Fraud Squad to probe labour ministry

The Fraud Squad has been asked to investigate financial irregularities at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Two senior officers have been suspended in connection with the matter.

One of the officers has direct responsibility for the area in which the irregularities were discovered, while the other is a supervisor.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles said the auditor general has also been notified of the situation.

"The matter has been referred to the Ministry of Finance," Charles said. "The police are doing their job, and until that is complete and we have a report from them we will not be able to tell you about quantity or names or whoever is involved at this time."

Correctional officer on ganja charge

A 55-year-old correctional officer, who reported for work yesterday at the South Camp Rehabilitation Centre, was later escorted off to jail after he was allegedly found with contraband he was attempting to smuggle into the penal facility.

"He has been charged with possession of ganja and is scheduled to go before the court later this week," Deputy Superintendent Michael Hugh Phipps, crime officer for the St Andrew Central Division, told The Gleaner yesterday.

The correctional officer, who has been identified as Clement Reid, was nabbed by his colleagues shortly after he was searched. It is alleged that a quantity of ganja was found strapped to his body.

Another taxi man killed in Portmore

Another taxi operator was killed in Greater Portmore, St Catherine, Monday night, bringing the toll to two in 24 hours.

Reports from the Portmore police are that, about 10 p.m., Warren Anderson was shot dead by unknown assailants who robbed him of his Toyota Corolla motor car.

His body was thrown on to the street. The St Catherine South police are investigating.