Jamaica May road deaths, KPH surgery delays and March Pen violence lead latest local news

Jamaica recorded 22 fatalities from 22 road crashes in May 2026, according to monthly figures from the Island Traffic Authority. St. James had the highest count with four deaths, followed by Westmoreland with three. Hanover, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine and St. Mary each recorded two deaths, while Trelawny, St. Elizabeth, St. Ann, Kingston and St. Thomas each had one. St. Andrew and Portland reported none.

The ITA said road deaths were down 29 per cent compared with May 2025, while fatal crashes fell by 27 per cent. Motorcyclists accounted for seven deaths, or 32 per cent. Pedestrians represented 27 per cent, private motor vehicle drivers made up 18 per cent with four deaths, and passengers also accounted for 18 per cent. The authority said no multi-vehicle collision was recorded in May.

In St. James, Constable M. Francis, also called Teddy, reportedly died from a suspected suicide at the Maroon Town Police Station on Sunday morning. Colleagues said he was found in the barracks with a gunshot wound shortly before 9:00 a.m. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels confirmed the incident but gave no further details. Francis was reportedly facing disciplinary action before his death.

Police have charged 22-year-old farmer T.G. Jones of Aberthy Drive, Kingston 20, with murder and firearm offences over the October 14, 2025 killing of 65-year-old labourer Melvin McKenzie, also called Millo, of Tennyson Crescent. Investigators allege Jones shot McKenzie during a 2:00 a.m. dispute, fled on foot, and was later charged after a question-and-answer interview.

Kingston Public Hospital said elective surgeries remain affected because of faults in the central air-conditioning system serving two operating theatres. The South East Regional Health Authority said replacement parts are being flown in, major repairs are under way, and emergency and life-saving operations remain the priority.

In St. Catherine, Senior Superintendent Hopton Nicholson appealed to March Pen residents to stop shielding criminals after months of shootings linked to gang feuds. The latest incident was Friday’s fatal shooting of 35-year-old Ascot High School teacher Rashin Pickford. Police named several persons of interest, including Andre Parker, Ricardo Nicholson, Shemar Burton and Rajim Burton, and urged them to report to the St. Catherine North CIB.