MVP co-founder Stephen Francis dies at 64 as INDECOM probes Kingston fatal shooting

The MVP Track and Field Club is in mourning following the death of co-founder and technical director Vincent Stephen Francis, who passed away late Saturday—one day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

In a statement issued Sunday, the club described Francis as a visionary coach whose steadfast pursuit of excellence reshaped Jamaican athletics and motivated generations of athletes. The organisation said his gift for spotting and nurturing talent, together with his belief in those he coached, helped shape the careers of Olympic and world championship medallists, record-breakers, and numerous other elite performers while setting a coaching standard respected around the world.

Club president Bruce James said Francis demonstrated that Jamaican athletes, guided by Jamaican coaches and management and training at home, could rise to the top of global sport. "Stephen Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better," James said. "He proved that Jamaican athletes, guided by Jamaican coaches, supported by Jamaican management, and the training in Jamaica could become the very best in the world." James added that Francis's vision and uncompromising standards elevated individual careers and Jamaica's standing on the world stage, and that his legacy would endure for generations.

The club said Francis will also be remembered for his direct manner, his talent for developing athletes, and the deep influence he had on the lives and careers of those he mentored. Condolences were extended to his brother, Paul Francis, and other relatives. Funeral arrangements and details of a thanksgiving service will be announced later.

In St. Thomas, Fire Department Superintendent Mark Harris is calling for new or amended legislation to make disaster drills mandatory at all commercial establishments. Speaking at Thursday's meeting of the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation Disaster Committee, Harris said business participation in earthquake simulations and fire drills has been extremely low this year. He reported that since the start of the year, the department conducted nine drills in January, six in February, and one in March, with most held at schools.

The Independent Commission of Investigations is examining another fatal police shooting. Kemar Smith, also known as "Pato P" of Lauriston, Spanish Town, was shot dead during a reported confrontation between police and a group of armed men along Solitaire Road in Cockburn Gardens, Kingston 11. Police said that around 4:30 a.m., officers entered the area to shut down an illegal party and cordoned it off to check persons leaving. Several men were seen jumping a perimeter wall, and three others were spotted on a rooftop. Police said one man produced a firearm and opened fire; officers returned fire. Following the encounter, a bloody trail was found leading toward the York Avenue community, and Smith's body was later discovered at 17 York Avenue. A semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing several rounds was reportedly seized. Investigators said Smith was a known member of gangs based in the Waterloo and Lorne Street areas of Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has called for child diversion disciplinary committees to be established in schools across the island. A recommendation has been sent to the parliamentary committee examining the Child Diversion Act for their inclusion in the legislation. Chuck said most deviant behaviour occurring in schools should be addressed on campus rather than referred to the child diversion office, and that school committees could more quickly identify children with behavioural problems. He said he was not dismissing the role of guidance counsellors, but noted that one or two counsellors may be unable to manage the needs of a school with a thousand or more students, and urged the Child Protection and Family Services Agency to consider the proposal.