分类： society

A sudden and unexplained fire broke out at the Boomerang Tyre facility in Montego Bay, St. James, on Friday evening, causing significant damage to a container filled with tyres, a compressor, and other essential equipment. The facility, which provides services such as wheel alignment and tyre balancing, was partially engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. The Montego Bay and Ironshore fire stations dispatched two units to the scene after receiving an emergency call at approximately 5:13 pm. Using two water jets, the firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the main building. Initial estimates suggest the damage could amount to millions of dollars, though it remains unclear whether the facility was insured. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. This incident follows another devastating fire just a day earlier, where a warehouse storing custom goods along River Bay Road was completely destroyed, resulting in an estimated loss of $50 million.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable solidarity, with key stakeholders stepping up to support national relief efforts. Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has extended heartfelt gratitude to industry partners, particularly Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, for their swift and substantial contributions to recovery initiatives. These efforts are being coordinated through the Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee, known as “Jamaica Tourism Cares,” in collaboration with the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Carnival Horizon made a special relief stop in Ocho Rios, delivering thousands of essential supplies, including bottled water, baby food, diapers, canned goods, cereal, and hygiene products. The shipment was handed over to ODPEM with the assistance of the Jamaica Tourism Cares team and Jamaican crew members aboard the vessel. Additionally, Carnival Corporation, in partnership with the Miami Heat basketball team and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, pledged US$1 million to the U.S.-based charity Direct Relief to bolster recovery efforts. Similarly, Royal Caribbean Group has committed over US$1 million and delivered more than 34 pallets of essential supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food, bedding, and medical kits, to the hardest-hit areas in Falmouth. Minister Bartlett emphasized the significance of these contributions, stating that they not only provide immediate relief to affected families and tourism workers but also reinforce Jamaica’s resilience and recovery capacity. The Ministry of Tourism, through its public bodies, the Tourism Product Development Company and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, has been working with local organizations to ensure the transparent and efficient distribution of aid. Distribution efforts began in Trelawny, St. James, and Hanover and will continue in the coming days. Bartlett highlighted that these initiatives are part of a broader national recovery program aligned with ODPEM’s priorities. He also underscored the tourism sector’s responsibility to support communities, stating, “Tourism is not only about arrivals and revenues; it is about responsibility. Together, we are helping Jamaica and our people to heal, community by community, home by home.”

Marcia Francis, a grieving grandmother, is desperately seeking assistance to bury her grandson, Matthew Small, who was fatally shot by members of the security forces nearly a year ago. As the anniversary of the tragic incident approaches, Francis has been left without the means to lay her grandson to rest.

Garfield Rowe, Principal of Accompong Primary and Infant School, is exploring unconventional methods to resume education in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction. With the school’s infrastructure severely damaged, Rowe is considering hosting classes under tents and implementing a rotation system to minimize learning loss for the approximately 100 students. “We could have grades four to six on some days and grades one to three on others. I want to prevent learning loss as best as possible,” Rowe explained during an interview with the Jamaica Observer. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28 with winds exceeding 185 miles per hour, left the school roofless and destroyed much of its furniture and equipment. Despite the devastation, important documents and school records were saved in the library, which remained intact. Rowe emphasized the need for external assistance, including tents, learning resources, and water tanks, to support the school and the traumatized community. Many teachers and students remain marooned, and families have lost homes and essential supplies. Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon reported that over 600 educational institutions across Jamaica sustained damage, with repair costs described as “humongous.” The ministry is prioritizing students preparing for exams and considering temporary structures to facilitate learning. Rowe’s efforts highlight the resilience of the Accompong community as they strive to rebuild and restore education amidst the crisis.