St. Ann Murder Charges, St. Mary Arson Probe And Labour Day Preparedness Lead Jamaican News Roundup

Police and national leaders reported several developments across Jamaica, including an alleged arson attack in St. Mary, a suspected drowning in St. Ann, murder charges linked to a 2023 gun attack, and Labour Day appeals centred on hurricane readiness and workers’ welfare.

In St. Mary, police have detained a 59-year-old woman who is accused of setting fire to two office buildings, a pickup and a car at the Surrey Aggregate compound in Georgia. Investigators said the incident happened about 2:00 p.m. Sunday after a caretaker reported that the woman was behaving loudly and refused requests to leave. He went to the Annotto Bay police and, when he returned, found both buildings on fire. Police and firefighters from Annotto Bay responded, and the woman was arrested while inquiries continued.

In St. Ann, 50-year-old Orville Brown, also called “Mona”, a farmer from Golden Grove, is believed to have drowned at Ocho Rios Bay Beach. Reports say Brown was swimming with other men between 2:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday. After most of the group came ashore, they realised he was missing. The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard was contacted, and his body was found about 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Two St. Ann men, 31-year-old lifeguard Shavon Brown, also called “Bala”, and 37-year-old Kemar Matthews, also called “Bibi”, have been charged after being deported from St. Kitts and Nevis to Jamaica last Thursday, May 21. They face charges including murder, wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition and burglary in relation to the February 8, 2023 killing of 20-year-old Kemani Letman of Steertown. Police said Letman and another man were shot after armed men entered a home about 2:30 a.m.; Letman died, while the other victim was treated and released. A court date is being arranged.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to use Labour Day to strengthen communities and prepare for the 2026 hurricane season. He said recovery from Hurricane Melissa continues, with more than $67 billion committed, including $10 billion for the ROOFS programme, support for electricity restoration, debris removal and more than 2,700 modular housing units secured.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding said Labour Day should honour workers while prompting action on living costs, hurricane recovery, job opportunities and dignity at work. He said Jamaica’s progress depends on collective service, unity and policies that better support working people.