KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica Flour Mills, a subsidiary of the global food processing and commodities giant ADM, has pledged a generous donation of US$100,000 to the Food for the Poor Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution is facilitated through ADM Cares, the company’s corporate social investment initiative, which focuses on addressing critical needs in communities where ADM operates. The funds will primarily be allocated to provide essential food supplies to the hardest-hit regions, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive immediate assistance. Additionally, the initiative aims to streamline the distribution of flour produced by Jamaica Flour Mills to areas most affected by the disaster. ADM Cares is renowned for its commitment to fostering sustainable and resilient communities by leveraging financial resources, volunteer efforts, and industry expertise to drive impactful social, economic, and environmental progress worldwide. This donation underscores ADM’s dedication to supporting disaster relief and strengthening the regions it serves.
分类： society
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‘A blessing’: Mother and three children receive container home after Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a mother and her three children in Westmoreland received a glimmer of hope on Saturday evening. Under the “Adopt-a-Family” initiative, the family was gifted a repurposed shipping container, transformed into a functional home, marking a pivotal moment in their recovery journey. This initiative, led by Westmoreland Eastern Member of Parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell, connects corporate and private donors with families affected by the hurricane, offering essential support such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Dr. Campbell emphasized the broader impact of the program, stating, ‘The aftermath of a hurricane is measured in more than damaged infrastructure; it is measured in shattered lives and lost dignity. What we are doing here is more than providing shelter. We are restoring a sense of security, normalcy, and the belief that a community will not abandon its most vulnerable.’
The first container home was generously donated by Tara Playfair-Scott, who provided not only the unit but also essential items like a bed, food, hygiene products, children’s clothing, and water. The container is equipped with a bathroom, a small kitchenette, solar and regular lighting, and electrical outlets, offering a lifeline to the family.
For Purran, the mother of three, the gesture was overwhelming. ‘Before this, the sky was our only roof,’ she shared emotionally. ‘Now, I can lock a door, cook a meal, and give my children a bed. This is a blessing I cannot put into words.’
Playfair-Scott, inspired by the dire need, launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund additional container homes for other displaced families. ‘This is about community on a global scale,’ she urged. ‘Every donation brings us closer to delivering another home to a family in need.’
A second container home, donated by reggae artist Buju Banton, was intended for delivery on the same day. However, logistical challenges caused by rain, darkness, and debris-blocked roads delayed the process. Dr. Campbell confirmed that crews are working tirelessly to clear the path, with delivery expected in the coming days.
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Police urge holiday caution after chase ends in deadly shootout
In a dramatic turn of events this morning, a high-speed police chase through the Kemp Road area culminated in a fatal shootout, prompting authorities to issue urgent safety warnings as the holiday season approaches. Senior Assistant Commissioner Roberto Goodman detailed the incident, which began when officers responded to reports of gunshots in the St James Road area shortly after 9am. While patrolling the vicinity, police identified a silver-colored vehicle that had been flagged by local residents. The pursuit escalated as the vehicle sped towards Cooper’s Terrace, where its occupants allegedly opened fire on the pursuing officers. In what Goodman described as an act of self-defense and public safety, the officers returned fire. The chaotic scene resulted in three individuals fleeing the vehicle, while the driver was found fatally shot inside. Emergency Medical Services confirmed the man’s death, and Her Majesty’s Coroner was summoned to the scene. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, adding to the gravity of the situation. Goodman seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of heightened vigilance during the holiday period, particularly for those engaging in late-night activities such as parking near residences or visiting beaches. He urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Central Detective Unit at 502-9911, 502-9975, or 502-9976.
