Jamaica is rapidly expanding its network of field hospitals to address healthcare challenges, with a new facility set to open in Falmouth, Trelawny, in the coming days. Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the development during a press briefing on Thursday, highlighting the collaborative efforts with international partners. The Falmouth field hospital, equipped with comprehensive services including emergency care, surgery, paediatrics, and radiology, is expected to alleviate pressure on local healthcare facilities and extend support to neighboring regions such as St James. Tufton emphasized the contributions of Spain and the European Union, whose medical teams and resources have been instrumental in the initiative. Additionally, the government is planning a third field hospital at Cornwall Regional in St James, in partnership with Barbados. Meanwhile, the Savanna-la-Mar hospital continues to provide emergency services with support from a non-governmental organization, and discussions are underway to establish a standalone field hospital in the White House and Belmont area, which was severely affected by recent crises. Over 50 patients have already received treatment at the existing field hospital in Black River. To manage the influx of donations, the government has sought assistance from the United Nations to ensure efficient aid distribution.
作者： admin
-
Spice donates building supplies to Bethel Town
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Renowned international dancehall artist Spice has taken a proactive role in aiding the recovery of Bethel Town, Westmoreland, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. On Wednesday, the singer, whose real name is Grace Hamilton, mobilized a significant effort to provide essential building materials to residents left homeless by the disaster.
-
ADRA Jamaica committed to support before and after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the western parishes of Jamaica, ADRA Jamaica, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The organization swiftly activated its National Emergency Management Plan, ensuring a coordinated response to the crisis. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, ADRA Jamaica volunteers prepared and distributed 800 units of food supplies in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, anticipating the immediate needs of affected communities. Pastor Wenford Henry, Director of ADRA Jamaica, emphasized the proactive approach, stating, ‘We chose these parishes as our initial response based on the hurricane’s predicted path.’ Following the disaster, ADRA teams and volunteers conducted daily visits to severely impacted areas such as Black River, Middle Quarters, and Lacovia, providing hot meals and essential support. On November 4, ADRA International leaders, in collaboration with the Adventist Church’s youth department, conducted a volunteer training session at Victor Dixon High School in Mandeville under the ‘Yes with ADRA’ initiative. Over 100 volunteers participated in data collection and clean-up drives on November 5, with plans to distribute food and supplies based on assessed needs. Volunteer Anthia Adderley praised the training, noting its interactive and detailed approach. Pastor Henry reassured affected communities, ‘We will not leave you. ADRA Jamaica and our overseas partners are committed to rebuilding your lives better than before.’ Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, commended ADRA’s efforts, highlighting the collaboration with government and faith-based organizations to alleviate hardships faced by hurricane victims.
-
Israeli medical team arrives Thursday for post-hurricane humanitarian mission
A 40-member medical delegation from Israel is set to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday to support humanitarian relief efforts following the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa on parts of the island. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Israel’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was organized at the request of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. The mission seeks to bolster Jamaica’s national response by delivering specialized medical expertise and technical aid to the hardest-hit regions. Dr. Joseph Mendlovic, deputy director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Health, and Professor Ofer Marin, a globally renowned expert in disaster medicine and humanitarian field operations, will lead the delegation. According to Israel’s ambassador to Jamaica, Raslan Abu Rukun, the team will divide into two groups upon arrival, deploying to two hospitals in the affected areas. The delegation includes doctors, nurses, and paramedical professionals specializing in emergency medicine, paediatrics, women’s health, public health, and other critical fields. The team is expected to remain in Jamaica for two weeks, providing essential medical support to those impacted by the hurricane.
