday’s House Oversight and Government Reform hearing to rail against the US$50-billion agency established six decades ago to administer civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Mace argued that USAID, which the Donald Trump administration has moved to disband triggering panic globally, has long strayed from its mission to effectively and efficiently administer aid to advance American interest. “It has become rotten to its core, sacrificing the prudent use of taxpayer dollars at the altar of advancing radical, sinister, social and political agendas abroad,” Mace said. The congresswoman listed several countries in which she said USAID funding is being used to further these agendas, questioning whether they served America’s interest. Mace said USAID, which had a significant number of its programmes halted globally, funded discriminatory diverse, equity and inclusive initiatives and“extreme gender ideology to marginalise real bona fide biological women”. She said that for decades, while Americans suffered at home, USAID“pillaged and plundered”the American treasury by funding “some of the stupidest, just dumbest” initiatives. She questioned whether the use of US tax dollars in several countries put America first. “USAID awarded US$1.5 million (J$225 million) to fund strengthening community support structures to upscale LGBT rights advocacy in Jamaica. Does this advance our interest?” Mace asked of a panel of three governors. Two of the governors answered in the negative while one held no position. The question fell among a slew posed to the panel. She charged that the US foreign assistance system is “badly broken” and insisted that this would end now. USAID suspended its programme globally on January 24, following an order from the US Department of State, though several implementing agencies have been granted limited waivers to continue with those considered life-saving humanitarian assistance. CONTINUANCE OF PROGRAMME Last Wednesday, USAID wrote to the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, instructing that its Faculty of Medical Sciences, through Health Connect Jamaica (HCJ), could continue with its programme to expand access and utilisation of high-quality HIV-specific primary health services. USAID granted US$4 million to the programme, 10 per cent of which went to UWI to oversee its operations. The funding was to cover four years, from 2024 to 2028, and to focus on HIV and global health initiatives. However, it forbade the university, in the February 5 letter to Mona Campus Principal Professor Densil Williams, from undertaking work outside of life-saving humanitarian assistance for HIV. “UWI/HCJ will not undertake activities related to abortion services, family planning, conferences, administrative costs outside the scope outlined in the attachment, or programmes centred on gender; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); transgender surgeries; or other forms of non-lifesaving assistance,” the letter said. It is not clear if HCJ had ever focused on or promoted programmes outside of its work to assist HIV patients. “For purposes of this limited waiver, life-saving humanitarian assistance applies only to: Delivery of life-saving HIV care and treatment services through support for health workers (doctors, nurses, and other clinical and community health workers, etc.) delivering or monitoring HIV care and treatment to ensure continuity of service provision. These workers deliver care at hospitals, primary healthcare clinics, faith-based clinics, and community settings … . “This limited waiver does not apply to activities that involve abortions, family planning, conferences, administrative costs other than those covered by above, gender or DEI ideology programs, transgender surgeries, or other non-lifesaving assistance,” the document outlined. On Friday, a federal judge handed President Donald Trump and billionaire supporter Elon Musk their first significant setback in efforts to dismantle USAID. US District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, ruled to temporarily halt plans to remove thousands of USAID staff members from their positions. The judge also blocked an order that would have forced thousands of USAID workers stationed overseas to take administrative leave and relocate their families back to the US within 30 days, at the government’s expense. The judge stated that these actions would unnecessarily expose US workers, along with their families, to undue risk and financial burden. kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com Republican Nancy Mace questions USAID’s use of US tax dollars in Jamaica Nancy Mace AP
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Kimone Francis/ Senior Staff Reporter AN 11TH-HOUR limited waiver from the US Department of State has halted a decision by The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, to lay off at least 20 persons employed to Health Connect Jamaica (HCJ), following the shuttering of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Last Wednesday, the workers, mostly contract, were told of UWI’s decision during a virtual meeting with senior personnel from the university – which in January 2021 signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to govern the operations of HCJ. HCJ, which has a mandate to expand access and utilisation of high-quality HIVspecific primary health services in the private health sector, was being funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID. The network was comprised of private clinicians, laboratories, psychologists, and the HCJ care team. HCJ operations were being conducted as a special project of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) UWI, Mona. Only last year, USAID granted US$4 million to the programme, 10 per cent of which went to UWI to oversee its operations. The funding was to cover four years, from 2024 to 2028, and to focus on HIV and global health initiatives. ‘NO WARNING’ “They said they laying us off for 120 days and, if it is that USAID comes back with anything, depending on the terms of the new agreement, they will revise our contracts and