Un policier tué dans une attaque au couteau à Bruxelles, la justice antiterroriste saisie

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Martinique FranceAntilles

Un policier a succombé à ses blessures après avoir été attaqué au couteau jeudi soir à Bruxelles par un homme qui a été arrêté et le parquet fédéral belge, compétent en matière…

Un policier a succombé à ses blessures après avoir été attaqué au couteau jeudi soir à Bruxelles par un homme qui a été arrêté et le parquet fédéral belge, compétent en matière de terrorisme, a été saisi de l’enquête.

“Nous avons repris le dossier car il y a une suspicion de motif terroriste, ce qui devra bien sûr être confirmé ou infirmé par l’enquête”, a déclaré à l’AFP Eric Van Duyse, porte-parole du parquet fédéral.

Un suspect, touché par un tir de riposte d’un autre policier, a été interpellé et hospitalisé. Lors de l’agression, deux policiers ont été pris pour cible et blessés. L’un d’eux n’a pas survécu.

La ministre belge de l’Intérieur Annelies Verlinden a condamné dans un tweet un “drame horrible”, “une violence inacceptable”. 

Le Premier ministre Alexander De Croo a rendu hommage au policier tué et à toute une profession “qui risque sa vie au quotidien pour assurer la sécurité de nos citoyens”. “Mon espoir sincère est que son collègue hospitalisé se portera bien”, a-t-il ajouté.

Les faits se sont produits vers 19H15 (18H15 GMT) sur la commune bruxelloise de Schaerbeek, dans le quartier de la Gare du Nord.

Pour un motif qui reste à éclaircir, un homme armé d’un couteau s’en est pris à une patrouille de deux policiers, leur portant des coups.

Ces derniers ont alors appelé des renforts et un agent d’une autre patrouille a utilisé son arme de service pour “neutraliser l’agresseur”, selon l’agence de presse Belga.

“Des menaces”

Un riverain a raconté à plusieurs médias dont l’AFP avoir entendu “cinq-six coups de feu” peu de temps après l’agression.

D’après plusieurs médias, le suspect aurait été blessé par balles au niveau des jambes et de l’abdomen.

Il a été transporté à l’hôpital tout comme les deux policiers blessés. Celui qui n’a pas survécu avait été poignardé au cou.

Selon plusieurs journaux belges, le suspect avait “proféré des menaces contre la police” plus tôt dans la journée dans un commissariat d’une autre commune bruxelloise, sans être inquiété.

Depuis 2016, année des attentats jihadistes de Bruxelles (32 morts le 22 mars), la Belgique a été le théâtre de plusieurs agressions contre des militaires ou des policiers.

La dernière attaque considérée comme “terroriste” s’est produite à Liège (Est) le 29 mai 2018, quand Benjamin Herman, délinquant radicalisé de 31 ans a tué par balles deux policières et un étudiant en criant plusieurs fois “Allah Akbar” (“Dieu est le plus grand”). Il a ensuite été abattu par les forces de l’ordre.

Le 25 août 2017, un homme de trente ans d’origine somalienne a agressé des soldats au couteau (blessant légèrement d’un d’eux) en criant “Allah Akbar” en plein centre-ville de Bruxelles. Il a également été abattu.

Un an auparavant, le 6 août 2016, un Algérien vivant en Belgique avait attaqué à la machette deux policières devant l’hôtel de police de Charleroi (sud) aux cris de “Allah Akbar”, les blessant au visage et au cou avant d’être abattu. Le groupe Etat islamique (EI) avait revendiqué cette attaque le lendemain.

bur-mad/aro/mm 

Des policiers sur les lieux d’une attaque au couteau, le 10 novembre 2022 à Bruxelles
• HATIM KAGHAT

Des policiers sur les lieux d’une attaque au couteau, le 10 novembre 2022 à Bruxelles
• HATIM KAGHAT

Un policier sur les lieux d’une attaque au couteau, le 10 novembre 2022 à Bruxelles
• Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD

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Candice Czeremuszkin says ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ Loop Cayman Islands

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass

As the new managing partner of Moore Professional Services Ltd., a member of the Moore Global Network, Mrs Czeremuszkin already has her hands full.

Notwithstanding this, she still finds time to give back to the local community in a number of ways, including as the chairperson of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Cayman Islands Chapter.

Speaking of her accomplishments during her three years as chairperson of the ACCA, Mrs Czeremuszkin, who qualified as a Chartered Accountant at the tender age of 20, said that she is driven by the motto ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’.

