A 17-year-old is hospitalised after being stabbed by a female secretary in Portland. The teen was attacked at an event during a dispute on Sunday. While the nature of the disagreement is still unclear, reports suggest that the attacker, Sasha-Lee James, lunged at the teen after being handed a ratchet knife.
The incident unfolded around 12:15 a.m. at an event hosted in Port Antonio, where both individuals were among a crowd of patrons. According to police reports, a man reportedly gave James the weapon during the argument.
She subsequently used the knife to stab the teenager in the neck. The injured 17-year-old was rushed to the hospital. The teen, who remains at the hospital, has been reported to be in a stable condition.
James is described as a 30-year-old Prospect Land Settlement employee. She was taken into police custody shortly after the incident. James has been charged with wounding with intent. Authorities say arrangements are now being made for her court appearance.
This violent incident comes amid growing concerns about crime in the parish. Despite Portland generally recording lower crime rates than other parishes in Jamaica, the area has recently experienced a spike in violent activity.
According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Serious Crimes Report for January 1 to June 21, 2025, Portland recorded seven murders so far this year, compared to six during the same period in 2024. Injuries resulting from violent incidents have also increased from one ;ast year to three this year.
Though the overall national murder count has declined significantly, down 44 per cent compared to this time last year, Portland is one of only two parishes currently showing an upward trend in homicides. This unexpected trend has left the locals dismayed.
Reports detail that the locals, including business operators, in the area have expressed concern over this increase, especially given the parish’s historically low murder rates.