offer us back a job,” one worker told The Gleaner following the meeting. “There was no warning, no contingency plan, we just deh here. I just don’t know,” said the worker, who did not want to be identified. Attempts by The Gleaner to reach Dr Geoffery Barrow, principal investigator and director of HCJ, for comment on the development were unsuccessful. Barrow had initially agreed to speak on the impact USAID’s shutdown would have on the local project but could not be later reached for comment. In an email Barrow sent to clinicians last week, which was seen by The Gleaner, the group was told that a stop-work order was put in place by USAID. He told the group that the suspension was as a result of the US secretary of state’s executive order on review of foreign assistance programme dated January 24, 2025 concerning all foreign assistance awards. “We have written to request further clarification, specifically related to our contractual relationship with you and the consequences to our clients, and we were awaiting the same before communicating with you,” Barrow said in the email. “However, as these have not yet been forthcoming, we must proceed with the strictest of definitions, whereby no services can continue to be delivered under this project. However, I am sure your clients will greatly appreciate your support in ensuring continuous access to ART and any other services you may be willing to provide. Needless to say, these are unprecedented times. At HCJ, we remain committed to our patients and all our partners, and we appreciate your continued support.” Since that email, the Donald Trump administration announced that, effective 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programmes. The notice was posted to the partially defunct website of USAID and is the latest move in the sudden dismantling of the six-decade aid agency by returning political appointees in Trump’s first term and billionaire Elon Musk’s government-efficiency teams, who call much of the spending on programmes overseas wasteful. Musk described USAID, a $50-billiona-year foreign aid agency, as a “bowl of worms” with nothing to salvage. LIMITED WAIVER GRANTED But in a letter dated February 2, 2025 from a USAID representative to Professor Densil Williams, principal of UWI, the entity said a limited waiver had been granted for HCJ to continue work related only to life-saving humanitarian assistance for HIV. “UWI/HCJ will not undertake activities related to abortion services, family planning, conferences, administrative costs outside the scope outlined in the attachment, or programs centred on gender; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); transgender surgeries; or other forms of non-lifesaving assistance,” the letter said. Concerns have been raised about the vacuum being created with the halting of USAID and the possibility of other superpowers filling that void. For 2025, USAID requested from Congress US$5 million to fund health development assistance in Jamaica. A further US$4 million was requested for economic support fund, and US$750,000 for military education. In a January 24, 2025 letter to Barrow, USAID had ordered the suspension of the project which, it said, would remain in effect until further notice. Barrow was told to immediately cease all activities related to the identified scope of programme description; protect and secure all project materials, work-in-progress, equipment, and documentation; provide a detailed inventory of completed and in-progress work within five business days; and submit a summary of costs incurred up to the effective date of the suspension, including any anticipated expenses for demobilisation or other related costs. PROGRAMMES IN LIMBO But that programme is not the only one in limbo. In September 2024, USAID launched a $470 million (US$3 million) Youth Empower Activity (EMPOWER) initiative designed to foster sustainable development and positive growth for Jamaica’s most at-risk youth. The five-year programme, implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC), served to address critical barriers faced by youth in underserved communities, including limited access to education, training, and employment. Questions emailed by The Gleaner to Siobhan Murphy, chief operating officer and interim CEO at the EDC, were not immediately answered. The Gleaner was told that Murphy was locked in an hours-long meeting with the board of trustees. The Gleaner has also learnt that another USAID-funded agency, which works within Jamaica’s civil society sector, collaborating with the government USAID RELIEF! • 11th-hour limited waiver halts layoff of UWI staff amid USAID shuttering; other aid programmes still in limbo • PM to address development as gov’t declares ‘we have to be independent’ Priya Kathpal, right, and Taylor Williamson, who work for a company doing contract work for the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, carry signs outside the USAID headquarters in Washington, Monday, February 10, 2025. AP Please see USAID, 7
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 5 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: THE JAMAICAN Canadian Association (JCA) recognised three individuals for contributions to community building during its Black History Month event held under the theme ‘Legacy and Resilience: Celebrating the Black Canadian Experience.’ Superintendent Stacy Clarke, Captain (Ret’d) Kevin Junor, and Nicholas Marcus Thompson were recipients of community service awards “in recognition of their outstanding dedication and invaluable contribution to Canada and the Black community”. The JCA’s annual Black History Month celebration, its Boonoonoonos Brunch, was held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre on February 9. Superintendent Clarke is currently a member of the Toronto Police Service Information Management Unit. Her diverse policing career has included working in primary and community response units, intelligence, homicide, criminal investigative bureau, professional standards, and the Toronto Police College. For many years, she co-chaired the Police and Community Engagement Review (PACER) Committee for the Toronto Police Service and is also known for implementing Ontario’s street check legislation. The 28-year police veteran is a 2018 Civic Action Fellow and one of the ‘100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women’ for 2018. “I’m incredibly humbled. It is no secret some of the challenges I’ve had over the last couple of years but just eternally blessed. I have support from a strong community, and I think at this stage of my career and for the things that I’ve seen you realise how important it is to continue to give back to your community and to continue to work towards building community trust. I won’t stop doing that, so I’m incredibly honoured,” said Clarke. TRANSFORMATIVE EFFORTS Captain Junor’s military career spans almost 40 years, notably as regimental sergeant major with the Toronto Scottish Regiment – the first black individual appointed to this position in the regiment, later an officer in The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. Beyond military service, he has made significant contributions to community safety in Ontario and serves as citizen security sector lead on the Global Jamaican Diaspora Council. His leadership contributed to the Government of Canada’s historic apology to the descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the only allblack battalion in Canadian military history. “It’s a blessing to be honoured by the community. It’s not other individuals who don’t really know our culture or customs. This is home, this is yard, saying here’s a young man that came up through the system and he’s done something that we should recognise him, so I’m blessed and really honoured to be recognised,” said Junor, who is also a retired deputy superintendent from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Earlier this year, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario. Thompson is a trailblazing human rights advocate whose work addresses systemic discrimination both nationally and globally. As president and CEO of the Black Class Action Secretariat, he leads transformative efforts to combat anti-black racism. Under his leadership, litigation was launched against 99 Canadian federal departments for systemic discrimination against black workers, driving historic legislative and policy reforms to promote equity and inclusion. On the global stage, Thompson has addressed the United Nations multiple times, challenging systemic discrimination and advocating for justice. “It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award. I stand on the shoulders of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, named after him, I feel very strongly about the work that we do pursuing justice, economic freedom, and prosperity for people of African descent not only in Canada but around the world,” said Thompson. POWERFUL REMINDER Keynote speaker Alethia O’HaraStephenson, who is from St Ann, Jamaica, said the legacy and teachings of Marcus Garvey continue to ring true today. “His message is a powerful reminder of our collective potential and the enduring strength of unity,” said the founder and president of the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association. O’Hara-Stephenson advised everyone to recognise that their legacy is not just a testament to where they have been but a blueprint for where they are going. Chris Campbell, president of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 – the first black person to hold that position in its 140-year history – was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his exceptional service to Canada. “Black History Month offers us a special opportunity to reflect on out shared history, honour the resilience of our ancestors, and celebrate the incredible contributions of black Canadians to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of this country. Today, we come together not only to reflect but to uplift one another and to recommit ourselves to advancing justice and equity for generations to come,” said JCA president David Betty. There was an exhibition on Marcus Garvey mounted at the back of the hall where over 300 people gathered. Consul General Kurt Davis said Garvey’s vision, courage, and leadership have inspired generations, not just in Jamaica but across the world.“Garvey’s message of black empowerment, self-reliance, and pride in our heritage still resonates today,” he said while referencing the posthumous pardon of Garvey by President Joe Biden. Jamaican Canadian Association presents awards at Black History Month celebration Three of the six honourees and the AstroSankofa Arts initiatives artists who created the portraits. From left: Adonis Huggins, Jason O’Brien, Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Boloebi Charles Okah, Jamera DaCosta, Angela Robertson, Shannia Lewis, Ugonna Ikechi, and Quentin VerCetty. Artist Jasana Alleyne is missing. ASTROSANKOFA Derrick Scott/Contributor NEW YORK: Valerie Bailey, Esq took office this past January 12 as the new president of the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J), a long-standing philanthropic organisation of Jamaicans. She agreed to carry forward the torch Owen Eccles held as he led the organisation for the past two years. BAILEY WAS installed along with the slate of executive officers during the official JON-J Installation Church Service at Rehoboth Pentecostal Church in Trenton, NJ. The officers include vice-presidents Jazz ClaytonHunt and Sharon Lewars; recording secretary Janet Ximines; treasurer Donovan Cameron; and public relations officer Claudia Nelson Woodard. Additional State Board members are Lynval James, president emeritus; Samual Cherrington, vice-president emeritus; and trustees Owen Eccles, Jacqueline Lewis, Patrick Reid, and Stephanie Robertson. JON-J’s mission is to empower Jamaicans and their descendants to maintain a cultural identity within their New Jersey communities through relationships within the business, civic, educational, religious, and international arenas. This enables the organisation to promote recreational activities and assist in the development and improvement of