Negril businessman killed, tourist wounded as Jamaican news roundup covers crime, health and road disruptions

A 36-year-old Negril businessman and YouTube content creator, identified in the report as National Miban, otherwise called Bubble, was shot dead Friday night during a robbery near Splunk City Restaurant on Norman Manley Boulevard in Westmoreland. Police said a visiting Jet Medical doctor was also wounded after two men arrived by motorcycle, opened fire near a table where Miban and three workers were seated, and escaped with two bags containing cash.

Miban reportedly ran into an open field, where he collapsed with gunshot wounds to the upper body. He was taken to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital and pronounced dead. The tourist, who was hit in the left shoulder, was admitted to hospital in Negril in serious but stable condition. No arrests have been reported.

In St. Andrew, police are investigating after a man was found dead with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the head and his body partly burnt following a fire at premises along August Town Road early Saturday. Reggae singer Tana, whose given name is Shauna McKenzie, posted that her relatives in August Town were under attack, but police have not confirmed any link between her claims and the death.

Police have also moved to prevent possible reprisal after Papine market manager Colleen Bernard, also called Sonia, was fatally shot Friday. The alleged gunman was later shot and injured by an off-duty policeman and remains in hospital under police guard, while investigators seek a motive.

In the courts, 53-year-old Justice of the Peace Georgia Messam was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in a $27-million real estate fraud matter involving a St. Catherine businesswoman. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Health officials are facing calls for action over a reported chickenpox outbreak at Linstead Hospital, where St. Catherine councillor Sydney Rose said several staff members had been affected and objected to workers being asked to help pay for vaccines.

The National Works Agency said heavy rain caused an embankment collapse that closed the Green Island-to-Glasgow main road in Hanover near Kendall. Motorists are being directed through Riley, Kingsale and Prospect. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness also said the Government intends to expand body-worn cameras across the Jamaica Constabulary Force over the next three years, citing equipment, training, connectivity and evidence-management requirements.