The authorities have again sought to clarify that no Third-Country National is being housed in St. Mary. According to the Jamaica constabulary force, JCF no facility has been identified or finalized for such a purpose. In a statement this afternoon, the JCF urged calm among members of the public in relation to the Third-Country National (TCN) Agreement with the United States
A block, which housed four grade 2 classrooms, a literacy centre/library and a physical education room, was gutted. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) was alerted to the blaze about 10:41 P.M.
That is according to Portfolio Minister, Floyd Green. Mr. Green said commercial quantities will be defined in the second and third schedules of the act, to allow lawmen to identify whether or not an individual is transporting the stated quantities.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade said it received the call about 10:40 P.M. Fire personnel remained on the scene until after 1:00 A.M. as they continued battling the blaze. Chairman of the School Board, Michael Belnavis confirmed that one classroom block was gutted by the blaze.
This marks the first prosecution brought under the Microcredit Act since the legislation came into force. Charged are Otis Williams and Nevin Forbes, both of greater Portmore, St. Catherine. They were charged with providing a microcredit service without a licence.