NEWS BRIEFS

Portia stands for integration

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday assured Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government of Jamaica's commitment to regional integration.

Simpson Miller was addressing the opening ceremony of the 33rd Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa and Beach Resort in Gros Islet, St Lucia.

"In some circles, CARICOM is viewed with cynicism and its relevance is continuously questioned," the prime minister said. "I do not subscribe to that. In fact, I want to underscore Jamaica's commitment to regionalism as a core principle of our foreign policy and external trade policy."

Crooks found guilty

Harold Crooks, former commandant of the Island Special Constabulary Force, has been found guilty on two counts of indecent assault.

Crooks was convicted in the St Catherine Circuit Court after a jury retired for over an hour.

Crooks was freed of the charge of carnal abuse.

During the summation, Justice Bertram Morrison had told the jury that the benefit of any doubt should be given to the accused.

During the trial which lasted for over one week, Crooks said the complainant was over 16 years old when he had sex with her.

The Crown, represented by Tracy-Ann Johnson, assistant director of public prosecutions, led evidence that in 2010 Crooks sexually assaulted the complainant while she was under the age of consent.

The judge extended his bail for him to return on July 20 for sentencing.