With this in mind, she established herself as a change maker, recording several educational milestones at the ACCA. These include:

Assisting in establishing an ACCA examination centre in Grand Cayman, to allow the exams to be written locallyResponsibility for nearly 180 students who are studying towards their qualificationsReduction in the cost of doing exams as exam candidates no longer have to travel overseas to sit exams

Commenting on how far she has gotten to date and the role she has played in helping people get past their next education or career hurdle, she said that the thing that keeps her going is “the desire to inspire,” adding that she is “passionate about playing a part, no matter how small, in someone’s journey.”

Notwithstanding some of the ACCA students’ success stories, she noted that some students do face hardships along the way.

She explained: “I have seen many persons through my career come from underprivileged backgrounds and achieve amazing things just by having had access to an affordable and accessible qualification.”

Juxtaposing some of the ACCA students’ experiences with her own, Mrs Czeremuszkin noted her appreciation of what it takes to progress to the highest levels, saying that she feels “a deep sense of satisfaction and an awful lot of thankfulness” for getting to this stage in her career.

As to the overall benefit to the Cayman Islands of having an ACCA exam centre on-island, she noted that “The more [qualifying programmes] we bring to the island is the more opportunities we create and that certainly gives a comforting feeling that there can be more opportunities for our Cayman community.”

“Having access to a globally recognised qualification for a profession that needs qualified persons can create a host of benefits within our societies,” She added.

Regarding the feedback that she has received to date from the ACCA candidates, Mrs Czeremuszkin remarked that the “ACCA students have really been a pleasure to deal with.”

In addition, she said that “They have always been so warm in expressing their gratitude and I only hope I can continue to positively impact them through my role.”

As to why she stays involved (notwithstanding her busy workload, other commitments and challenges), she explained that she thinks of “life as a journey” and that, in her view, “One that is shaped by interactions we have along the course of that journey.”

Reflecting on her personal journey she said:

Thinking back to the positive interactions I have had over the course of my life and how those have shaped me really drives me to want to have a positive impact.

More about Mrs Czeremuszkin, her firm and notable awards

Mrs Czeremuszkin is a chartered accountant, with over 15 years professional experience and has been working within the Moore Global Network since 2012. Recently, she was named managing partner of Moore Professional Services Ltd., a member firm of the Moore Global Network.

In relation to Moore Professional Services Ltd., it provides specialist audit, assurance and financial statement preparation services to alternative investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, structured trade finance funds, and real estate funds.

Other notable awards of Mrs Czeremuszkin include:

35 Under 35 Accounting Age 2021Top 50 Women in Accounting, Practice Ignition 2020, 2021ACCA Caribbean’s Most Outstanding Chapter 2020 (serving as Chair)ACCA Caribbean Member Advocate of the Year 2020

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#LoopGoodNewsDay: Hats off to our volunteers, charitable organisations Loop Cayman Islands

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass

As we mark Good News Day today, Loop News contributor and financial services professional Alric Lindsay talks about some of his experiences as a volunteer with various groups in the Cayman Islands.

Lindsay shares a number of positive aspects, including his appreciation for those managing charities, the benefits to the overall community of their work and his own personal growth from the opportunity to be a part of the charitable efforts of various organisations.

Charity bosses

Chef Christian from the Wharf Restaurant and Alric sorting meals for distribution.

Regarding the people who run charities, Lindsay shares that “some of the people that you see heading up charities are those who left their full-time jobs somewhere else in the industry”.

“This is admirable because they could be working for a big firm making a higher salary, perhaps even living a lavish lifestyle, but, instead, they choose to dedicate their lives to helping others,” Lindsay says.

“Working closely with some of the organisers, I also acknowledge that, while they are doing their work selflessly and are not asking for any reward in return or even to have a light shine on them, they do make personal sacrifices that many people are unaware of — often giving everything they have to ensure that others may have a chance to progress,” Lindsay adds.

Speaking of the time commitment made by these charity bosses and charity members, Lindsay explains that while organising teams in and outside their organisations to help others, they spend long hours identifying additional community needs, liaising with private and public sponsors and organising volunteer teams who will go where the help is needed.

“The time spent by them means that there is less time available to their own families or even recreational activities. This is time that they may never recoup,” Lindsay explains.

