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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has issued a stern condemnation following a deliberate act of sabotage that disrupted power restoration efforts in several St Mary communities. The incident occurred in Bonham Spring, where a recently installed utility pole was intentionally cut at its base, causing it to collapse. This malicious act resulted in a sudden power outage affecting areas such as the Bonham Hill Housing Scheme, Hand-to-Mouth, Refuge Hill, and the Lower White River Substation, all of which had just regained electricity after extensive repair work.

In a media statement released on Wednesday, JPS expressed deep concern over the intentional undermining of its restoration efforts, especially given the severe damage already sustained by the electricity network. The company emphasized that such destructive acts not only endanger lives but also significantly delay the restoration process for communities reliant on the return of normal services.

JPS is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, vandalism, or signs of sabotage immediately. The company reaffirmed its commitment to restoring power safely and swiftly, while calling for public cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. This incident highlights the challenges faced by utility providers in maintaining and repairing essential services amidst acts of deliberate interference.

In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Body Studio Skincare launched a community-focused initiative to uplift the spirits of affected Jamaicans. The company provided complimentary facial treatments and wellness shots at its medical spa in St Andrew, offering a total value exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over 50 free facials, each priced between J$10,450 and J$13,000, were administered, amounting to more than J$550,000 in services. Additionally, the spa distributed over 30 wellness shots, including glutathione, NAD, and B12 injections, to promote physical and emotional well-being. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from loyal clients to newcomers and even individuals from the severely impacted St Elizabeth region. Michelle Vernon, CEO of Body Studio Skincare, emphasized the company’s commitment to community healing, stating, ‘Wellness goes far beyond beauty; it is about dignity, confidence, and compassion.’ She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her staff and the community, highlighting the initiative as a way to reciprocate years of loyalty. Vernon also underscored the symbolic significance of the effort, noting that the services provided moments of respite and a reminder of care during challenging times. Beyond skincare, the initiative aimed to restore hope and resilience, embodying the core values of Body Studio Skincare.

A tragic accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in St. Catherine, Jamaica, has resulted in the feared loss of at least two lives and left several others critically injured. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involved a Toyota Hiace bus operating as a public passenger vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, traveling in the eastbound lane, overturned into a ditch just a few hundred meters before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Emergency services, including police and fire personnel, swiftly responded to the scene, working diligently to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to the injured. Multiple victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the local community. As this remains a developing story, further updates are expected in the coming hours.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to address the escalating impacts of climate change, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, has praised the establishment of the Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE) by the nation’s tertiary institutions. This initiative, formed in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, aims to bolster scientific research, policy planning, and long-term resilience in the face of increasingly severe climate shocks.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Adli Lewis, the principal of Seaside Primary School in Portland, Jamaica, has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative efforts to support the community. Recognizing the struggles faced by families left without power, Lewis transformed the school into a vital resource center, offering ironing facilities for parents and students alike.

The Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) has successfully raised over $3.1 million through its second annual Bredrin 2K Walk, held at Hope Gardens last Sunday. The funds will be directed toward supporting families impacted by Hurricane Melissa, particularly those in western Jamaica. The event, aligned with World Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, emphasized the theme ‘Health Equity’ and aimed to foster inclusion, healthy living, and national unity. Approximately 100 participants joined the walk, which also garnered significant product donations from Wisynco and National Bakery. To date, 10 families have received $225,000 in financial aid and care packages, with an additional 50 care packages provided by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation. JDSF founder Dr. Charmaine Scott highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing Jamaica’s resilience and compassion during recovery efforts. Executive Director Nadine Tarawali praised the community’s generosity, noting that the walk exceeded financial and emotional expectations. The foundation expressed gratitude to its sponsors, including NCB Foundation, Digicel Foundation, and others, for their unwavering support in promoting inclusion and nation-building.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is advancing plans to establish a One Road Authority, a centralized regulatory body aimed at overseeing the management of the nation’s extensive road network. This initiative seeks to address persistent challenges related to road maintenance, accountability, and development by creating a unified framework for all roads across the country. Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, announced the initiative during the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) seminar held in Kingston on November 25. Morgan emphasized that the authority will ensure consistent standards for all roads, regardless of their location or ownership. Jamaica currently has approximately 27,000 kilometers of roads managed by various entities, including the National Works Agency, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and municipal corporations. However, some roads fall outside these jurisdictions, complicating repair efforts. The proposed authority aims to streamline planning and maintenance, ensuring uniform standards for farm roads, municipal roads, and main highways. Morgan clarified that the initiative is not intended to disempower existing authorities but to prioritize citizens’ needs by ensuring timely and efficient road repairs. The government plans to consult with key stakeholders, including the Masterbuilders Association and municipal corporations, to develop a comprehensive framework for the authority.

In a significant stride for paediatric healthcare, Jamaica’s Bustamante Hospital for Children received a state-of-the-art phacoemulsification machine valued at $17 million on Wednesday. This transformative donation, funded by the net proceeds of the More Than This Concert held on Emancipation Day, August 1, aims to combat childhood cataracts, a leading cause of preventable blindness among Jamaican children. The concert, headlined by renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans and featuring Jamaica’s top gospel performers, drew over 15,000 attendees at King’s House, making it one of the year’s most impactful faith-based events.