作者： admin

Horace McFarlane, a long-time resident of Content District in Manchester, Jamaica, is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by rising groundwater. His home, now submerged, is a stark reminder of the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred days after Hurricane Melissa, has left 15 houses underwater, with only rooftops visible in some areas. McFarlane, who has lived in Content for over two decades, recounted how the water rose overnight, forcing his family to evacuate and scatter to different locations. Despite his efforts to save his belongings, including a newly installed zinc roof, the damage has been catastrophic. The phenomenon, explained by Peter Clarke of the Water Resources Authority, is due to a limestone aquifer filled to capacity, causing water to surface through sinkholes. The community, once a bustling district, now resembles a beachside, drawing curious onlookers and vendors. For McFarlane, however, the sight is a painful reminder of his loss. Suffering from health issues, he struggles to cope with the trauma, while his wife refuses to return to their home. The flooding has also revived memories of the 1979 disaster that reshaped the region. As residents and authorities work to address the crisis, McFarlane’s story highlights the human toll of environmental challenges.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic landslide has wreaked havoc on the rural community of Newcastle in St Andrew, Jamaica, leaving local farmers in dire straits. The disaster, which occurred at the 17 Mile post, has not only eroded a critical section of the main road but also swept away acres of farmland, plunging farmers into a struggle for survival. Among the most affected are Alvin McNeish and Aston Henry, whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the destruction of their crops and the loss of access to their farms. McNeish, a 69-year-old farmer with over six decades of experience, has seen his four-acre property, once teeming with plantains, bananas, coffee, and other crops, reduced to rubble. The emotional toll of the devastation has left him in tears, as he grapples with the monumental task of rebuilding. On the other side of the landslide, Henry faces a similar plight. With the main road severed, he is forced to carry his produce on his back through treacherous terrain to reach the nearest vehicle, significantly limiting his earning potential. Both farmers express deep concern over the lack of immediate assistance and the uncertainty of their futures. McNeish, who resides two miles from his farm, fears further damage as residents now use his land as a makeshift bypass. Meanwhile, Henry, who has been farming for 30 years, has never encountered such devastation. Despite the overwhelming challenges, both men remain determined to rebuild their lives, relying on their faith and resilience to navigate the difficult road ahead. They are calling for urgent support from the government and the community to help them recover from this unprecedented disaster.

A group of former Jamaican national football players, known as the Reggae Boyz, has initiated a significant fundraising campaign to assist communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. Spearheaded by Jobi McAnuff, a veteran of over 30 international matches for Jamaica, the effort is driven by both personal loss and a sense of national duty. McAnuff, who maintains close ties with family in Jamaica, described the hurricane’s impact as catastrophic, prompting him and his former teammates to take action. The initiative includes a GoFundMe page, leveraging their public profiles to encourage donations and provide essential aid to those affected. McAnuff emphasized the personal toll of the disaster, with family members in various parts of the island suffering significant losses. The campaign has garnered widespread support from former players, including Adrian Mariappa, Wes Morgan, Joel Grant, and Garath McCleary, reflecting the strong camaraderie within the Reggae Boyz community. McAnuff, now a football pundit in the UK, noted that the response has exceeded expectations, with substantial funds raised to address urgent needs. He also highlighted the importance of Jamaica’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Curacao, viewing it as an opportunity to uplift the nation amidst ongoing challenges. For McAnuff and his peers, this initiative transcends fundraising; it is a testament to their enduring connection to Jamaica and their commitment to its recovery.

The historic Lincoln’s Inn in London was the setting for a night of Caribbean brilliance on November 7, as The University of the West Indies (UWI) hosted its annual London Benefit Dinner. The event, themed ‘Elevate to Educate,’ brought together distinguished Caribbean-British figures, including Baroness Patricia Scotland, the first female Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Sir Trevor McDonald, a renowned journalist; and Ambassador Theresa Roberts, a philanthropist and entrepreneur. The black-tie gala also saw the presence of Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving female MP, and high commissioners from Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. Baroness Floella Benjamin and Professor Shirley Thompson served as patrons, while actress Nathalie Emmanuel hosted the evening. The event highlighted UWI’s mission to integrate research, innovation, and advocacy, particularly in climate action, with proceeds funding postgraduate scholarships focused on environmental and social governance (ESG) themes. Awards were presented to notable institutions and individuals, including the VM Group, the University of Glasgow, and luminaries like Sonita Alleyne and Sir Trevor McDonald, celebrating their contributions to Caribbean and global progress.

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left many individuals and small business owners in eastern Jamaica grappling with financial challenges, casting a shadow over the upcoming Christmas season. Despite being spared significant physical damage, residents have faced substantial economic strain due to their involvement in relief efforts in the western regions, which bore the brunt of the storm. The Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) and the Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA) have called on the government to provide tax breaks and targeted financial support to alleviate the burden on small businesses. Meanwhile, individuals are seeking loan moratoria and leniency from financial institutions to manage their mounting expenses. Nickeba Dunkley, a resident who spent nearly $400,000 on relief efforts, exemplifies the personal sacrifices made by many. ‘Helping others felt like the right thing to do,’ she said, though she now worries about her monthly expenses. Small business owners like Carolyn Rose and Nicolette Richardson have maxed out credit cards to support their communities, while others, such as Nastassia Brown of Kingston’s Catch, have had to halt operations, further straining their cash flow. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced fiscal measures to aid recovery, including cash flow assistance and emergency social programs, but details remain scarce. Financial institutions like the National Housing Trust and Scotiabank Jamaica have introduced moratoriums on loan payments, but interest continues to accrue. As the Christmas season approaches, many are bracing for a subdued celebration, with a focus on gratitude and community rather than material gifts. ‘Christmas is going to be gloomy for sure,’ said Shudene Ramsay, CEO of Ramsay’s Professional Services Limited, reflecting the widespread sentiment of uncertainty and survival mode among affected communities.