In a heartfelt gesture to mark World Food Day 2025, the World Mission Society Church of God has distributed 25 food parcels to families and individuals in Dominica grappling with economic hardships, health challenges, and the impacts of climate change. This initiative is part of the church’s global “Hold Hope Campaign,” which aims to provide compassion, love, and practical support to underserved communities worldwide, as detailed in a recent press release. The food packages were delivered at the Government Headquarters in Dominica during October, with recipients carefully selected in collaboration with Dominica’s Ministry of Social Services, Community Development, and Gender Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. This partnership ensures that aid reaches those most in need. A representative from the Church of God in Dominica expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the government, stating, “Through small acts of sharing, we can bring great hope to those facing difficult circumstances.” Government officials, including Minister of Social Services Cassandra Williams and Permanent Secretaries Kyra Paul (Health) and Ryan Anselm (Agriculture), lauded the church’s generosity and alignment with national efforts to enhance food security and social safety nets for vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of General Pastor Joo-cheol Kim, the Church is actively engaged in the Hold Hope Campaign, which seeks to “share hope with a Mother’s heart” and support communities affected by climate change, economic struggles, and health challenges. Building on its February initiative, which provided daily essentials to 6,400 households across 25 countries on World Day of Social Justice, this year’s campaign aims to assist over 7,400 households in approximately 80 nations, with aid packages valued at around USD 258,800. The initiative also focuses on supporting small-scale farmers, fishers, and livestock producers facing labor shortages, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural and rural communities.
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Vaccine Mandate Case sent to Privy Council for final decision
The Court of Appeal in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has granted conditional permission for the contentious ‘Vaccine Mandate Case’ to be referred to the Privy Council in London, the nation’s highest judicial authority, for a definitive resolution. This legal battle stems from the November 2021 decision by the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, which declared that public sector workers refusing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate had effectively abandoned their jobs. The Public Service Union, SVG Teachers’ Union, and Police Welfare Association spearheaded the lawsuit, which initially saw High Court Judge Justice Esco Henry rule in favor of the workers in March 2023. However, a subsequent 2-1 decision by the Court of Appeal in February 2025 overturned this ruling, prompting the workers to seek the Privy Council’s intervention. During a virtual hearing in Kingstown, the government’s legal team, led by senior counsel Anthony Astaphan, opted not to present oral arguments, leaving the decision entirely to the court. Cara Shillingford, lead counsel for the workers, emphasized the case’s constitutional significance, particularly regarding property and pension rights under Section 99 of SVG’s Constitution. She also highlighted the High Court’s finding that the vaccine mandate violated Section 77, which governs the Public Service Commission’s independence. The court acknowledged the substantial public interest in resolving this critical constitutional issue. The panel, comprising Justices Trevor Ward, Peter Foster, and Reginald Armour, noted the undisputed value of the workers’ pensions, which far exceeded $1,500, as evidenced by affidavit submissions.
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Health ministry warns against contaminated water as suspected cases of leptospirosis on the rise
Health authorities in Jamaica are sounding the alarm over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases, a deadly bacterial infection, as communities battle stagnant floodwaters left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), emphasized the heightened risk during a recent interview on Radio Jamaica’s Hotline program. She warned that the current conditions—standing water contaminated with animal waste—create an ideal breeding ground for the disease. The Ministry of Health has already identified suspected cases, which are being treated as confirmed under protocol. Leptospirosis, which can escalate rapidly into a life-threatening illness, is transmitted through contact with contaminated water, particularly through cuts or abrasions on the skin. Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie urged the public to take preventive measures, including wearing protective footwear, avoiding exposure to dirty water, and ensuring proper garbage disposal. She stressed the importance of personal responsibility, noting that while health teams are working to address the crisis, individual vigilance is critical to curbing the spread of the disease. The CMO’s call to action underscores the urgent need for community-wide efforts to mitigate the risk of infection and prevent further health complications.
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Special Olympics Jamaica targets podium finish at historic regional basketball tournament
The Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) basketball team is poised to make history as they prepare to compete in the inaugural Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament in Guadeloupe, scheduled for November 14-15. Head coach Elfema Williams expressed confidence in her team’s ability to secure a podium finish, citing their strong preparation and unity.
