Renowned multi-award-winning artist Shaggy has announced his participation in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, fulfilling a long-held dream. The Jamaican superstar revealed the news on his official social media platforms on Monday, expressing his excitement and pride in representing his homeland during challenging times. The parade, a cherished American tradition since 1924, will celebrate its 99th anniversary on November 27. Shaggy, the sole Jamaican act in the lineup, will perform on the Jennie-O Big Turkey Spectacular float alongside other notable artists such as Ciara, Foreigner, and Busta Rhymes. In his announcement, Shaggy emphasized the significance of showcasing Jamaican culture through dancehall and reggae music, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by his country in the aftermath of a recent hurricane. Kim Anderson, senior brand manager of the JENNIE-O® brand, highlighted the collaboration with Shaggy as a special addition to this year’s festivities, promising an innovative and vibrant performance. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a globally recognized event, continues to symbolize the official commencement of the holiday season in the United States.
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Man struck twice in hit-and-run recovering, sister seeks answers
Four months after witnessing the harrowing footage of her brother being struck by one vehicle and then run over by another, Shanda Robinson and her family are still awaiting accountability and answers from authorities. Winchester “Chester” Robinson, who suffers from schizophrenia, was walking alone on Soldier Road on July 17 when the tragic incident occurred. Surveillance footage captured the moment he was hit by a car, left motionless on the road, and then run over by a second vehicle. A third car stopped briefly but failed to offer assistance. Chester sustained severe injuries, including four broken ribs, a bruised lung, a broken leg, and required three surgeries. Despite his miraculous survival and subsequent discharge from the hospital in September, the family remains in the dark about who is responsible for the incident. Shanda Robinson expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Road Traffic Department and the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stating that officials promised to visit Chester in the hospital but never followed through. The family initially obtained surveillance footage from a nearby Chinese restaurant and sought assistance from authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence. Shanda, who relocated from Abaco to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, finds it particularly challenging to navigate the system, as she knows few people on the island outside her family. Despite the emotional toll, the family has shifted their focus to Chester’s recovery. Reflecting on the incident, Chester’s reaction to watching the footage was one of gratitude: “Thank God I’m still here.” Shanda emphasized that accountability, even in the form of an apology, would bring the family much-needed closure. “You have to hold accountability for things in life,” she said, underscoring the importance of responsibility in such tragic circumstances.
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Port of Spain Corporation thanks Melissa relief donors, urges for more
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the Port of Spain City Corporation has launched a disaster relief initiative to support affected communities. The hurricane, which struck on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, caused widespread destruction and claimed 28 lives, marking it as one of the most powerful storms in Jamaica’s history. The Port of Spain City Corporation has expressed profound gratitude to donors who have contributed non-perishable food items and clothing, while urging others to join the effort. An official emphasized the importance of compassion during such tragedies, stating, “We remain deeply grateful to those who have given and those who will give.” The corporation is also collaborating with local businesses, some of which are organizing their own donation drives. During a visit to the collection site at City Hall on November 4, workers were seen diligently recording and storing donated items. Craig Magloire, an employee of the corporation, highlighted the impact of even small contributions, saying, “One tin can make a difference in someone’s life.” Jamaican music icon Sean Paul, who pledged $50,000 to match donations to Food For The Poor Jamaica, described the devastation as “overwhelming” and shared his concern for children traumatized by the storm. He also visited St Mary, a less affected area, where residents remain without electricity and unaware of the full extent of the destruction elsewhere.
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Williamsville fire leaves 10, including children, homeless
A devastating fire erupted on November 4 at a two-storey residence on Pooran Street in Williamsville, leaving ten individuals, including three children, without a home. The blaze originated on the first floor, which contained two bedrooms, and rapidly consumed the upper level. Fortunately, all family members were on the ground floor preparing lunch when they heard a loud explosion-like noise, prompting them to evacuate immediately. ‘We are grateful that no one was injured or killed,’ said Rasheana Ali, a resident of the home. The family, which includes Ali’s husband, their son, her parents, two sisters, their spouses, and an unmarried sister, lost all their belongings in the fire. Ali’s mother, Elaine Mohammed, who is battling cancer, experienced a panic attack during the incident and required medical attention due to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Firefighters responded within 20 minutes and managed to contain the fire, though the ground floor sustained water damage and structural weakening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial speculation pointing to a flammable substance such as perfume. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Dr. Aiyna Ali and Councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the site and pledged support for the family. The disaster management unit provided three mattresses, but the family’s long-term housing arrangements are still undetermined. Raghoo has urged the public to assist in rebuilding efforts. The financial impact of the damage is yet to be assessed.