“Rarely do they ever think of it as a loss though, in fact, some see it as more of a personal investment in their communities, which could lead to successful outcomes for those who receive assistance.

“I have to say, though, sometimes it is hard to watch how hard charity organises work. This is especially the case for individual organisers who, at times, offer all the resources they have, which may be the last thing they have, just to let fellow individuals and families in the community know that someone is there for them,” Lindsay continues.

“For these and many other reasons, I appreciate these humble, kind and hardworking persons who operate charities,” Lindsay says.

Corporate responsibility

Governor Martyn Roper and Alric Lindsay interact during a charity event.

Lindsay noted that many local companies contribute to charities from time to time.

“I remember delivering goods during the pandemic lockdown, for example, and the Wharf chef, Christian, prepared meals for Caymanian and other tourism workers.

“I also recall how much smaller restaurants, like Levonna’s kitchen and Famous Restaurant, cooked some meals for free so that others could have one. In addition, the doctors at Doctors’ Hospital made meals at their facility, which volunteers delivered to all districts, from West Bay to East End.

“There were also big corporations, like Maples and Calder and Cayman Finance, I think, which made substantial donations to charities like the Cayman Food Bank.

“Lastly, outside the pandemic, many companies allow their employees time off during the day to do charitable work, like delivering meals to the elderly through Meals on Wheels. It is really amazing to see, companies big and small helping this way,” Lindsay says.

Those that receive help

Regarding people that charities help, Lindsay says it is almost impossible to discuss the details due to the high level of confidentiality and privacy that charitable organisations must maintain in respect of the people they assist.

Notwithstanding this, he shares; “Help is a two-way thing, not one-way as some people might initially think.

“For example, there are days when a volunteer feels immense joy just by seeing the smile on someone’s face as they receive assistance. It is this joy that keeps some volunteers going.

“Admittedly, it is also what kept me going, delivering meals during the pandemic and now, while doing weekly meal deliveries to the elderly and shut-ins, mostly in West Bay.”

Mentors help along the way

Alric and Sherry-Ann

Lindsay also explains that, in carrying out the work of charitable organisations, he and other volunteers had significant help along the way, mostly in the form of mentors.

“In my experience with the Cayman Food Bank, Mrs Marie Eden and Mr Phillip Hyre were excellent examples to follow. They are always patient, kind and willing to assist, even in their busiest and toughest times.

“They really bring a new definition of what it means to be resilient,” Lindsay says.

“I also admire people like Ms Sherry-Ann, who find creative ways to help and who are able to rally up a high level of support for causes within a short timeframe where assistance is urgently needed,” he continues.

Encouraging others

Based on his positive experience with charitable organisations and individuals in the community, Lindsay says he would encourage others to make charitable work an integral component of their daily lives.

“Even if you think you don’t have anything to offer, please remember that your resources are not just financial, but include your time, even if it is only the one hour that you spend helping an organisation or an individual in the community.

“It is really worth it to the overall community in the end,” Lindsay concludes.

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How a cabbie ran into trouble to stop a woman from taking her own life Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

It was a normal end of workday in August for Dane Turner, a taxi driver who operates in the Corporate Area, while taking passengers to Half-Way-Tree from Chancery Street (Price Rite).

By the time he got to Constant Spring Road, he realised that he had only one passenger left in his car. It was a woman.

As it was just after 8pm, the taxi driver was thinking that he would be able to get off early that night. However, it ended up being a long night that saw him being ticketed by the police in order to save that passenger’s life.

Turner told Loop News that the drive into Half-Way-Tree was quiet, until he noticed blood on the passenger’s hands. She was holding a razor blade.

“I started questioning her, asking her what was she doing and all she said was that everything is over and she was going to end it,” Turner recounted.

The father of toddlers said that he was worried about the stranger, who had threatened to injure herself fatally.

“She had razor blades, so I didn’t want to try to take them from her.

“I decided that I couldn’t let her leave the car and hurt herself, so I started driving her around. She said she wanted to go downtown, but I think that once she get to her destination she would hurt herself,” he said.

The taxi operator said that he told his passenger that he would take her to a police station but she said she would open her wrist before he could get help.

According to the taxi operator, at first, the passenger refused to say what was troubling her.

Turner said he offered her something to eat or drink as he wanted to get her help without things escalating. When she refused the offer, he decided to get the police to help, but he had to do it in such a way that she wouldn’t realise what was happening.

“By that time I was just driving all over Kingston. I wanted to get the police to stop me, so I started doing some things, but the police wouldn’t pull me over.