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Catherine Hall and West Green clean-up entering second phase
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which has been described as the most devastating hurricane to strike Jamaica, government agencies have ramped up their efforts to restore normalcy in the severely affected Catherine Hall and West Green communities. The clean-up operation, now in its second phase, focuses on removing remaining debris and implementing extensive sanitization measures. Minister Robert Morgan, responsible for works, highlighted the extensive damage, noting that floodwaters reached up to 10 feet, with mud levels in some areas as high as three feet. Over 700 truckloads of debris, including destroyed furniture, have already been removed by the National Solid Waste Management Authority. The second phase involves mobilizing community members, alongside agencies like China Harbour Engineering, the municipality, and the National Works Agency, to ensure thorough sanitization and debris removal. Minister Andrew Wheatley emphasized the collaborative efforts with various state agencies, including the National Water Commission and the fire brigade, to expedite the restoration process. Despite the significant losses suffered by residents, there is a collective gratitude that no lives were lost. The government is also focusing on public health risks, ensuring that areas posing health hazards are promptly addressed. Wheatley acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the disaster, with rivers overflowing and water levels reaching historic highs, and stressed the importance of learning from this experience to implement future mitigation strategies. The cost of the recovery efforts is yet to be finalized, but the central government is fully supporting the multi-agency initiative to bring relief to the affected communities.
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GEM sends $4.3 million worth in aid to Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has spearheaded a monumental recovery initiative in collaboration with the Building a Better Jamaica program and various partner organizations. This effort aims to assist affected communities in rebuilding and restoring normalcy.
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Market Bag: Sweet pepper up to $1,500 as vendors predict more price spikes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s agriculture sector, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green disclosed on Tuesday that the hurricane caused staggering losses amounting to $29.5 billion, significantly impacting the nation’s food supply chain. This week, the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston witnessed heightened frustrations among buyers as prices for essential produce surged. Sweet and hot peppers are now priced at $1,500 per pound, while escallion ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 per pound. Thyme is being sold for $1,200 per pound, and tomatoes cost between $400 and $500 per pound. Vendors warn that prices are likely to escalate further as the Christmas season approaches, compounding the challenges faced by consumers.
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Custos of Clarendon hands over prefabricated houses to two families in St Elizabeth
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, two families in St Elizabeth have been provided with new homes through the efforts of Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin. The initiative, part of the Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, saw the distribution of two prefabricated houses and essential supplies to Ashella Baker and Alludia Brown, both mothers whose homes were destroyed by the storm. The relief effort also included care packages for numerous other affected residents during a distribution event on November 13. Ashella Baker, a mother of six from Middle Quarters, expressed her gratitude, describing the arrival of the new home as a ‘miracle.’ Alludia Brown, a mother of two from Parottee, shared her relief and excitement at having a secure place for her family. The mission received support from Juici Patties, the Clarendon police, Clarendon Justices of the Peace, and other partners. Custos Chin emphasized the ongoing need for assistance, stating that two more houses will be gifted to families in need. Superintendent Coleridge Minto of the St Elizabeth Police Division praised the initiative, highlighting the comprehensive support provided, including water trucks, meals, and care packages. Senior Superintendent Shane McCalla of the Clarendon Police Division commended the collaborative effort and expressed hope for continued stakeholder involvement in the recovery process.
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Health ministry to look at alternate strategies for primary healthcare in St James
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a series of emergency measures to address the disruption of primary healthcare services in St. James. During a press briefing in Montego Bay, Dr. Tufton revealed that only eight or nine of the parish’s 24 health centers are fully operational, with the remainder sustaining varying degrees of damage. To bridge the gap, the Ministry has deployed mobile pharmacies and clinics to affected communities while constructing temporary facilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, which is now operational despite lingering challenges. Dr. Tufton emphasized the urgent need to focus on primary healthcare, particularly in mitigating post-storm environmental risks such as mosquito-borne diseases, rodent infestations, and water and food contamination. The Minister has been actively engaging with vector control workers and public health officers across the region to assess resources, including fogging machines and vehicles, and to ensure readiness for deployment. Dr. Tufton also urged residents to take personal precautions, such as consuming safe water, using repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, to safeguard their health during this critical period.
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Gassan Azan Sr passes
Gassan Azan Sr, a prominent Jamaican industrialist and distinguished Freemason, passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. Azan Sr was a key figure in Jamaica’s manufacturing sector during the 1970s and 1980s, owning and operating several notable companies, including Tiny Town Manufacturing, Cradle Craft Manufacturing, and Kandy Kane Manufacturing. Beyond his industrial achievements, he was also a dedicated coffee farmer and an active member of the Freemasons. Azan Sr was the father of Gassan Azan Jr, a renowned business magnate and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Bashco Trading Company Limited and its parent company, MegaMart Wholesale Club. His legacy as a pioneer in Jamaican industry and his contributions to agriculture and community organizations leave a lasting impact on the nation.