Police probe constable death, Kingston shooting, coastal damage and St. Andrew ammunition seizure

Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a constable at the Maroon Town Police Station in St. James on Sunday morning, after a wanted man was reportedly found operating the officer’s motor car. According to the report, police were carrying out an operation in Maroon Town when they stopped a vehicle and later learnt it belonged to the constable. Further checks reportedly showed the driver was on the St. James wanted list. The constable is said to have shot himself after returning to the station.

In Kingston, Central Police are searching for gunmen who carried out a drive-by attack on Laws Street about 9:25 p.m. Saturday, killing 35-year-old Carnelia Richards, otherwise called Bobby D, an employee of Caribbean Cement Company. A 21-year-old man and a 79-year-old retiree were also shot and admitted to hospital. Police say people were gathered near Rosemary Lane and Meeting Lane when a Honda Fit drove up and its occupants opened fire before escaping. Investigators are checking reports that Richards was the intended target, while police maintain a presence in the area to discourage reprisals.

In Rocky Point, Clarendon, residents say high tides and strong winds damaged property Saturday night, affecting at least 17 fishing boats and several seaside shops. They are asking for urgent help as erosion and flooding threaten homes and livelihoods. Rocky Point councillor Winston Maragh said the sea pushed farther inland than usual, carrying sand into yards and homes and blocking drains that run toward the sea.

The Independent Fiscal Commission is urging Jamaica to overhaul public sector wage talks, saying the current timing creates budget uncertainty. It noted that the 2026-2027 budget sets aside J$42.8 billion for unsettled compensation claims, money it says could otherwise support health care, education, infrastructure and climate resilience. The commission wants a statutory wage-negotiation calendar aligned with budget preparation, arguing it would improve fiscal planning, reduce labour tensions and make compensation commitments clearer before parliamentary approval.

St. Andrew Central Police also reported seizing 43 rounds of ammunition during an intelligence-led joint police-military operation conducted from 3:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Saturday across several areas in the division. The haul included 37 9mm cartridges, three .45 cartridges, two 5.56 cartridges and one .38 cartridge. Two people were arrested, but their names were withheld pending further investigation.