Jose N. Etienne

not here to fit in.

John 11:25. Happy Easter! 🤟🏾

TRAGEDY STRIKES, COMMUNITY MOURNS: Relatives are mourning the death of Mario Brown, a father of three (3) who was brutally shot and killed on Sunday morning through Cooper’s Terrace off Kemp Road, just minutes away from his family’s residence. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) videos circulating on social media purportedly capture the moment Brown was gunned down while at a residence conversing with individuals. The video shows gunmen exiting a vehicle and subsequently opened firing on the victim. Brown’s sister, 22-year-old Siminique Simmons asserted “I never said my brothers are saints, I never said my brothers don’t do what they have to do to get where they is, but in order to love somebody, you gotta know somebody.” Simmons is defending her brother’s legacy amid controversy about his reputation given that he was reportedly entangled in a web of legal troubles. It is alleged that he was a leader in the “Crack Nation” gang - a criminal organization reportedly based in the Kemp Road community. However, police press liaison officer Chief Superintendent Sheria King was unable to confirm or deny those allegations. According to the courts, Brown was also accused of the shooting murder of Jamaal Kemp at Potter’s Cay Dock on February 10, 2019. Petra Turnquest, who identified herself as Brown’s cousin, described the victim as a “motivator - a person who want(s) to see everybody up.” She insisted that Brown was “keeping the peace” in the Kemp Road community. Both relatives mustered the strength to speak with reporters while Brown’s mother, Wendy Brown, cried uncontrollably. The grieving mother grappled with a similar tragedy in April 2021, when Brown’s brother, Denario Saunders was among six (6) individuals who were victims of a mass deadly shooting in Jerome Avenue. Brown’s death marks the fourth murder to be recorded since the start of the year. Investigations into this incident are ongoing.

COURT: Former Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Michael Johnson and a prominent defense attorney are expected to be arraigned before the South Street Magistrate Court Complex at 2:00PM, Tuesday. According to court clerks, three (3) other men, who are believed to be police officers, are also expected to be charged alongside Johnson and the attorney in question. The individuals are being hauled before the court in connection with a police probe that was launched into voicenotes that purportedly captured conversations about a financial quid-pro quo arrangement between Johnson, the implicated attorney and an alleged gang leader who was murdered in May, 2024. Former Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander told reporters on January 1st that the investigation “goes beyond the voicenotes.” He made those comments days after he told reporters that authorities met their end-of-year timeline to wrap up the investigation into Johnson that was being led by the Security and Intelligence Branch of the police force. Fernander also disclosed to reporters that the investigation was handed over to Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier who would make her recommendations as to whether or not charges would be levied against the men. A pending court arraignment suggests that the DPP recommended for charges to be levied, however, it remains unclear what charges the men will be arraigned on. Our @_jnetienne is on the story.

WE TRIED TO HELP: Social Services Minister Myles Laroda has refuted claims by relatives of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey that ministry officials failed to assist her family before the young girl’s brutal death last week, though he acknowledged that the ministry could have done more. Adriel, a 7th grader, was found dead and partially naked in bushes near her Faith Avenue South home last Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the community. On the day of the discovery, Adriel’s mother, Sasha Moxey, and another relative, Crystal Chipman, publicly stated that “the village failed Adriel,” alleging that ministry officials ignored pleas for support dating back to 2022. In a press conference on Monday, Minister Laroda addressed the allegations, revealing that the ministry had attempted to intervene but was ultimately unsuccessful. He referenced a specific case from July 2022, admitting that “it is fair to say that the department did not go as far as we could have.” Laroda conceded that the ministry’s efforts fell short, but firmly denied accusations of complete inaction, stating, “It’s fair to say that we could have done more, but to say that the department did not do anything is false.” Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Adriel’s tragic death are ongoing.

WHERE’S THE VILLAGE: Relatives of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey who was found dead by police in bushes off Faith Avenue on Wednesday expressed disappointment with widespread criticisms against the family, insisting that they did their best to protect the slain juvenile. Sasha Moxey, Adriel’s mother told reporters “Every child needs a village. Where was my village when I needed the village for my child?” Moxey added: “I’m only one person.” Meanwhile, Moxey’s cousin, Crystal Chipman argued that Moxey went to the Carmichael Road police station to make complaints after she claimed Moxey’s former boyfriends were trying to abuse the children.” Chipman further dismissed criticisms that the family neglected Adriel, adding that she went to the Department of Social Services for assistance after Moxey’s former partner allegedly “tried to touch the lil girl” but claimed that department officials never took action. Chipman further claimed that relatives went to the Ministry of Works to request better lighting in the area of Moxey’s residence. Chipman said: “Ain’t no light in the area. No poles - they never put the pole up. Now this happen and everybody talking.”

Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow.

You’ll always be the default option when you set the standard. 🫡

King 🥃; because a Jack of all trades is a master of none.

working every day like I’m the last Don. 🗣️

MAD DASH AT COURTHOUSE: It was a mad dash at the Nassau Street Magistrate Court Complex Wednesday morning as media attempted to get a glimpse of North Abaco Member of Parliament Kirk Cornish as he was escorted into the courthouse by police. Cornish will be arraigned in Court #9 on Sexual Assault and Threats of Death charges. A 35 year old woman of SC Bootle Highway, Abaco filed an official complaint against the sitting MP following the alleged incident which she says occurred April 7th, 2023

UPGRADE: Improvements are underway at the Princess Margaret Hospital. According to Prime Minister Philip Davis the additional units will increase bed capacity at the healthcare facility.