Teen’s death, St James police shooting and hurricane recovery spending lead Jamaica news

A 13-year-old Excelsia High School student, Chamilleia Paul, has died after being stabbed while trying to intervene in a dispute at her Harbour View home on May 9. Her mother, Josephine Mitchell, told CVM News the teen died on Tuesday after developing a lung infection. Police say 29-year-old Kimar Mitchell turned himself in after the incident and was charged.

The Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches said Chamilleia’s death should push the country toward stronger peace-building, family support and violence-prevention work. The group urged churches to set aside five minutes during worship this weekend for prayer, repentance and a pledge to reduce conflict in homes, schools and communities. It also renewed calls for 2027 to be declared the Year of the Family.

In St James, residents of St John’s Retirement disputed police accounts after four men were killed Wednesday morning during an alleged confrontation at a quarry. Among the dead were Brian “Te’s” Fairclough and his son Brian “TJ” Fairclough Jr. Relatives accused the police of killing the men without cause. Another victim was identified as Talis, while the fourth man’s name had not been confirmed.

Manchester police are seeking help to find 40-year-old pharmacy technician Kadisia Mloud of Allison district, who has been missing since Tuesday, June 9. Police also released a composite sketch of two men wanted in connection with the June 14, 2025 chopping death of CJ Mongol, also called Indian, in Dubson, Kville, Manchester.

At Wednesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Finance Minister Fayval Williams defended the Government’s $67 billion Hurricane Melissa recovery spend, saying funds went to ministries handling roads, health, agriculture, social support and tourism. She also said a $500 million distribution from the Financial Services Commission would not weaken the regulator.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. announced a digital platform, HARP, to verify and process outstanding hurricane relief claims. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said post-Melissa health teams helped control leptospirosis risks and prevent a dengue outbreak while rebuilding work continues at damaged health centres.