Friday, July 25, 2008

The second man wanted in connection with one of two major drug busts in Kingston and Clarendon on Wednesday night remains at large.  Investigators placed a major dent in the multi-billion dollar drugs for guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti when they seized ganja in excess of 900 pounds in the operations.   The five persons, including a Trinidadian arrested in the second bust in the Kennedy Grove Housing Scheme in Clarendon have not been charged.   Spokesman for Operation Kingfish, Detective Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, says the men are still being interrogated.   Detective Sergeant Llewellyn, says the drugs seized have been taken to the Narcotics Headquarters. 400 pounds of cured ganja was recovered in Clarendon.   The Police also seized diving equipment and two vehicles.   Investigators theorize that plans were being made to place the drugs on a ship at Port Esquivel in Clarendon. 

Brazil and Trinidad Sign Oil Deal

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Patrick Manning have signed an agreement, calling for oil companies in both countries to cooperate to explore oil and gas in Trinidad and Tobago.   The agreement includes an assessment of refinery projects in the twin-island republic, development of ethanol and bio-diesel projects, and expansion of the gas industry.  In his speech at the ceremony, president Lula said bilateral ties between the two countries could serve as a bridge between the Caribbean and South America.  He said he would host a summit between South American and Caribbean countries in December.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has refused to back down on new anti-crime measures he announced in Jamaica's Parliament on Tuesday, July 22nd, suggesting that proposed legislative measures may even be passed by the first week of September.    The prime minister said that he had already discussed the urgency of the matter with Attorney General and Minister of Justice Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, who is proceeding with work on drafting the necessary amendments, prior to even Cabinet instructions.  The prime minister's firm stand on the proposed crime-fighting measures comes in the light of concerns raised by some human rights spokespersons and attorneys-at-law. However, reaction to the measures remains divided and this week, the Government won the support of the powerful Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).   In a release, the PSOJ described the measures as a step in the right direction.   Two of the new measures include provisions for a majority of nine jurors out of 12 to decide on non-capital murders and detaining criminal suspects fro up to 72 hours without being charged.  Also, persons arrested and charged for serious crimes could be denied bail for up to 60 days.  More than 800 people have already been murdered in Jamaica this year and the Government has been under pressure to find new measures to fight the Caribbean nation's growing crime rate.

Three Americans who ran an Internet money-transmitting company in Nevis, have pleaded guilty to money laundering and other charges.  US Justice Department officials say Douglas Jackson of Florida pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in money laundering and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.  Also pleading guilty were Baltimore attorney Barry Downey and Reid Jackson of Melbourne.   Their Nevis-based business allowed clients to buy "e-Gold", and use it as money for international transactions.  The Justice Department said directors of "e-Gold" and its corporate affiliate knew that funds from their company were being used for criminal activity including identity theft and investment scams.

In Jamaica, Sharon Mane of Race Track, Clarendon, pleaded guilty to Cruelty to a Child and was given 12 months probation.  The court was told that on June 17, a member of the Island Special Constabulary Force was on duty in May Pen when the woman was spotted hitting her child repeatedly in the face.   She reportedly ignored pleas from the officer for her to refrain.   She was then arrested and charged.

The police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are now searching for an unidentified gunman who shot and killed attorney Bertram Stapleton as he walked to his office on the morning of Wednesday, July 23rd.  Police said that the lawyer was shot twice, including once to the head, by the masked gunman.  His body was found in the corridor on the second floor of his office, situated near the High Court and the Parliament.  The 34-year old father of three was found lying in a pool of blood with his jacket and bag near his right foot.  Police said they had no motive for the murder.    

Haiti Parliamentary Vote Put Back

The Haitian Senate postponed a vote Thursday on the nomination of Michele Pierre Louis as Prime Minister.  The lower house of parliament approved her candidacy last week, after rejecting the two previous nominees of President Rene Preval.   The delay in the Senate was caused by jostling among political parties for inclusion in Mrs. Pierre Louis's first administration.  But both the president and prime minister-designate appear to be resisting these demands.  Haiti has been without a Prime Minister since mid-April.