community-related projects in Jamaica and across the state of New Jersey. “Serving as president of JON-J over the past two years has been an absolute honour and a privilege,”said Eccles. “I am proud of the work I have done alongside an effective team of leaders and advocates for the organisation and the Jamaican community on a whole. I look forward to continuing my service as a member of the State Board and I am excited to pass the baton to Ms Bailey. THOUGHTFUL LEADERSHIP Bailey kick-started the year as president with an official all-members meeting that took place on January 25, 2025, at the Essex County Board Room in West Orange, NJ. At that meeting, she shared her goals and vision for the organization as well as for the 2025 programme year. In her remarks as incoming president, Bailey stated: “My goal is to provide thoughtful leadership Jamaica Organization of New Jersey gets new president, executive board Please see NEW, 9
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 “CULTURE IS not a brand.” The words rang through the Assembly Hall at the University of the West Indies (UWI), as Professor Anthony Bogues, ASA Messer Professor of Humanities of African Studies at Brown University, challenged Jamaica’s modern marketing narrative. “Everywhere I go in Jamaica, I hear people tell me about the Jamaica brand,” Bogues declared during the third annual Rex Nettleford Distinguished Lecture on February 3 at the UWI. “It may be used for marketing, but culture is not a brand.” Instead, Bogues painted a vivid picture of Caribbean culture as a living, breathing tapestry woven from centuries of resistance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of dignity. Drawing from historical wells deep as the Caribbean Sea itself, he traced a cultural lineage from the maroon communities to modern artistic expressions. The Caribbean people, he noted, citing C.L.R. James, “are a rebellious people, but not a revolutionary people.” This distinction, far from being a criticism, illuminates the unique way Caribbean peoples have fought for their humanity – not through violent upheaval, but through cultural resistance and the creation of spaces for dignity. From the steel pan of Trinidad to Jamaica’s reggae, from Cuba’s Afroreligious art forms to Martinique’s literary giants, Bogues illustrated how the region’s cultural power has consistently emerged from below, not from the top or middle classes. This “battle for space,” as Rex Nettleford termed it, continues to shape Caribbean society today. The lecture challenged contemporary economic thinking, particularly criticising the Washington Consensus and neoliberalism’s attempt to reduce human beings to “commodities of desire”. Quoting Nettleford himself, Bogues emphasised that innovation doesn’t exclusively reside in credentials from Harvard, Chicago, or Oxbridge. FOUNDATION OF CARIBBEAN CIVILISATION As the Caribbean grapples with various crises, Bogues argued that the path forward lies in recognising culture not as a marketable commodity, but as the foundation of Caribbean civilisation itself. This civilisation, he reminded his audience, emerged despite deep adversities, adapting African traditions to new conditions until they became uniquely Caribbean. The lecture, sponsored by Sagicor, concluded with a poignant reminder of the region’s painful history through a song: “Sacred babble tree, lost your children to the sea. Taken from the land, many rains are gone.” Yet this acknowledgment of past trauma was balanced with recognition of the remarkable cultural life that has emerged from the “people below” – a testament to survival, creativity, and the enduring human spirit. A pivotal moment in this cultural journey, Bogues revealed, was the 1956 First Black Writers and Artists Conference at the Sorbonne in Paris, which brought together luminaries, including Martinique’s Aimé Césaire, Barbados’ George Lamming, and Haiti’s Jean-Price Mars, who chaired the proceedings. The declaration emerging from this historic meeting emphasised African and African diasporic culture as essential forces for liberation and solidarity. This vision proved prophetic, as Bogues illustrated how cultural awakening preceded and powered anti-colonial movements across both Africa and the Caribbean. “Full decolonisation is in large measure a cultural act, as it is a recognition of history,” Bogues emphasised, citing writers Frantz Fanon and Amilcar Cabral. He pointed to cultural explosions that preceded liberation movements – from Barbados’ BIM magazine to Jamaica’s Focus, from Cuba’s avant-garde art to Haiti’s Indigenous Movement. This understanding of culture as the bedrock of political and social transformation challenges contemporary attempts to reduce Caribbean culture to a mere marketing tool. Instead, it demands recognition of culture’s role in what Bogues calls “the re-Africanization of the African soul” – an essential ingredient in any genuine process of liberation. In a moving appeal to the gathering, chairman of the Rex Nettleford Foundation, P.J. Patterson, called for generous donations to support the foundation’s vital mission. “Support scholars and programmes that strengthen West Indian society in the areas of social and cultural development,” he urged. “We will continue to give bursaries to produce young leaders who grasp the importance of public service. We will be able to support students who have a desire to protect the weak, and who will use their energies and talents for the betterment of humankind.” The lecture, delivered on what would have been Professor Rex Nettleford’s 92nd birthday, drew a distinguished audience that reflected the breadth of his influence across academia, arts, civil society and the private sector. P.J. Patterson extended the welcome and Professor Densil Williams, Principal of the UWI, in addressing the gathering introduced the distinguished speaker. Milton Samuda, chairman of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), moved the vote of thanks. Also in attendance were Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, former People’s National Party president Dr Peter Phillips and Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake. Pro vice chancellors and other academic leaders, as well as Daidre SloleyMcKay and Chorville Johnson-Vaughn of Sagicor, joined in marking this celebration of Nettleford’s enduring legacy and his vision of culture as a transformative force in Caribbean society. Born on February 3, 1933, Professor Ralston Milton ‘Rex’ Nettleford was a Jamaican scholar, social critic, choreographer, and Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the UWI. He died on February 2, 2010, four hours before his 77th birthday. ‘Caribbean culture is not a brand’ … Prof Bogues challenges marketing of region’s soul ATLANTA, GEORGIA: The Caribbean community in the USA in general and the state of Georgia, in particular, has long been recognised for its extraordinary approach to development through professionalism and philanthropy. It is that mantra that has provided the backdrop and context for the creation of the Atlanta Caribbean Awards Banquet since 2021. Fuelled by the care and concern expressed by individuals and organisations at the height of the pandemic, founders Wesley Graham and Dr Robert Shaw, felt the time was most opportune to reveal the true identities of the persons and organisations helping the reimagining of life post-COVID-19. According to the soft-spoken yet well-intentioned Graham, a Jamaican originally from Westmoreland and residing in the Peach State since 1997, “Our fourth anniversary awards banquet, celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things, will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Front Page Event Centre, located at 8020 Rockbridge Road, SW, Lithonia.” Alrick ‘Ali’ McNab, a trailblazer in the field of sports and current adviser to the Government of Jamaica, will be the guest speaker at the formal event. “The list of nominees for 2025 is still being vetted and finalised and will include persons with deep Caribbean roots who have and continue to impact the lives of others in very meaningful ways,” offered the Rev Dr Robert Shaw, senior pastor at the Gwinnett International Church, Lawrenceville Ga. This year’s nominees will come from the areas of sports, humanities, entertainment and the cultural arts, education, journalism and media arts and religion. Early bird tickets for the event will go on sale through to the end of February and can be purchased online at by calling 770-276-8077; e – shawrobert92@ gmail.com. Lithonia to host fourth Atlanta Caribbean Awards Banquet Professor Anthony Bogues
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS MISSED 7 [ NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED ] Usain Bolt. FILE Jeffrey Shuttleworth, pastor of Tarrant Baptist Church. FILE Bolt considers escalating SSL issue to recover his US$6.2m TRACK AND field legend Usain Bolt says he will not remain silent for much longer after waiting two years without any clarity on the status of US$6.2 million (J$950 million) that was defrauded from his company’s account at investment firm Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL). The world record holder in the men’s 100m and 200m sprints has also expressed disappointment that the Jamaican Government, as he puts it, has not done more to ensure he recovers the funds invested under his holding company Welljen, given his contribution to Brand Jamaica. Recalling that he was in the middle of a personal care session, Bolt said his manager and close friend Nugent Walker contacted him with the news that left him shell shocked. The sprint icon is among more than 30 clients defrauded at the problem-plagued firm, which had come up on the state-run Financial Services Commission’s radar for several infractions that were never brought to the public. The multimillion-dollar fraud and irregularities which were uncovered at the company in January 2023 ballooned past US$30 million, or J$4.7 billion, with a probe into SSL’s affairs determining that more than 200 accounts were impacted. BOLT’S COMPANY initially invested the US$6.2 million, which reportedly grew to US$12.7 million. to create and implement policies to reduce the prevalence of child labour in the country, has also been impacted by the shutdown. “Uncertainty is not a nice feeling; it’s uncomfortable not knowing what lies ahead of you. That’s how I am feeling now, seeing that USAID NGO projects have been suspended mid contract indefinitely,” a local correspondent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted. “We can only pray and hope for the best going forward. In this situation where these contracts are suspended, there are field staff in vulnerable communities [who] were expected to be paid on a weekly basis [who] are severely impacted negatively.” Other non-governmental organisations, including EveForLife, Jamaica Aids Support for Life, and the Jamaican Network for Seropositives, have also been impacted. In an Instagram post, EveForLife noted that it remains open and is offering its suite of services. Efforts by The Gleaner to reach representatives for the respective NGOs were unsuccessful. ‘NOBODY COMING TO OUR RESCUE’ The Ministry of Health and Wellness did not immediately respond to questions raised by The Gleaner in an email about the number of its programmes impacted by the halt in US aid and its intended response. During Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, said Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is expected to speak on the USAID development. Still, she said the United States of America, and any other country for that matter, maintains a sovereign right to make decisions that suit them. “The prime minister has consistently spoken about economic resilience and us not being dependent on anyone. That is important because, as an independent country, we need to be able to stand on our own two feet. It’s very important to remember that there is nobody coming to our rescue. We have to be independent,” she said. kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com USAID Continued from, 4 Local pastor says truth will come out in church land dispute PASTOR JEFFREY Shuttleworth says the “truth” will come out in a legal battle