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In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in October, experts are emphasizing the critical need for counselling interventions for both teachers and students, particularly at the early childhood level. Professor Zoyah Kinkead-Clark, a leading figure in early childhood care and education at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), has highlighted the immense challenges faced by educators and children as they return to classrooms. She stressed that trauma and psychosocial issues severely hinder learning, making it imperative to address these concerns promptly. Kinkead-Clark, who also manages the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre, pointed out that many teachers are themselves grappling with trauma, yet are expected to support their students. With over 700 schools reopened and efforts underway to minimize disruptions to education, the lack of guidance counsellors at the early childhood level has further complicated the situation. Teachers are now tasked with providing psychosocial assistance to students, even as they navigate their own struggles. Kinkead-Clark shared harrowing accounts from educators, including those living in shelters or dealing with significant personal losses. While some progress has been made in prioritizing early childhood education, she emphasized that the sector remains under-resourced. To address these challenges, The UWI School of Education, the Early Childhood Commission, Jamaica National Foundation, and the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre are hosting a regional colloquium. The event aims to develop actionable strategies for disaster recovery and strengthen support systems for the sector. The colloquium, taking place at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Mona, St Andrew, will bring together policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to chart a path forward.

The Build Back Jamaica Street Dance, held at Romeich Headquarters on Saturday night, was far from an ordinary dancehall event. At its core, it was a mission-driven gathering aimed at raising funds for hurricane recovery efforts. A massive donation box placed center stage and gospel music interludes throughout the night underscored the event’s philanthropic purpose. Patrons, dressed in their finest streetwear, were reminded of their collective responsibility to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Despite the somber undertone, the atmosphere was electric, with music, dance, and camaraderie taking center stage. Romeich Major, the event’s organizer, passionately urged attendees to contribute generously, emphasizing that every donation, no matter how small, would aid in rebuilding Jamaica. The night featured an impressive lineup of DJs and selectors who kept the energy high with a mix of R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, and reggae hits. A poignant moment of silence honored the lives lost to the hurricane, accompanied by gospel favorites that stirred deep emotions among the crowd. Songs like ‘We Are The World’ and ‘Lean On Me’ further reinforced the theme of unity and gratitude. Attendees enthusiastically participated in the donation drive, flocking to the stage to fill the ‘offering plate.’ Supported by corporate sponsors, the event continued well into the early hours, leaving a lasting impact on both the attendees and the cause it championed.

The Jamaica National (JN) Foundation has announced its commitment to urgently repair the DRB Grant Demonstration Basic School in Catherine Hall, St James, which suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The school, originally designed with seven classrooms to accommodate 140 children, now serves over 160 students and was severely impacted by high winds and floodwaters, resulting in 95% damage. Sydoney Preddie, speaking at a JIS Think Tank event, emphasized the school’s critical role in early childhood education and its location in one of the hardest-hit areas. The repair initiative aligns with the JN Foundation’s focus on early childhood development and coincides with the Regional Colloquium on Early Childhood Education, a two-day event advocating for Jamaica’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Professor Zoyah Kinkead Clark of UWI Mona highlighted the importance of partnerships in rebuilding the sector, noting the devastating effects of school disruptions on young children. The school, named after Dudley Ransford Brandyce (DRB) Grant, a pioneer in Jamaican early childhood education, stands as a symbol of resilience and the urgent need for collective action in the face of natural disasters.

