More news in brief

 Seven cops on corruption charges for court July 16

The case against the seven policemen who allegedly solicited money from a St James businessman in exchange for not prosecuting him on a ganja charge, has been deferred to July 16, as telephone data is outstanding from the prosecution's case file.

The seven constables - Devon Bernard, Marvin Campbell, Paul Williams, Tajay Allen, Alman Fletcher, Dwayne Lynch, and Denford Brown - are charged with extortion, corruptly soliciting money, corruptly accepting money, and aiding and abetting.

They had their bails extended when they appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

It is alleged that, in late November 2013, the seven policemen carried out an operation in Montego Bay, during which a quantity of ganja was found at a premises owned by a businessman.

The officers then solicited and accepted $300,000 from the businessman to forego prosecution. The matter was subsequently reported to the Anti-Corruption Branch and a probe was launched, resulting in the arrest of the men.

On Wednesday the case was set for mention on July 16.

May Pen cops tackle street crime

The May Pen Police have intensified their efforts to rid the capital of street vendors.

According to Inspector Daniel Campbell of the Island Special Constabulary Force, the campaign called 'Operation take back the town' is also targeting perpetrators of street crimes like stealing.

On Wednesday, several street vendors watched helplessly as their carts with goods were seized by the police while some of them retaliated and had to be restrained or arrested.

Many of the vendors also complained they had nowhere else to go.

However, the Mayor of May Pen Scean Barnswell says May Pen has no space for new vendors and he would be relentless in removing those who are illegal.

Armed men rape Clarendon teen during early-morning robbery

A 17-year-old Clarendon girl was yesterday receiving counselling after she was raped by two of four armed men in the farming community of Parnasus, near York Town, last night.

It is reported that shortly after 2 a.m., four men carrying guns and machetes kicked off the door to her house and robbed the family of cash and other valuables.

The men then dragged the teen into nearby bushes where they raped her.

Angered by the incident, Parnasus residents yesterday blocked the main road demanding that the authorities cut the overgrown bush where the teen was raped.

The residents say the bush have been providing a haven for thieves and rapists.

According to councillor for the York Town Division, Uphell Purcell, the land is owned by the Sugar Company of Jamaica (SCJ).

Nathan Robb returned as president of MoBay chamber

Montego Bay-based attorney Nathan Robb, on the strength of the votes he got via proxy, was on Wednesday re-elected for another term as president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the organisation's annual general meeting at the Wexford Court Hotel, in Montego Bay, St James.

Robb, who was challenged for the post after serving a year, defeated businesswoman Gloria Henry, despite Henry receiving more votes from the delegates in attendance.

In the final count, with proxy votes included, Robb ended with 34 votes to Henry's 24.

Henry was seeking to become the first female president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce since the late Pauline Reid served a stint as president from 2006 to 2008.