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In a powerful response to catastrophic destruction, the Verona Foundation, established by Kerry-Ann Henry to honor her late mother’s legacy, has launched its inaugural humanitarian mission in Jamaica’s storm-battered parish of St Elizabeth. The initiative was catalyzed by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating landfall in late October, a Category 5 storm that claimed 45 lives and left widespread devastation across multiple parishes including Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny.

Henry, a Connecticut-based director of the New York Women’s Foundation who maintains deep roots in her Jamaican homeland, mobilized a 16-member relief team to deliver essential supplies to severely affected communities. The foundation’s December intervention targeted the districts of Slipe, Holland Village, and Burnt Savannah, where teams encountered families sheltering in makeshift structures with tarpaulin roofs and communities accessible only through debris-strewn roads littered with downed utility wires.

The relief effort, supported through strategic partnerships with American corporations including WestPoint Home, Welspun, Loftex Home, Silk Home, 1818 Mills, and Pem America Inc, distributed comprehensive care packages containing non-perishable food, purified water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, clothing, temporary shelters, portable sanitation facilities, and bedding materials.

Henry’s philanthropic commitment stems from childhood observations of her mother, Verona Whyte, an entrepreneurial force known for assisting vulnerable populations in Kingston’s Sherlock Crescent and other communities. Witnessing Melissa’s aftermath from abroad compelled Henry to transform compassion into concrete action, embodying her foundation’s commitment to fostering resilience through targeted generosity.

The Verona Foundation represents both a tribute to maternal benevolence and a structured response mechanism for future crises, demonstrating how diaspora connections can effectively channel international resources toward localized recovery efforts while maintaining dignity and solidarity with affected populations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The National Housing Trust (NHT) has officially announced that January 1, 2026, will mark the commencement of the application period for refunds of contributions made during the 2018 fiscal year. This timeline was confirmed through an official media release issued this Wednesday.

The Trust emphasized that while the new refund cycle formally begins on that date, eligible contributors retain the flexibility to submit applications at any point throughout the year for contributions made in 2018 or prior years. The NHT specifically noted that all current mortgagors with accounts in good standing qualify to reclaim their 2018 contributions.

In a significant modernization move, the organization has mandated that all refund requests must be processed exclusively through digital channels. Applicants are required to utilize either the official NHT website (www.nht.gov.jm) or the dedicated ‘NHT Online’ portal (online.nht.gov.jj). The Trust additionally revealed that a new mobile application is currently in development and is scheduled for public release within the upcoming year.

The NHT issued several critical guidelines for applicants: Individuals must ensure they exclusively use secure, official platforms and avoid third-party websites. Accuracy in submitting personal details—including complete names, banking information, and contribution history—is paramount, as errors will likely necessitate reapplication and cause substantial processing delays. Applicants must have their National Identification Scheme (NIS) and Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) documents readily accessible during the process.

The Trust maintains a 15-business-day service standard for correctly submitted applications and strongly advises against multiple submissions unless specifically instructed by an NHT representative. All approved refunds will be disbursed exclusively via direct bank deposit.

Concurrently, the NHT has issued heightened cybersecurity warnings, noting that fraudulent communications typically surge at the beginning of new refund cycles. The organization advised contributors to disregard unsolicited emails, verify all sender addresses, and avoid clicking suspicious links. Official NHT communication will only occur to confirm successful applications or to address specific processing issues.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has launched its annual national New Year’s celebration, transforming multiple public spaces across Jamaica into vibrant hubs of festivity and community spirit. This year’s expanded event incorporates two new locations specifically chosen to support regions recovering from recent hurricane damage.

The nationwide festivities commenced at noon on New Year’s Eve and will build toward midnight fireworks displays. Celebrations are occurring simultaneously at five designated sites: the Kingston Waterfront, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, with new additions at Long Bay Football Field in Negril and the Black River Courthouse in St. Elizabeth.

UDC Marketing Manager Latoya Chambers explained that this strategic expansion directly addresses communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. “Under our theme ‘Life, Love and Recovery,’ we recognize the devastation particularly affecting western parishes,” Chambers stated. “This celebration serves as our mechanism for delivering cheer, uplifting spirits, and bolstering recovery efforts in these vulnerable communities.”

The initiative aligns with UDC’s broader mandate to revitalize public spaces while stimulating economic activity and promoting social inclusivity. Chambers emphasized how the event demonstrates practical approaches to activating public areas, highlighting urban vibrancy, and ensuring developmental benefits reach Jamaican citizens directly.

Family-friendly programming includes dedicated kiddies’ villages operating from midday. Children in Black River, Negril, and Montego Bay will receive complimentary access to rides, toys, and treats including snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs—courtesy of UDC and its collaborative partners. Kingston and Ocho Rios venues will maintain minimal fees for certain attractions.

