O-Wrap: J’can convicted of double murder…Cashier sentenced for card ‘skimming’… $1-b support for schools
In case you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top 10 stories for today:
1.Mother pleads for jury to spare life of J’can convicted of double murder in US
Jurors have heard an emotional plea from the mother of a Jamaican man facing a possible death penalty in the stabbing murders of a Pennsylvania woman and her 16-year-old daughter. Full story here
2. Ex-cashier at FLA office sentenced for ‘skimming’ debit cards
A former cashier at the Firearm Licensing Authority’s office in Montego Bay, St James has been sentenced to a suspended prison term and ordered to pay a fine after she admitted to stealing debit card information from customers. Full story here
3. Gov’t, security forces devising strategies to reduce crime
The Ministry of National Security and the security forces are actively devising strategies to address the increase in the levels of crime affecting the island. Full story here
4. Suspected drowning in Spanish Town
The police are reporting that an unidentified man is suspected to have drowned in the Rio Cobre, near the old iron bridge in Spanish Town, St Catherine today. Full story here
5.Education ministry to allocate $1 billion to support schools
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is to allocate $1 billion in budgetary support to primary, all-age and junior high schools for the 2017-2018 academic year. Full story here
6. PNP asks Gov’t whether landfill fires are based on arson or negligence
Opposition Spokesperson on Local Government and Community Development, Noel Arscott, is asking the government to tell the country the true reasons for fires at several of the island’s dump facilities. Full story here
7. Patrick Powell has a case to answer, judge rules
Parish judge Vaughn Smith this morning ruled that businessman Patrick Powell has a case to answer after his attorney made a no-case submission in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where he is on trial for allegedly failing to hand over his licensed firearm to the police for inspection. Full story here
8. Strong anti-doping programme benefits all – Grange
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has underscored the importance of a strong anti-doping programme in Jamaica. Full story here
9. At least 12 dead in London tower block fire
At least 12 people are confirmed dead in a massive fire which ripped through a London tower block on Wednesday, police said. Full story here
10. US lawmaker shot as gunman strikes at baseball practice
Several people including a top Republican congressman were wounded in a Washington suburb early Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire as they practiced for an annual baseball game between lawmakers. Full story here