between him and the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) over the ownership of the Tarrant Baptist Church (TBC) property in St Andrew. “The matter will be manifestly aired in the court and then the truth will come out,” he said Monday on TBC’s radio station. He was speaking as church members protested the purported decay in social and Christian values in Jamaica outside Emancipation Park in New Kingston. The firebrand pastor, known for his radical and ultra-conservative preaching, triggered alarm with revelations in court documents that he intends to apply to the National Land Agency to have the property at 51 Molynes Road registered in his name. “There are no proprietary rights in the JBU over the property,” he said in his affidavit. He asserted that century-old Tarrant Baptist Church “was” a member of the JBU and that he “has been the pastor there and exercising all rights of ownership over the land and building”. According to the Tax Administration Jamaica website, the one-acre lot has an undeveloped value of $50 million and is owned by the “Baptist Church”. Churches are exempt from property taxes. Gov’t approves bill to make Portmore a parish despite Opposition’s robust protest THE GOVERNMENT has successfully pushed through legislation to establish Portmore as Jamaica’s 15th parish despite strong objections from the Opposition during Tuesday’s debate in the House of Representatives. The bill, which amends the Counties and Parishes Act of 1867, was passed using the Government’s supermajority, marking what would be the first creation of a new parish in over 150 years. The debate in Parliament was highly contentious, culminating in a walkout by Opposition members before the final vote to move the bill out of the committee stage. The legislation was ultimately approved with one amendment. Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, who piloted the bill, emphasised that the move was not merely about increasing the number of parishes but rather a historic step in post-colonial Jamaica. Among the key provisions of the bill, it outlines the official designation of Portmore as a parish, including Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore as its parish capital. It also excludes specific areas such as Lakes Pen, Grange Lane, Lime Tree Grove, and Quarry Hill and provides for the creation of a new map of Portmore and a formal description of the city. Aerial view of sections of Portmore. IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER Man City backs Shaw after striker receives ‘racist and misogynistic’ messages MANCHESTER CITY forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been subjected to “racist and misogynistic” abuse on social media, the club has said. City said the Jamaica international was targeted after Sunday’s game (February 2) against Arsenal and that it would give her its full support “following the disgusting treatment she’s received”. Shaw is one of the top women’s football players in the world and was making her 100th appearance for City in the 3-4 loss to Arsenal. City did not expand on the content of the messages, but said they had been forwarded to authorities. “Discrimination of any kind, either in stadiums or online, will not be tolerated and has absolutely no place inside or outside the game,” City said in a statement. A LITTLE over a year after allegedly shooting two young children and killing their father before fleeing Jamaica and crossing the United States-Mexico border, a reputed gang leader was deported last Thursday. Just four days later, he was charged in connection with the crime. The deportee, 33-year-old Rasheim ‘Shem’ Brown, a resident of Regent Street, Kingston 14, was one of four individuals handed over to local authorities at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston after his arrival and processing. On Monday, Brown was formally charged with the murder of 55-year-old Mark McKenzie. In addition to murder, he faces charges of two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony. Deportee on murder rap IMMIGRATION AND human rights lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie, a leading advocate for the Windrush generation, has called on the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to launch a statutory public inquiry into the 2017 Windrush Scandal. McKenzie’s demand was made in a formal letter addressed to the home secretary that outlined the urgent need for a fully independent and legally empowered investigation into the Windrush Scandal, arguing that previous reviews have failed to deliver justice for victims. McKenzie said: “The Home Office has had five years to resolve these issues, and yet there are still people who have not obtained their immigration status and or compensation, and amongst those who have, there are still those who suffer from trauma brought on by not fully understanding the causes of the scandal. “The time has come for a statutory public inquiry to establish the truth, identify accountability, and ensure this never happens again. There has been no effective investigation into the violations suffered by Windrush victims. Time is of the essence. A statutory inquiry is essential to uncover the full extent of what happened and prevent future injustices.” Lawyer calls for public inquiry into Windrush scandal Jacqueline McKenzie, human rights lawyer CONTRIBUTED
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 8
