Developments in Kartel’s murder trial

The trial for the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams involving dancehall entertainer Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer and five other co-accused including Calvin Haye, Shane Williams, Shawn Campbell, André St John, and Kahira Jones got off to a start last week in the Home Circuit Court.

The Crown presented arguments that ‘Lizard’ was killed at Kartel’s home in Havendale on account of a lost firearm. During court proceedings, fashion designer Calvin ‘Moonie’ Haye was released because the prosecution found no evidence tying him to the murder. However, authorities disclosed that they have audio and video evidence linking Kartel to the crime.

Three witnesses including the sister and girlfriend of Lizard and Senior Superintendent of police Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford have testified for the prosecution.

SSP Ford denied conspiracy allegations that cameras at Kartel’s premises were set up to ensure that the deejay would be a convicted.

Jamaicans denied entry into T&T

Thirteen Jamaican reported unjust deportation in the latest of a series of rejection from Trinidad and Tobago. Similarly, back in September of this year, 19 locals were detained and deported to Jamaica.

It was reported that, between 2010 and 2013, an estimated 54,362 Jamaican nationals had been admitted to this country, while 1,962 were denied entry into Trinidad. Therefore, based on statistics, 96 per cent of Jamaicans seeking entry into T&T were granted.

Immigration authorities in Port of Spain disclosed that they have the right to deny entry to any person not satisfying their criteria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it is in dialogue with the Jamaican high commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Sharon Saunders, about the situation.

JUTC’s aim for a more efficient system

The state-owned transport entity, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), announced earlier this year that they are looking towards a more efficient cashless system with the introduction of Smarter Cards.

Currently, 32 per cent of passengers hold a Smarter Card. The aim is by March 2014, to be fully utilising this electric system.

Also, managing director, Colin Campbell alluded to improvements in the company’s fleet scheduling, giving passengers an idea of frequency on routes and more specific arrival times.