Entertainment curation emphasizes local talent, with community-based sound systems and DJs providing musical backing at each location. Kingston attendees will experience sets from DJ Wildlife, DJ Sparks, and Game Changers, while Ocho Rios features Hyperactive Sound and DJ Timeless. Black River hosts Big Bad Bass Odyssey and DJ Nova; Negril showcases DJ Bruce Lee, DJ Meds, and True Colours; and Montego Bay welcomes performances by DJ Diamond, Metal, and C-Note International.

Comprehensive safety protocols involve coordinated efforts between the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and municipal corporations. UDC-operated parking facilities in downtown Kingston will be available without charge, with staff and marshals assisting patrons. All venues provide clearly marked public parking, though shuttle services have been discontinued for this year’s event with alternative traffic management implementations.

Chambers reiterated that all events remain entirely free regardless of location, describing the celebration as both a supportive mechanism for local vendors, creatives, and small businesses, and a safe communal space for Jamaicans to welcome the new year. The UDC encourages early public participation to maximize support for local economies and ensure a secure, festive transition into the new year across the island’s public spaces.

Jamaica’s Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a firm rebuttal against circulating reports suggesting the government intends to forcibly evict families currently housed at Petersfield High School following Hurricane Melissa. The minister characterized these claims as entirely “false and mischievous,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to securing proper housing solutions before any shelter closures occur.

The controversy emerged after Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz expressed concerns regarding the potential displacement of more than 50 families comprising 86 individuals, including 46 children, from the educational facility. These apprehensions arose following earlier indications that the shelter might need to vacate the premises by December’s end to accommodate January school reopenings.

Minister McKenzie clarified the government’s position through an official statement, explaining that while ideal timelines exist for shelter operations, no eviction would occur without ensuring reasonable alternative accommodations. The administration is actively pursuing both temporary and permanent housing solutions through collaborative efforts with organizations like Food For the Poor and via the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

Notably, the minister revealed that residents might be relocated within the school compound itself to minimize educational disruptions while maintaining shelter operations. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has personally emphasized that the government’s response prioritizes the best interests of affected families and will be handled with appropriate sensitivity.

McKenzie concluded with strong condemnation of what he described as deliberate misinformation campaigns, urging perpetrators to cease exploiting vulnerable populations for political agendas and labeling such behavior as “vulgar, despicable and quite frankly a very low act.”

Jamaican law enforcement agencies have launched a coordinated campaign to combat the dangerous tradition of celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) jointly announced stringent measures targeting individuals who engage in the illegal practice of firing weapons into the air.

In official statements released Wednesday, both organizations emphasized that discharging firearms celebratory constitutes a severe violation of Jamaica’s Firearms Act. The FLA specified that licensed firearm holders participating in such activities will face immediate revocation of their licenses, permanent disqualification from future firearm ownership, and potential criminal prosecution.

The legal consequences for offenders are substantial, with penalties reaching up to three years imprisonment or fines exceeding $3 million Jamaican dollars. Authorities highlighted the grave public safety risks associated with falling bullets, which have historically caused injuries, property damage, and fatalities during holiday celebrations.

Police representatives reinforced their zero-tolerance stance, vowing to prosecute all individuals involved in or facilitating celebratory gun salutes to the fullest extent of the law. The JCF emphasized that ballistic evidence collected from crime scenes will be used to trace weapons back to their owners, regardless of whether injuries occurred.

Both agencies have established multiple reporting channels, urging citizens to immediately contact the 119 emergency number or their nearest police station to report incidents of illegal gunfire. The FLA additionally reminded licensed firearm owners of their continuous legal responsibility for proper weapon storage and usage throughout the holiday period.

Authorities in St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, have announced comprehensive traffic management measures to ensure public safety during the annual Black River fireworks festival scheduled for December 31st. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has confirmed the implementation of strategic road closures and alternative routing systems effective from 8:00 AM on Wednesday.

The intersection of High Street and Exchange Drive, along with the High Street and School Street junction, will be completely restricted to vehicular traffic. These critical access points will be exclusively reserved for pedestrian movement and authorized personnel throughout the event duration.

Traffic diversion protocols have been meticulously planned to maintain smooth vehicular flow. Motorists traveling through Exchange Drive will be redirected northward onto Lovers Lane, subsequently connecting to Central Road. Similarly, vehicles approaching via School Street will be channeled northward along School Street Drive before merging onto Central Road and Lovers Lane.

The St Elizabeth Police Division has emphasized the importance of public cooperation with traffic management personnel. These temporary measures aim to balance public safety requirements with minimal disruption to local transportation networks during the festive celebrations. Authorities encourage attendees to plan their routes accordingly and allow additional travel time to accommodate the implemented diversions.