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JAMAICA: 8 dead in motor vehicle accidents on Sunday
Driver in the Sydney Condoppa fatal St. Mary accident in Jamaica
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV News) — Eight people died in two separate motor vehicle accidents in Jamaica on Sunday, according to Jamaica Observer reports.
Three friends were killed and two other individuals injured when a car crashed into a Hiace bus in the early hours of Sunday morning in Stewart Town, St. Mary. In the other accident, five men died after their motorcycles crashed into a Hiace bus in rural St. Andrew, on Sunday night.
Quoting police sources, the Jamaica Observer said the three people who died in the crash on the Stewart Town main road in St Mary included the driver, identified as 29-year-old Sydney Condoppa.
Reports are that Condoppa, a taxi operator, and his two male friends, were coming from a party in Ocho Rios and heading to another party in St. Mary in his Toyota Probox when he allegedly overtook a line of traffic and collided with the Toyota Hiace bus, which was coming from Port Maria.
News reports indicate that Condoppa died on the spot while his two friends died at the hospital. Police said two other individuals are being treated at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.
Five people are dead after motorcyclists collided with a bus in rural St. Andrews, Jamaica.
Meanwhile, the other accident which claimed more lives occurred on the Temple Hall main road in a rural part of St. Andrew.
According to the Jamaica Observer, around 9:45 p,m., the men were traveling on motorcycles, in a northern direction, when their bikes collided with the Toyota Hiace bus.
The injured men were pronounced dead at the hospital.
The newly crowned Miss British Virgin Islands 2024, Adacia Adonis, secured a 4th place finish at the Miss Jaycees Queen Show 2024, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Miss BVI contestant.
Though she did not claim the top spot, Adonis stood out among the 11 contestants as she competed fiercely in the pageant held at the Antigua Recreation Ground on July 31.
The crown ultimately went to Shan Lucien of St. Lucia, who dominated the evening by winning several major awards, including Most True to the Theme, Best Talent, Best Modeling in Evening Wear, and Best Evening Wear. Lucien’s victory highlighted the competition’s theme, “Beauty Unbroken,” celebrating the resilience and spirit of Caribbean women.
Desrie Markham of Antigua and Barbuda earned the title of 1st runner-up, along with awards for Best Swimsuit and Congeniality, while Grenada’s Amonai Francis, the 2nd runner-up, took home the Interview Award. Miss Guadeloupe, Kaéna Rangassamy, was named Miss Photogenic.
This year’s Miss Jaycees Queen Show marked its 61st anniversary, continuing a rich tradition of celebrating Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. The event, themed “Beauty Unbroken,” featured vibrant performances, stunning fashion, and showcased the enduring strength of women from across the region.
Since its inception in 1963, the Miss Jaycees Queen Show has become a cornerstone of Caribbean pageantry, drawing participants and spectators from across the globe. This year’s event was broadcast live, allowing a worldwide audience to witness the crowning of the 2024 queen and celebrate the achievements of all the contestants.
Photo: Miss Jaycees
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto, the Virgin Islands is entering the recovery phase, with extensive efforts underway to restore normalcy across the Territory. The storm, which swept through with heavy rain and strong winds, left behind a trail of downed trees, power lines and debris, obstructing roads and disrupting services.
Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in a statement today, August 14, provided an update on the recovery operations.
“I hope and pray you have all made it safely through the worst of Ernesto,” Premier Wheatley said, underscoring the seriousness of the storm’s impact. He confirmed that crews from the Public Works Department, the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), and telecommunications providers are actively working to clear the roads and restore essential services.
The Premier also acknowledged the critical role of district representatives and heavy equipment operators who have been instrumental in assisting their communities during this challenging time. “I acknowledge the district representatives and the heavy equipment operators who are assisting their communities at this time,” he noted.
As the Territory begins to recover, Premier Wheatley urged residents to prioritize safety by remaining indoors until an official all-clear is given. “Please protect your safety and the safety of our essential workers and allow these crews time to do their work,” he advised.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is expected to convene shortly to assess the situation further and coordinate ongoing efforts. Premier Wheatley assured the public that additional updates would be provided following the NEOC’s meeting.
Reflecting on the collective resilience of the Virgin Islands, the Premier offered words of gratitude and hope. “We are grateful to God for His protection. May His love and mercy be our shelter throughout the remainder of this Hurricane season,” he concluded.
– Investigating Fatal Shooting of Kalik S. Aaron
Anguilla police have detained a group of individuals bound for the Virgin Islands as part of their ongoing investigation into a fatal shooting that took place on Sunday night, August 11 .
The tragic incident claimed the life of Kalik S. Aaron, known locally as “Dusman,” a Virgin Islander, on Road Well Road, near Sandy Ground Pond.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) reported that the shooting occurred around 9:40 PM on August 11. Aaron was one of two victims caught in the violence. While Aaron sadly succumbed to his injuries, the other individual involved is currently receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds.
The RAPF has confirmed the ongoing efforts to gather information and track down those responsible for the shooting.
The identity of the surviving victim has not been released, and the RAPF is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided via the Emergency Hotline at 911, the RAPF’s Direct Line at 264-497-2333/5333, or through their confidential website at www.gov.ai/911.
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