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‘I was glad for company’
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, 71-year-old Wilhel Stone Williams shared her harrowing experience of survival and the unexpected comfort she found in her neighbor’s company. Describing the hurricane as “catastrophic,” Williams recounted the terrifying moments as the storm intensified, stripping trees of their leaves and tearing zinc sheets from her roof. Initially confident she would endure the storm alone, her composure shattered when the relentless wind began to batter her home. Panic set in as she realized the severity of the situation. Amid the chaos, Williams’ neighbor, Rosemarie Williams, whose own roof had been blown off, sought refuge in her home. “I was glad that time because that is when I get some company,” Williams said, expressing gratitude for the unexpected companionship. The storm left Williams’ home severely damaged, with leaks permeating every corner. Emotionally drained, she admitted to barely eating since the ordeal, surviving on little more than syrup. Her concern also extended to her pet goat, which she had left outside, unaware of the hurricane’s ferocity. “He’s so beautiful, and God don’t make anything happen to him,” she pleaded. Both women are now appealing for assistance to repair their homes and recover from the disaster. Those willing to help can contact Rosemarie Williams at 1 (876) 214-1501.
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Fraser Pryce distributes care packages to Hurricane Melissa victims
Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has once again demonstrated her commitment to community support by distributing essential care packages to residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa. On Tuesday, the renowned athlete focused her efforts on communities along the St Elizabeth and Westmoreland border, continuing the relief work initiated by her Pocket Rocket Foundation. This follows her previous outreach in parts of Westmoreland on Saturday. During the distribution, a significant number of residents gathered to receive the aid, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the assistance. Fraser-Pryce’s actions highlight her dedication to helping those in need, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joins a growing number of individuals and organizations contributing to recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis.
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Associated Brands pledges US$500,000 in Hurricane Melissa relief support to Jamaica
Nicholas Lok Jack, Executive Chairman of Associated Brands Industries Limited (ABIL), has announced a significant humanitarian aid package of US$500,000 to support Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ABIL, the parent company of renowned brands such as Sunshine Snacks, Charles Chocolates, Devon Biscuits, and Sunshine Cereals, has committed to providing both financial and material assistance to the affected regions. The aid includes a US$250,000 cash donation to the Sandals Foundation and an additional US$250,000 worth of food and snack products, which will be distributed through various agencies to the hardest-hit communities. Lok Jack emphasized the deep connection ABIL has with Jamaica, home to over 500 employees through its subsidiary, Confectionery and Snacks (Jamaica) Limited. He praised the resilience and spirit of the Jamaican people, stating, ‘We stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, as you rebuild stronger than ever.’ The partnership with the Sandals Foundation was chosen due to its established credibility and effectiveness in delivering aid across the Caribbean. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, expressed gratitude for ABIL’s swift and generous response, highlighting the importance of regional unity in times of crisis. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored the immediate impact of the partnership, noting that it will bring essential supplies and hope to those most affected. ABIL’s pledge reaffirms its enduring commitment to the Caribbean and its people, embodying the values of compassion and community support.
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Trelawny residents join long queues to fetch river water after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Trelawny, Jamaica, are grappling with a severe water shortage as the National Water Commission (NWC) struggles to restore piped water services. The Martha Brae River, which reportedly overflowed during the storm, has become a critical source of water for many. Long queues of residents have been observed along the roadway from Martha Brae to Falmouth, collecting untreated river water for essential domestic uses such as bathing, laundry, and flushing toilets. The situation has drawn significant attention, with motor vehicles lining both sides of the road as people fill containers with the available water. One resident commented, ‘It’s clean river water flowing on both sides of the road. We don’t drink it directly, but if necessary, we can boil it.’ The crisis highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure resilience and emergency response improvements.
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Gov’t launches new support programme for parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a robust Building Support Programme aimed at accelerating recovery efforts across the island. The announcement was made during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on empowering Members of Parliament (MPs) to lead localized relief efforts.
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Melissa damage to Jamaica up to US$7 billion in preliminary estimate, says Holness
The economic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has been preliminarily assessed at a staggering $6 to $7 billion, a figure that represents approximately 28 to 32 percent of the nation’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. This estimate was disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness during a statement delivered in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Dr. Holness emphasized the anticipated short-term economic slowdown, particularly in the most severely affected regions. The agricultural sector is expected to face a decline in output as farmers work to replant crops and livestock operations recover. Meanwhile, the tourism industry, known for its resilience, is making swift efforts to reopen but will require targeted support to restore its capacity and rebuild consumer confidence. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across retail, manufacturing, services, and the creative industries have incurred substantial losses. These businesses will need liquidity assistance and recovery programs to rebuild inventories, repair damaged facilities, and resume operations. The government’s focus is now on implementing measures to mitigate the long-term economic impact and support affected sectors in their recovery efforts.