Joan Smalling (right), corporate relations manager at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), reminds children to listen for oncoming vehicles when crossing the road. She was speaking during a road safety demonstration at Bluefields All-Age School in Westmoreland. At left is 'Kool Kat' who assisted the children to cross the road. - Contributed

Mandeville, Manchester

Mandeville attorney Keith Smith is calling on Government, as well as society on a whole, to take a second look at what he terms the "imbalance" between the rights of accused persons and those of their victims.

Mr. Smith, who was addressing members of the Central Manchester Returned Citizens Association at the Mandeville Hotel last Saturday, said there is an apparent absence of rights for victims and their families from some of the nation's deliberate crimes.

"While I respect the rule of law and all the legal presumptions, I find it difficult to understand this imbalance," he said. Mr. Smith said victims of criminals and their families should not be treated as "forgotten souls" or strangers in their own country.

- Angelo Laurence

Black River, St Elizabeth

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says if St. Elizabeth and, by extension, Jamaica are to experience further development, investment would have to be seen and approached in a nonpartisan way.

"We need to see development in a nonpartisan way as we seek to build on the rich legacy of this country," the Prime Minister said while delivering the keynote address at the annual St. Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation's Investment conference at the Invercauld Hotel in Black River, St. Elizabeth.

- Rayon Dyer

Montego Bay, St James

Thirteen Montego Bay Community College students were recognised for academic excellence in the form of scholarships valued at approximately $1.8 million during the school's annual scholarship awards ceremony on Wednesday.

Drawn from both traditional and non-traditional high schools, the awardees were chosen from a shortlist of more than 30 applicants for the Scotia Bank Jamaica Scholarship and the college's in-house scholarships.

- Western Bureau

Lacovia, St Elizabeth

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas has pledged his unswerving support for the first convalescence home for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which was officially opened in Black River, St. Elizabeth on Thursday.

The Police Commissioner, in his brief speech, said policemen and women risk their lives every time they walk the beat, rush to quell violence in hot spots and many have been virtually forgotten and left alone to suffer when they get injured.

- Michael Mclean

Black River, St Elizabeth

Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, says Cabinet has authorised an increase in the complement of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the aim is to take the number up to 12,000 members.

"Having said that, we have to review the current structure of pay and reward in the JCF. We will have to start treating seriously the issue with the Police Federation as it relates to their demand for better remuneration," Dr. Phillips said while addressing policemen, teachers and students as well as members of the public at the official opening of a new convalescence home in Black River, St. Elizabeth on Wednesday.

The National Security Minister also noted that upgrading of the training that is available to members of the JCF, is one of the main priority of the ministry.

- R.D.

Summit, St Thomas

Forty-six-year-old Lenford Benjamin Wilson, known as Lenny, a Gleaner and cane vendor, died Wednesday night after he was shot in front of his home in Summit, St. Thomas.

According to the police report, Mr. Wilson was unloading his van when his wife Ivylin Wilson heard him call out, "Mi dead now." This was followed by three shots. He received one shot each to his head, face and back.

He also received stab wounds to his left breast and was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

- Marlene McPherson