-
JCNP denies making any agreement with govt for joint management of parades
The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has refuted claims of a joint management agreement with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. This denial comes in the wake of a video released by the Office of the Prime Minister, which suggested a collaborative effort between the two organizations. The video featured JCNP Chairman Dion Miller and NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder, alongside other Junkanoo community members, discussing a unified approach to the parades. Miller emphasized their commitment to advancing Junkanoo in the national interest, stating, ‘We’re excited to be at this point and to move forward together hand in hand to make Junkanoo one and whole for all.’ Pinder acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders, including the Parade Management Team, the Festival Committee, and longtime sponsor Sir Franklyn Wilson. However, the NJC later clarified that the meeting was not a formal engagement with the JCNP but rather a discussion with representatives of the Shell Saxon Superstars. The NJC stated, ‘To be clear, no agreement for joint management between the NJC and the JCNP exists.’ The committee confirmed that the 2025/2026 parades would be managed exclusively by its appointed Parade Management Team, led by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Douglas Hanna, under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The NJC reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in managing the parade season, ensuring the integrity of Junkanoo. Efforts to reach Dion Miller for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
-
Sam Bankman-Fried lawyers seek to overturn his fraud conviction
In a pivotal hearing before the US Federal Appeals Court, judges expressed skepticism over arguments presented by lawyers for Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced former cryptocurrency tycoon, who is seeking to overturn his fraud conviction and secure a new trial. Bankman-Fried’s defense team, led by attorney Alexandria Shapiro, argued that the initial trial was “fundamentally unfair,” claiming that Judge Lewis Kaplan improperly restricted Bankman-Fried’s testimony, thereby favoring prosecutors. Shapiro contended that the prosecution’s narrative was “morally compelling” but misleading, emphasizing that nearly all FTX creditors had been repaid 120% of their investments, with $8 billion already returned and an additional $1 billion in legal fees covered. Bankman-Fried’s legal team also argued that key evidence supporting his claim that FTX had sufficient funds to cover customer withdrawals was excluded, rendering the verdict unjust. However, the appellate judges appeared unconvinced, with one noting “very substantial evidence of guilt” in the trial record. Judge Barrington Parker questioned whether the jury’s verdict would have differed even if Bankman-Fried had been allowed to testify about his lawyers’ involvement in drafting certain documents. Bankman-Fried, once hailed as a billionaire cryptocurrency mogul and founder of FTX and Alameda Research, saw his empire crumble when it was revealed he had misused billions in customer funds to cover losses, finance political donations, and support personal and corporate spending. In March 2024, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $11 billion after being convicted on seven charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. Prosecutors described his actions as one of the largest financial frauds in US history, with Judge Kaplan condemning his “exceptional greed and disregard for the truth.” Meanwhile, reports suggest Bankman-Fried’s inner circle has lobbied former President Donald Trump for a pardon, though it remains unclear whether Trump is considering the request.
-
Freeport Primary students forced to relocate after discovery of roof damage and mold
Freeport Primary School in Grand Bahama faced an unexpected closure this week after significant roof damage and mould were discovered, posing potential health and safety risks. The decision to shut down the campus was made by education officials, who swiftly relocated over 300 students and staff to nearby churches as a temporary solution. However, the makeshift arrangements at New Life Community Church proved inadequate, leading to an early dismissal of students on Wednesday morning. Parents were promptly informed to collect their children while officials adjusted their plans. District Superintendent Maneica Pratt explained that the school’s ageing infrastructure, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, had revealed vulnerabilities, including roof leaks and mould growth. Repair crews have since been mobilized to address these issues, with mould remediation and roof repairs now underway. In the interim, students will transition to virtual learning for two days, with teachers providing prepared learning packets for continuity. Pratt emphasized that the health and safety of students and staff remain the top priority, expressing confidence that the repairs will be completed swiftly, allowing for a safe return to the classroom. Freeport Primary, which serves approximately 360 students and employs 35 teachers, is expected to resume normal operations shortly.
-
Thompson raises concern over ongoing bed shortage at Rand Memorial Hospital
A pressing healthcare crisis has emerged at Rand Memorial Hospital in East Grand Bahama, as MP Kwasi Thompson raised urgent concerns over severe bed shortages and prolonged delays in patient admissions. Thompson, alerted by a constituent, revealed that a family member had been stranded in the hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department for days, awaiting transfer to a proper ward. Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Thompson highlighted overcrowding, inadequate bathroom facilities, and restricted visitation as critical issues. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville acknowledged the problem, labeling it as “cyclic” and apologizing to affected families. He explained that the A&E department often experiences periods of extreme overcrowding, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. To address the crisis, the government has introduced virtual wards for patients requiring monitoring and is planning to construct two new hospitals. Prime Minister Philip Davis announced plans to seek parliamentary approval for a $230 million loan from the Chinese government to fund the new healthcare facilities, aiming to alleviate the strain on the current system.
-
Nicki Minaj, Skeng, Shaniel Muir donate relief items to western Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, global rap icon Nicki Minaj, alongside Jamaican artists Skeng and Shaniel Muir, has stepped up to provide critical aid to affected communities in western Jamaica. The Trinidadian-born superstar’s team, donning shirts emblazoned with ‘The Barbz Foundation’ logo, distributed essential supplies such as stoves, cooking gas regulators, containers, and food packages to residents grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Minaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to share updates on the relief efforts, expressing her commitment with the message, “Plus tmrw & possibly longer. One Love, Jamaica. Love you.” Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc in southwestern Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction, displacing countless families, and cutting off access to clean water and electricity. The collective efforts of these celebrities have brought much-needed support to the region during this dire time.
-
St Elizabeth North East MP calls for assistance in clearing blocked roads
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Zuleika Jess, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Eastern, has taken decisive action to assist constituents stranded in their communities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Despite the Government’s directive against using private means to clear roads, Jess prioritized saving lives and restoring access to essential services.