“I broke stoplights, drive through stop signs and no police stopped me. When that didn’t work, I disconnected one of my front light and drove on Mandela Highway,” he recounted.

It was then that he was stopped by a team of police officers carrying out traffic operations on the highway.

He said that when he explained to the police what was happening, they didn’t believe him. Turner said he was ticketed and told that he was just trying to get out of receiving the ticket.

Turner said he insisted that they help him with the woman. According to the taxi operator, he managed to convince two of the senior police officers on the team and they came up with a plan to get the passenger out of the car and get her help.

After getting a policewoman to assist, Turner recounted that they accosted him and took him over to his vehicle.

The police then reportedly began roughing up the taxi driver while asking him about illegal weapons. Once they were satisfied that the woman in the car was convinced that they were looking for guns, the policewoman asked her to step out the vehicle so it could be searched.

When she stepped out of the vehicle, they noticed the blades and the blood and, after some time, they convinced her to drop the blades.

“She was screaming and crying saying that she lost her job and she doesn’t have a place to live. Life was hard for her and she just didn’t see her way out,” Turner recalled.

“My conscience couldn’t allow me to walk away. I know I couldn’t bear it if I was to put her out of my vehicle and then I see her on the news dead,” he told Loop News.

The taxi operator said in the confusion, the police did not cancel the ticket and he had to pay the fine in Traffic Court.

However, Turner said he didn’t mind because he recently saw the passenger again when she boarded his taxi.

According to the taxi driver, she thanked him for what he had done that night in August and told him that she is now employed and is trying to improve her life.

Jamaicans can contact the Ministry of Health’s mental health and suicide prevention helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE (639-5433) for mental health support.

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Residents aim to be beacons of hope despite No Man’s Land crime stigma Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Just the mention of the name is enough to strike fear into the hearts of residents living in and around Kingston.

The 40 acres of land is popularly called ‘No Man’s Land near Rema in south St Andrew in the Western Kingston police division.

For several years local authorities have been trying to implement programmes to eradicate the crime problem that has led to multiple deaths and the end of several lifelong dreams.

Checks have shown that after several trial-and-error attempts, the violent upsurge and the frequent tit-for-tat attacks that once made the strip of land an area where even the bravest once feared to walk, have been brought under control.

The gunshots have died down by the crime stigma still lingers.

Despite this setback, residents, who live in and around the area have been lifting their heads and trying to lead by example not only in their actions but their attitude to show that their community still has a lot of positive stories to share.

The Loop News team took a visit to the area to speak to some of the local citizens who have been leading by example.

Damion English, a 26-year-old football player and cousin of former Reggae Boy, the late, Irvino “Dada” English is one of those people.

Now making a living as a Forklift operator, the young man lives on Livington Street, just metres from No Man’s Land and he admits that the stigma that hangs over the area has made life difficult.

He is adamant that he will not allow this negative perception to affect his quest to uplift himself.

“The stigma that hangs over the area, does cause people to judge citizens in a particular way, but it is always my aim to live my life in a way that others can be proud,” said English.

Winsom Donaldson, a 47-year-old vendor who also lives in the area shared the same view.

Because of this violence, I lost a son but I continue to hold my head up high and try to make a difference in whatever way I can,” said Donaldson.

In 2019 the Government announced plans to build the country’s first multi-purpose police headquarters on 40 acres of land popularly called ‘No Man’s Land’ near Rema in south St Andrew in the Western Kingston police division.

The revelation was made by National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang as he opened the 2019-2020 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives

“This empty piece of land in the middle of an area of social conflict, in fact political conflict at times, could be seen as an area of despair, where the police were once viewed as oppressive (but) will now become a beacon of hope for the people of the area,” the minister had said.

Peter Leng who also lives and operates a business in which he sells cooking gas said operating a business has been a challenging task.

“The challenge to continue operating has been a rough one, there are times when things are up and downs but he continues to push forward.

Trevor Watson, a 55-year-old Technician has been living in Trench Town for years and he is adamant that all is not lost.

“I have been in the area for a while I have been through the struggle but in my own small way I try to lead by example,” said Watson.

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Jamaica’s first digital bank kicks off with free money Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Jamaica’s first digital-based all-inclusive loans company has announced its presence in a big way.

The company is handing out $50,000 grants to eight individuals within its targeted clientele for Christmas with the hope of planting a ‘Seed’ in their lives toward their financial freedom.