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 15, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | CLASSIFIEDS 9 601 LEGAL NOTICES 601 LEGAL NOTICES 601 LEGAL NOTICES 601 LEGAL NOTICES 601 LEGAL NOTICES 601 LEGAL NOTICES 600 LEGAL 574 SALE LOTS RES. / COMM. / ISLAND WIDE 562 SALE HOUSES / APTS ISLAND WIDE 560 SALE HOUSES / APTS ST. CATHERINE 550 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 840 CONNECTIONS 36 room partially completed resort in Retreat Heights, Trelawny; close proximity to tourist attractions and hotels; sea view. US$900,000.00 MLS# 84486 Tel# 876809 4925 (2023 DL/ 0853) GRiShop#8 Princeville Pz (10) 1. 1.875 Acres Highlands Spring Farm, Rose Hall, Mobay $89M (Resort Area option to subdivide into 3 lots, 24 hour security, sea view) MLS#80985 Tel# 876809 4925 (2023 DL/ 0853) GRiShop#8 Princeville Pz (10) 1 Two storey 5b/4bth house Green Acres, St. Catherine $55M (Clean, well manicured lawn with gazebo, ready to move in) MLS #85744 Tel#480 8609 (2023 DL/0853) GRi Shop#8 P/ville Pz (10) NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA IN CIVIL DIVISION CLAIM NO. SU2024CV02194 IN THE MATTER of the ALL THAT PARCEL of land situated at Lot 2 Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz P.O. St. Elizabeth and registered at Volume 1469 Folio 278 of the Register Book of Titles AND IN THE MATTER of the Partition Act AND IN THE MATTER of the Limitation of Actions Act of Jamaica, 1881 BETWEEN EASTON MCKINLEY CLAIMANT AND ORVILLE THOMPSON DEFENDANT TO: ORVILLE THOMPSON Santa Cruz Santa Cruz P.O. St. Elizabeth TAKE NOTICE that an action was commenced on the 15th day of May, 2024 in the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica against you, Orville Thompson in the Claim No. SU2024CV02194 wherein the Claimant, Easton McKinley, seeks reliefs in respect of All That Parcel of Land situated at Lot 2 Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz P.O., St. Elizabeth and registered at Volume 1469 Folio 278 of the Register Book of Titles. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT on the 16th day of September, 2024 the Court made on order that Personal Service of the Fixed Date Claim Form, Affidavit in Support and accompanying documents is dispensed with and that service of said documents on you, Orville Thompson, be effected by way of two (2) publications of Notice of Proceedings one (1) week apart in the Jamaica Gleaner and the North American Edition. It was further ordered that you, Orville Thompson, file an Acknowledgement of Service within twentyeight (28) days and a Defence within fiftysix (56) days after the second publication of this Notice of Proceedings at the Registry of the Supreme Court of Judicature, King Street, Kingston, failing which the Court may enter judgment against you. The First Hearing of the Fixed Date Claim Form is adjourned to November 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. for thirty (30) minutes, and will be heard together as one with Claim No. SU2023CV02128. You, the Defendant, Orville Thompson, or your Attorney-at-Law may contact Christine Nunes Law Suite, Attorneys-atLaw for the Claimant at the Business District, 22B Old Hope Road, Kingston 5, St. Andrew; Telephone: (876)3884647 or (876)339-1683; Email: letstalk(@ cnuneslawsuite.com to obtain a copy of the documents. It is requested that attention be drawn to this NOTICE by anyone knowing the whereabouts of the person to whom it is addressed. Dated the 8th day of November, 2024 T. Bailey .................. REGISTRAR FILED by CHRISTINE NUNES LAW SUITE of The Business District, 22B Old Hope Road, Kingston 5, St. Andrew for the Claimant and whose telephone number is (876) 339-1683 and (876) 388-4647 and email address is letstalk@ cnuneslawsuite.com Attention: Christine Nunes, Attorney. ------------------------------------- 04 February, 2025 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2600621 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 959 Folio: 210 Lot: 190 Place: No. 15 Waterhouse Drive Parish: St. Andrew Registered proprietor(s): Clement Bennett L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles ------------------------------------- NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA IN THE FAMILY DIVISION CLAIM NO. SU2023FD03839 BETWEEN SANDY RENNAE BYRDGRINEL PETITIONER AND NEWTON ORLANDO GRINEL RESPONDENT RESPONDENT TO: NEWTON ORLANDO GRINEL 995 Capitol Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut United States of America TAKE NOTICE that a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage by the Petitioner SANDY RENNAE BYRDGRINEL of Grove Town District, Grove Town Post Office in the parish of Manchester has been filed in the Honourable Court endorsed with a Notice addressed to you to file and serve an Acknowledgement of Service either in person or by your Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Supreme Court, King Street, Kingston, Jamaica West Indies within t Twenty Eight (28) of the second occasion of publication of the Notice of Proceedings in The North America Gleaner or an answer to the petition within 56 days of the second occasion of publication of the Notice of Proceedings in The North America Gleaner. IN DEFAULT of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said Petition and pronounce Judgment in your absence notwithstanding. DATED THIS 8th DAY OF November 2024 N.B. It is requested that attention be drawn to this Notice by anyone knowing the whereabouts of the person to whom it is addressed. FILED BY ROBERTSON SMITH LEDGISTER & COMPANY. ATTORNEYSAT-L.AW OF LOT 15 LEADERS PLAZA, MANDEVILLE IN THE PARISH OF MANCHESTER; TELEPHONE NUMBERS 8786-899-2099; 876-8926666, 876-276-9337. EMAIL ADDRESS: lawofficebelindaleeharriott @gamil.com. (Attention: Mrs. Belinda Lee-Harriott, Attorney’s Number-666 ------------------------------------ 16 April, 2024 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2515247 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 992 Folio: 552 Place: Part of Parochial Pasture Lands Parish: St. Catherine Registered proprietor(s): Enid Clarke The following transactions lodged with this application will be registered pursuant to section 81 of the RTA: Application to be Registered on Transmission 2515245 Transfer 2515246 L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles ------------------------------------- Plaint CL2023CV00229 Mycordo Adgar v Everton Brown, Linden Thomas, Lancelot Riley, Desmond Thompson, Dwayne Ayton TAKE NOTICE DWAYNE AYTON that action has been filed against you in the Clarendon Parish Court in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies by Mycordo Adgar whose address is in c/o Treshia Griffiths & Co Attorneyat-Law of Suite No 8, 40 Shortwood Road, Kingston 8, St. Andrew, Jamaica, West Indies for damages for negligence arising out of a motor vehicle accident which occurred on the 3rd day of August 2019 along Bustamante Highway in the parish of Clarendon involving Toyota Caldina Registered 9786DF driven by Everton Brown owned by Linden Thomas, Toyota Yaris Registered 8299HX driven by Lancelot Rily owned by Desmond Thompson & Nissan Sunny Registered 6916HR driven and owned by Dwayne Ayton, requiring you to appear before the court to answer to plaint. TAKE NOTICE that the Summons, Plaint Note, Particulars of Claim, Notice of Intention to Tender into Evidence Hearsay Statements Made in Documents are deemed to be served upon you by this advertisement. You are required to enter appearance either in person or through an attorney-at-law at the Clarendon Parish Court holden May Pen on the 24th February 2025 at 10:00am. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to hear the claim and pronounce judgment, your absence notwithstanding. TRESHIA GRIFFITHS & CO Attorney-at-law for the Plaintiff Dated the 7th day of November 2024 ------------------------------------- Jamaican single female Christian seeking to connect with like minded individuals, preferably 50 years and over. WhatsApp 876 403 6901. FORMAL ORDER IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA CIVIL DIVSION CLAIM NO. SU2022CV01906 IN THE MATTER OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REGISTERED AT VOLUME 1334 FOLIO 938 OF THE REGISTER BOOK OF TITLES. AND IN THE MATTER OF the Limitation of Actions Act BETWEEN YVONNE ALLEN BRUCE CLAIMANT AND ELSA MULLINGS DEFENDANT IN CHAMBERS VIA VIDEO CONFERENCE BEFORE THE HONOURABLE MISS JUSTICE T. CARR THE 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2024 UPON THIS MATTER COMING ON FOR HEARING on this 1ST day of OCTOBER 2024 and upon hearing MISS KARA R. GRAHAM, Attorney-at-law for the Claimant. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Fixed Date Claim Form is scheduled for hearing on the 25th February 2025 at 3:00 p.m. for one (1) hour; 2. Unless the Defendant files an affidavit in reply to the claim by the 31st October 2024, the matter will proceed as undefended; 3. Costs of today to be costs in the claim; 4. Claimant’s Attorney-atLaw is to prepare, file and serve this order. BY THE COURT JUDGE EXTRACTED by KARA R. GRAHAM of Suite No. 3, 22G Old Hope Road, Kingston 5, Attorney-atLaw for and on behalf of the Claimant herein whose address for service is that of her said Attorney-at-Law whose telephone numbers are (876) 476-5618/ 776-7826; email address karagraham22@hotugail.com ------------------------------------- 24 December, 2024 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2595348 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 1173 Folio: 91 Lot No: 37 Place: Parts of Angels, Coles Pen, Ebony Pen and Pengelley’s Run, The Stewarty, Cremona and Wynters Pen called Fairfield Parish: St. Catherine Registered proprietor (s): Icilder Bryan L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Title ------------------------------------- NOTICE OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF JAMAICA N FAMILY DIVISION CLAIM NO. SU2024 FD 01040 BETWEEN AMELE ALICIA FORREST-JUNIOR PETITIONER AND SEAN ANTHONEY JUNIOR RESPONDENT TO: SEAN ANTHONEY JUNIOR 1410 NW 54th Terrace Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale Florida, 33313 USA TAKE NOTICE that a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage AMELE ALICIA FORRESTJUNIOR of 6 Highbury Road, Morant Bay P.O., in the parish of Saint Thomas, Jamaica has been filed in this Honourable Court endorsed with a Notice to Respondent addressed to you to enter an Appearance either in person or by your Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Supreme Court, King Street, Kingston, Jamaica within TWENTY-EIGHT (28) days from the date of the last publication of this Notice in the North American Edition of the Jamaica Daily Gleaner Newspaper to the charges therein. IN DEFAULT of your so doing the Court will proceed to hear the said Petition and pronounce Judgment your absence notwithstanding. DATED THE 30TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024 N.Fearon REGISTRAR IT IS REQUESTED THAT ATTENTION BE DRAWN TO THIS NOTICE BY ANYONE KNOWING THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED. FILED by JODI-ANN M. FACEY, Attorney-atLaw of 66 Duke Street in the City and parish of Kingston for and behalf of the Petitioner herein whose address for service is in care of his said Attorney-at-Law. ------------------------------------- 20 December, 2024 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2601491 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 1079 Folio: 519 Place: Ocho Rios Strata Lot: 83 Parish: St. Ann Registered proprietor (s): Judy Jackson and Jasmine Jackson The following transactions lodged with this application will be registered pursuant to section 81 of the RTA: Transfer 2601490 L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles ------------------------------------- 06 November, 2024 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2588280 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 1576 Folio: 627 Place: Phantilands Parish: St. Elizabeth Registered proprietor(s): Menocal McDonald Davis L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles ------------------------------------- 15 November, 2024 LOST TITLE APPLICATION NO.: 2566858 OFFICE OF TITLES NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 82 OF THE REGISTRATION OF TITLES ACT (RTA) WHEREAS the applicant(s) in the above stated application has/have declared that the following duplicate Certificate of Title has been lost, I HEREBY GI\ E NOTICE that I intend to cancel the said Certificate of Title and issue a new one in duplicate fourteen days after the last publication of this advertisement. Volume: 1197 Folio: 809 Lot No: 69 Place: Part of Mewton Pen now called Ensom Acres Parish: St. Catherine Registered proprietor(s}: Dianne Marcia Bruce L. Dunbar Deputy Registrar of Titles ------------------------------------- CLASSIFIEDS… YOUR GATEWAY TO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS!
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