作者： admin

In a significant move to aid recovery efforts in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Marathon Insurance Brokers has donated $2 million to assist residents whose homes were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The contribution was officially handed over to Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, during a ceremony at the company’s Kingston office. The event was attended by Marathon’s President and CEO Levar Smith, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Keisha Burgher, and Sales Manager Joseth Brown.

Smith emphasized the importance of corporate Jamaica’s involvement in the relief efforts, stating, ‘We are a part of this country’s fabric. When our people hurt, we hurt.’ He also highlighted the critical role of insurance in providing a safety net for families and businesses, enabling faster recovery post-disaster.

Marathon Insurance Brokers reaffirmed its commitment to supporting clients, communities, and the nation throughout the rebuilding process. MP Green lauded the company for its swift response, noting that Marathon was among the first to offer assistance. ‘This is the ethos of Marathon — to stand with the Jamaican people in their greatest time of need,’ he said.

Green described the devastation in St Elizabeth South West as unprecedented, with over 20,000 residents directly affected and the majority suffering significant damage to their homes. He reported that nearly all of the 40 impacted communities in his constituency experienced destruction affecting over 90% of their housing stock. ‘Capital towns like Black River have been completely wiped off the map,’ he added, underscoring the severe losses to businesses and livelihoods.

Nationally, preliminary assessments indicate that more than 120,000 homes across Jamaica sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.

A devastating accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in Jamaica has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with 15 others requiring medical attention. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involving a Toyota Hiace bus that was operating as a public passenger vehicle. The bus, traveling eastbound, reportedly suffered a tyre blowout, causing it to collide with a guard rail and overturn into a ditch just before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Council, provided preliminary details, emphasizing the severity of the crash and the ongoing investigation into whether excessive speed contributed to the tragedy. This incident has brought the total number of road fatalities in Jamaica this year to 342, marking a significant setback in the nation’s road safety efforts. Dr. Jones has called for heightened caution among motorists, urging adherence to speed limits and the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act, including the merit point system, to deter reckless driving. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, as the nation mourns the loss of lives and reflects on the critical importance of road safety.

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.