Seed Jamaica is led by Michael Lee-Chin Jr., the son of bank owner Michael Lee-Chin along with banking and finance experts Andrew Paterson and Adrian Dunkley. Dunkley is known for his roles in compliance, risk management and communications.

The company is currently awaiting approval from the Bank of Jamaica to launch into operation “but we can’t really wait to do this,” Dunkley told Loop News of the grant initiative.

“We had this on our planning schedule to give out these grants. There is no expectation of benefit. We are waiting for launch but there are people out there who need it and Christmas is coming up. That’s why we launched this initiative,” Dunkley explained.

The company has partnered with social media influencer Danar Royal – known more popularly as Dan Dan – for the giveaways.

“They [the applicants] do a video and tell us what they plan to do with the money [and] we will need some amount of information from them…to make sure it’s not impersonation – so there is a level of Know Your Customer (KYC) then there is a very simple interview, nothing big,” Dunkley said.

“The plan is to expand it. This is going to be a consistent offering, not just eight… We know there is a risk. We know they may just take the money and splurge for Christmas but we can’t really wait on anybody else to do this,” Dunkley said noting the need to make a real contribution to the financial upliftment of those the bank will serve.

Seed Jamaica is a digital bank that is targeting “primarily individuals who can’t get a loan from anyone else. Individuals who never even filled out a form [before], who actually need the support but a bank or credit union or [other] financial institution won’t take a chance on them,” Dunkley said.

The grant initiative kicked off this week and is intended to be a regular feature of the company’s operations. Timing the commencement for Christmas represents an opportunity to plant a ‘seed’ in the lives of those who will benefit in the yuletide season, Dunkley explained.

“People are frustrated and are not being given the right opportunity to do what they need to do and we understand the time sensitivity…,” he said.

“…Working in traditional financial entities, I understand the flaws in the way we assess people and in the way we treat them,” he said of the traditional risk assessment process and the company’s decision to go against the grain to create “financial freedom” for its target market.

The company’s business model takes a completely different approach from traditional banking. Seed will be taking the risk to support those typically shunned by traditional lenders.

“We are redefining the way loans work by creating an inclusive service system that does not discriminate by socioeconomic status, but based on customer needs and wants,” the company said in its press release.

“It is about supporting the financially new. We see that uncertainty as a positive. They have untapped potential that we can basically grow thus the name Seed,” Dunkley said.

“We are taking a risk on them. It is a big risk but this is actually my expertise,” the fintech executive, who has worked for over a decade in compliance and risk management, said.

iStock photo

Seed embraces a new methodology of risk assessment that is now re-shaping banking.

“It is a methodology that focuses on growing individuals long term. We are ahead of the curve right now in terms of aspirational targets as well as the entire approach for the organisation,” he said.

Dunkley, in explaining the company’s approach to risk management and exposure said he is currently pursuing his PhD “in this brand-new approach on assessing individuals for risk – so we are covered on that.”

Seed isn’t focused on gaining market share in the sector now dominated by micro-lenders but instead on building the financial status of those who have not been reached.

“Our segment isn’t even on the radar of the microfinance target… There is a large segment of the population who can properly pay for loans but nobody will touch them so we see ourselves as a facilitator of financial freedom,” he said.

Discussions on financial inclusion have typically referenced the unbanked and underbanked but for Seed, this market segment is far more reachable than traditional banks have been willing to take on.

“There is a gap in the market that nobody is really trying to fill right now. They say they are, but they are not really trying to fill it because to fill it, you have to do things operationally. So, it’s being used more like a marketing ploy,” he reasoned.

By its business model, Seed will “actually [be] growing the microfinance market.”

“Once those people get with us and are able to develop themselves, then they will be able to pass onto more established entities who are able to take the risk on them,” Dunkley said.

By Tameka Gordon

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British visitor found dead in his room

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

A British visitor to the island has been found dead in his room. Antigua News Room understands the man arrived on island Wednesday night. More to come.

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Antigua’s DPP hit with additional fraud charges in Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

New fraud charges were this morning laid against Antigua’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Anthony Armstrong, who was arrested and charged in connection with three land transactions.

It was disclosed Thursday morning, when the matter was mentioned in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, that three counts, each, of uttering forged documents and forgery were laid against the accused.

The clerk of the court  informed the judge that the investigator explained that the new charges arose after further review of the case file.

