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In a significant move to support regional journalism, the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced the transformation of its S Club facility into a dedicated operations base for media personnel in western Jamaica. This initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to address the critical challenges journalists face, including unreliable phone connectivity and intermittent email access, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Christopher Issa, the hotel’s owner, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in a functioning democracy. ‘We are very happy to be able to do this… especially at a time when journalists are facing significant hurdles in accessing the tools they need to do their work,’ Issa stated. He highlighted the hotel’s commitment to providing a stable environment where journalists can access emails, make phone calls, and produce accurate content for the public.

Ann-Marie Goffe Pryce, the hotel’s general manager, reinforced this commitment, stating, ‘Ensuring that our regional journalists have a reliable workspace is a responsibility we take seriously. The S Club will offer consistent connectivity and a conducive environment, enabling them to focus on delivering trustworthy news.’ She added that this partnership underscores the hotel’s dedication to community support and the integrity of information, particularly during the recovery phase post-Hurricane Melissa.

Janet Silvera, President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), praised the initiative, describing the extreme conditions journalists have endured, including camping at police stations or pulling over on highways to access the internet. ‘Providing a base with consistent connectivity and workspace is a meaningful intervention that will help reporters deliver timely, accurate stories,’ Silvera explained. She also lauded the collaboration as a model for future emergencies, highlighting the importance of stable information channels in times of crisis.

The S Hotel, renowned for its community stewardship, will grant journalists access to the S Club during designated hours, ensuring a reliable space for filing stories, conducting interviews, and coordinating dispatches. This initiative not only aids journalists in the immediate recovery period but also establishes a sustainable framework for supporting media operations during future emergencies, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in national resilience.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the government has initiated a robust, multi-pronged response to aid micro and small businesses in their recovery efforts. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), underscored the urgency of the situation, describing it as ‘Herculean and multifaceted.’ He revealed that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, have already issued directives and convened strategic meetings to expedite the revival of small enterprises.

Residents of St James, Jamaica, were left in a state of alarm on Friday afternoon as powerful winds swept through several communities, evoking memories of past severe weather events. South St James bore the brunt of the phenomenon, with locals describing the experience as both sudden and unsettling. Marcia Anderson, a resident of the Tangle River community, recounted the moment the winds began to howl. “We saw trees and bamboo swaying violently, and leaves flying everywhere, but it stopped shortly after,” she told Observer Online. Anderson also noted the eerie change in the atmosphere, saying, “The place turned white as if heavy rain was imminent, but it never came.” Her concerns were heightened by a call from a relative overseas who had warned of a potential weather system that might impact the region. “I thought this was it,” she admitted, though the winds subsided quickly. Another resident from the Meadows of Irwin community, who chose to remain anonymous, described the event as deeply traumatic. “I nearly had a panic attack,” she said, drawing parallels to the destructive Hurricane Melissa. She reported sustained showers accompanying the winds, which soaked her patio and caused water to seep through her bedroom window. “It felt like it lasted 20 minutes,” she added, emphasizing the intensity of the experience. While the winds eventually died down, the incident left many residents on edge, reminding them of the vulnerability of their communities to sudden weather changes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Sagicor Group Jamaica, through its philanthropic arm, the Sagicor Foundation, has pledged approximately J$200 million in relief funding. This comprehensive support package includes J$40 million allocated specifically for Sagicor employees affected by the storm. To date, 224 employees residing in the hardest-hit parishes have been identified for targeted assistance. As part of its immediate response, the company has distributed “family boxes” to over 670 individuals, including team members and their families, across 48 communities in five parishes. Volunteers from Sagicor’s subsidiaries were mobilized to assist with the packaging and distribution of these essential supplies. Additionally, the company is offering grants for immediate needs and interest-free loans to support long-term rebuilding efforts for affected employees. These local initiatives are bolstered by Sagicor Financial Company (SFC), the group’s parent company, which has pledged matching donations from employees in other Sagicor territories to aid long-term recovery. Sagicor is also exploring further ways to assist clients severely impacted by the hurricane, helping them regain stability and normalcy during this challenging period. Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, personally visited Black River, St Elizabeth, to oversee relief distribution and assess the damage. “The devastation in Black River is heartbreaking, and we are committed to supporting our team members, clients, and the broader community in rebuilding their lives,” Zacca stated. He emphasized Sagicor’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica, reaffirming the company’s dedication to recovery efforts. The Sagicor Foundation will continue to coordinate relief initiatives as recovery progresses across the island.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of solidarity, Downsound Entertainment (DSE), renowned for organizing Reggae Sumfest and Freedom Street, collaborated with artists D’Yani, Marcy Chin, and YoungWildApache to deliver essential relief supplies to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative targeted areas severely impacted by the storm, including Santa Cruz and Middle Quarters in St. Elizabeth, as well as Dean’s Valley in Westmoreland. The relief effort aimed to provide immediate assistance to families struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster. The care packages distributed by the team included non-perishable food items, baby formula, diapers, bottled water, tarpaulin, comforters, and mini tents, addressing both short-term and long-term needs of those who lost homes or suffered significant property damage. Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jamaicans during times of crisis. “Music connects us, but community sustains us,” Bogdanovich stated. “Downsound has always believed in giving back, especially when our people are hurting. Witnessing the devastation first-hand was heart-breaking, yet it was also inspiring to see the resilience of Jamaicans. We’re proud to lend a hand and will continue supporting rebuilding efforts wherever we can.” The artists involved in the initiative shared their emotional experiences during the visit. D’Yani described the experience as heart-wrenching, expressing a newfound appreciation for life. “Seeing the devastation in person gave me a deeper sense of gratitude. The people were incredibly grateful and truly needed the help,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of DSE manager Dwight “Bub” James in coordinating the outreach. Marcy Chin found the journey eye-opening, particularly moved by the selflessness of a woman who, despite losing her own home, urged the team to assist her neighbor who had suffered a personal tragedy. YoungWildApache echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “Being on the ground and witnessing the impact of Hurricane Melissa first-hand was overwhelming. I’m just thankful we could bring a bit of hope to those in need,” he said. In addition to the immediate relief efforts, DSE is collaborating with key agencies to identify further ways to assist affected communities. A clean-up team has also been mobilized in St. James, underscoring Downsound Entertainment’s dedication to leveraging music and community action to uplift Jamaica.

PORTLAND, Jamaica — While the northeastern parish of Portland escaped the most severe impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica over a week ago, local businesses are still grappling with the aftermath. Ricardo ‘Ric Boss’ Oharo, a chef at a local cookshop, shared his struggles with Observer Online during a visit by the news team on Friday. Oharo noted that business has slowed significantly since the hurricane, as many residents have been unable to work due to storm-related disruptions affecting their employers. This has led to reduced spending in the community. Additionally, Oharo highlighted the rising operational costs, particularly the increased price of fuel needed to power the shop’s generator. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that his establishment remains affordable for customers. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28 as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Many areas in Portland remain in darkness. Oharo expressed gratitude that Portland was spared major damage this time, recalling the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl in July last year. ‘We give God thanks still,’ he said. ‘Everything is intact, giving thanks!’