EG Hunter, CEO of Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA), has identified the country’s heavy dependence on single-occupant vehicles as a primary cause of Kingston’s persistent traffic congestion. Speaking at a recent session of the Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee, Hunter emphasized that Kingston’s gridlock is largely a result of a transportation system centered on private cars rather than mass transit. He argued that no modern city effectively moves its population using individual transport, stressing the necessity of mass transit solutions. Hunter also highlighted the NWA’s ongoing road expansion projects, including upgrades to Grange Lane, Hellshire, and Braeton roadways, as part of efforts to alleviate congestion. However, he acknowledged delays in key projects due to funding reallocations. Hunter further pointed to the significant reduction in traffic during school holidays as evidence of how school-related trips exacerbate the problem. He called for a reevaluation of urban planning and transportation policies to address the crisis.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, the demand for housing has surged, particularly in the western regions where many residents have been displaced. This increased demand has unfortunately provided fertile ground for fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals through real estate scams. Reports indicate that scammers are leveraging platforms like TikTok and even traditional media to advertise fraudulent rental and property listings. One realtor from the south-central part of the island revealed that their phone has been inundated with inquiries from people seeking housing, many of whom have already fallen victim to these scams. The realtor emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing genuine listings from fraudulent ones, even in classified ads. Kimberly Blair of Gourzong Realty Group has urged potential buyers to exercise extreme caution, highlighting the financial vulnerability of many at this time. Andrew James, Chairman of the Real Estate Board (REB), acknowledged the issue and stated that efforts are underway to increase public awareness in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ). RAJ’s Second Vice-President, Roger Allen, noted that the strategic plan to combat real estate fraud, delayed by Hurricane Melissa, is now being ramped up. This includes workshops, seminars, and a centralized system for reporting and recording scams. Allen also warned of an anticipated rise in property sales in less affected areas, urging the public to only engage with licensed realtors and to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Red Stripe has been at the forefront of relief efforts in western Jamaica, providing critical support to families whose lives and livelihoods have been severely disrupted. Last week, the company extended its community outreach to Haughton Grove in Hanover, one of the areas most affected by the storm. Three trucks laden with food, water, cleaning supplies, and care packages arrived in the district, marking the first organized relief effort since the hurricane struck. Volunteers distributed essential items, including 200 cases of water, 60 cases of Malta beverages, clothing, cleaning materials, and meal boxes, to help families meet their immediate needs. The initiative was made possible through a partnership with Paramount Trading Jamaica Ltd. Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern, Andrea Purkiss, who assisted in the distribution, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the urgent need for support. Among the beneficiaries was 72-year-old Lola Dehaney, who has endured multiple hurricanes in her lifetime. She shared her emotional experience, stating, ‘Me feel so grateful for them. God couldn’t send a better gift.’ Nearby, 58-year-old Violet White highlighted the challenges of contacting her daughter in London due to damaged communications and rising living costs. Red Stripe’s relief efforts also extended to communities in Westmoreland, including Aldair, Retirement, Belmont, and Whitehouse, where the company distributed 500 care packages and 22 water drums. Residents in these areas recounted losing roofs, livestock, and small businesses. Red Stripe’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Dianne Ashton-Smith, emphasized the company’s commitment to recovery, stating, ‘Our goal is to help communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.’ The company’s broader contributions include distributing approximately 1,000 cases of Malta and bottled water, supporting the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and enlisting the help of brand ambassadors like Usain Bolt and Masicka. Additionally, Red Stripe donated $15 million to the I Love Jamaica Telethon, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Ashton-Smith concluded, ‘As families across Hanover and Westmoreland continue the long process of rebuilding, they do so strengthened by partnerships that reflect the true spirit of Jamaica’s neighbours, communities, and companies working side by side toward recovery.’

A devastating bus accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica, has resulted in five fatalities and left 15 others hospitalized, according to reports up to press time on Wednesday. Among the deceased were three males and two females, with a two-year-old child among the injured. The crash occurred around 3:00 pm in the eastbound lane, just a few hundred meters before the Vineyard toll booth. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre blowout may have caused the minivan to collide with a guardrail, flip multiple times, and eject several passengers. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, responded swiftly to the scene. Dr. Lucien Jones, a road safety advocate and vice-chairman of the National Road Safety Council, expressed deep shock and urged drivers to exercise extreme caution. He emphasized the importance of adhering to road safety regulations, including the use of seat belts and avoiding speeding. The tragedy has brought the total number of road fatalities in Jamaica this year to 342, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and the implementation of the demerit point system to deter reckless driving.