Additionally, she said the investigator informed that the charges were initially not laid because she was rushing to get the matter before the court.

Charging that the police did a “rush job”, Armstrong’s lead attorney, Hugh Wildman,  questioned why the charges were not laid and suggested that the investigator be impeached.

He argued that she had informed the court on Monday that the file was complete and gave no indication that she was contemplating new charges.

“Did she dream up these charges overnight?” he asked.

The Jamaican lawyer was arrested on Saturday on his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport and charged with conspiracy to defraud and fraudulent conversion.

The charges reportedly stem from the sale of three properties 18 years ago in Jamaica, in which Armstrong represented the complainant, who was the vendor.

Armstrong contends that the proceeds of the sale were paid over to the complainant’s father, who he had authorised to be his agent, while he was incarcerated in the USA.

The complainant in the matter had reported Armstrong to the General Legal Council (GLC) over the matter.

The Disciplinary Committee of the GLC in February found that Armstrong was guilty of professional misconduct for signing a document for a client who was not present.

In the meantime, in light of the new charges, the judge delayed ruling on whether Armstrong’s passport will be returned.

Armstrong’s $500,000 bail was extended until November 16.

SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner

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Jamaican drove into trouble to stop a woman from taking her own life Loop Barbados

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

It was a normal end of workday in August for Dane Turner, a taxi driver who operates in the Corporate Area, while taking passengers to Half-Way-Tree from Chancery Street (Price Rite).

By the time he got to Constant Spring Road, he realised that he had only one passenger left in his car. It was a woman.

As it was just after 8pm, the taxi driver was thinking that he would be able to get off early that night. However, it ended up being a long night that saw him being ticketed by the police in order to save that passenger’s life.

Turner told Loop News that the drive into Half-Way-Tree was quiet, until he noticed blood on the passenger’s hands. She was holding a razor blade.

“I started questioning her, asking her what was she doing and all she said was that everything is over and she was going to end it,” Turner recounted.

The father of toddlers said that he was worried about the stranger, who had threatened to injure herself fatally.

“She had razor blades, so I didn’t want to try to take them from her.

“I decided that I couldn’t let her leave the car and hurt herself, so I started driving her around. She said she wanted to go downtown, but I think that once she get to her destination she would hurt herself,” he said.

The taxi operator said that he told his passenger that he would take her to a police station but she said she would open her wrist before he could get help.

According to the taxi operator, at first, the passenger refused to say what was troubling her.

Turner said he offered her something to eat or drink as he wanted to get her help without things escalating. When she refused the offer, he decided to get the police to help, but he had to do it in such a way that she wouldn’t realise what was happening.

“By that time I was just driving all over Kingston. I wanted to get the police to stop me, so I started doing some things, but the police wouldn’t pull me over.

“I broke stoplights, drive through stop signs and no police stopped me. When that didn’t work, I disconnected one of my front light and drove on Mandela Highway,” he recounted.

It was then that he was stopped by a team of police officers carrying out traffic operations on the highway.

He said that when he explained to the police what was happening, they didn’t believe him. Turner said he was ticketed and told that he was just trying to get out of receiving the ticket.

Turner said he insisted that they help him with the woman. According to the taxi operator, he managed to convince two of the senior police officers on the team and they came up with a plan to get the passenger out of the car and get her help.

After getting a policewoman to assist, Turner recounted that they accosted him and took him over to his vehicle.

The police then reportedly began roughing up the taxi driver while asking him about illegal weapons. Once they were satisfied that the woman in the car was convinced that they were looking for guns, the policewoman asked her to step out the vehicle so it could be searched.

When she stepped out of the vehicle, they noticed the blades and the blood and, after some time, they convinced her to drop the blades.

“She was screaming and crying saying that she lost her job and she doesn’t have a place to live. Life was hard for her and she just didn’t see her way out,” Turner recalled.

“My conscience couldn’t allow me to walk away. I know I couldn’t bear it if I was to put her out of my vehicle and then I see her on the news dead,” he told Loop News.

The taxi operator said in the confusion, the police did not cancel the ticket and he had to pay the fine in Traffic Court.

However, Turner said he didn’t mind because he recently saw the passenger again when she boarded his taxi.

According to the taxi driver, she thanked him for what he had done that night in August and told him that she is now employed and is trying to improve her life.

Jamaicans can contact the Ministry of Health’s mental health and suicide prevention helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE (639-5433) for mental health support.

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