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Penal dad, mom slain, gunman warns victims’ daughter
A devastating home invasion in Penal has left a 19-year-old girl without her parents after Raffeak Vialva, 51, and Babita Vialva, 40, were fatally shot in their home on November 17. The incident occurred around 3 am when an unidentified assailant, armed with a sledgehammer, forcibly entered their residence on Penal Rock Road. The couple’s daughter awoke to the sound of gunfire and discovered her father bleeding on the ground and the gunman standing over her mother, demanding money. Despite being ordered to return to her room, she heard additional gunshots, resulting in her mother’s death and her father succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital. Relatives and neighbors expressed shock and confusion, describing the Vialvas as a peaceful, hardworking family with no known enemies. Investigators are treating the case as a botched robbery, though no valuables were taken. The community has been left traumatized by the brutal attack, which follows a series of similar incidents in the area. Authorities have launched Operation Festive Shield to enhance safety during the holiday season, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
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Arrive Alive hosts 5K run, walk and ride
On November 16, hundreds of participants, including runners, walkers, and cyclists, gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad for the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Organized by the NGO Arrive Alive, the event featured a 5K run/walk, a memorial walk, and solidarity rides across various locations in Trinidad. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives or were affected by road traffic accidents while advocating for safer roads. The United Nations formally endorsed this global observance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims and supporting their families. The event’s slogan, “Remember. Support. Act.,” called for collective action to prevent future tragedies. Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive, stressed the need for national commitment to road safety, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives. Stéphane Barc, Country Manager of Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety, both in the workplace and on the roads. Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, emphasized the government’s data-driven approach to road safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and engineering. The event also recognized the contributions of sponsors, including Perenco as the Platinum Sponsor, Mobil, Starbucks, and Capital Signal Company Limited. Participants engaged with informational booths hosted by the police, fire service, and Global Medical Response Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of road awareness and emergency preparedness. The day concluded with a competitive 5K run, with winners in both male and female categories announced. Arrive Alive expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support in reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.
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UPP says the SIlver Lake community is in need of a comprehensive community renewal initiative
The United Progressive Party (UPP), under the leadership of Joshua Francis, has unveiled an ambitious plan to rejuvenate Silver Lake, a community grappling with escalating violence and economic challenges. The Silver Lake Community Renewal Initiative is a multi-faceted strategy designed to address the root causes of the area’s decline, focusing on safety, economic development, education, and family support.
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Flood rescues swamp Fire Service
The Barbados Fire Service faced an unprecedented surge in emergency calls on Sunday as severe flooding inundated multiple rural districts, leaving numerous residents stranded in their homes and vehicles. Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard reported to Barbados TODAY that the relentless downpour triggered sudden and hazardous flood conditions, compelling fire crews to undertake numerous rescue missions.
Maynard highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “We received a substantial volume of distress calls — individuals trapped in vehicles and homes due to the rising waters. However, the exact figures are still being compiled.” As of Monday, the Fire Service has been primarily occupied with evaluating the widespread damage and analyzing the influx of emergency requests received throughout the night.
A comprehensive update on the operations and their outcomes is anticipated once the Fire Service completes its detailed assessment.
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Jongeren herbeleven 50 jaar onafhankelijkheid met historische vlagchoreografie
On Sunday, Suriname’s Independence Square became the stage for a grand reenactment of the nation’s political history, marking 50 years of independence. Unlike traditional celebrations, this event centered around the youth, with over 7,500 students from 45 schools participating in a living reconstruction of two pivotal historical moments: the former and current Surinamese flags. The event, part of the Srefidensi Gymnaestrade, was a highlight of the jubilee program commemorating half a century of independence. The students had spent days rehearsing at the André Kamperveen Stadium, mastering choreography and learning the story behind the first human flag formed in 1975 during the proclamation of the republic. The reenactment aimed to immerse the youth in the emotions of that historic night between November 24 and 25, 1975. On the square, the students, dressed in ponchos and headscarves in the colors of the Surinamese flag, sang the national anthem. Through a meticulously choreographed performance, they first formed the former national flag, white with five stars symbolizing the diverse ethnic groups. Each star was followed by a dance segment and musical performance representing the cultural communities. The climax came with the transition to the current flag, where the students swiftly rearranged themselves into a new color scheme, culminating in a giant “50” in white and gold, a visual tribute to five decades of independence. President Jennifer Simons, watching from the presidential palace balcony, emphasized the historical significance of youth participation, urging them to continue contributing to Suriname’s development. Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran praised the youth and the National Army for their roles in the event, highlighting the unifying power of national pride. The event served as both a festive spectacle and a living history lesson, symbolically bringing together three generations—1975, current leaders, and the youth—on one square, celebrating the past while inspiring hope for Suriname’s future.
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Dominican students and staff rep culture at Monroe College’s Caribbean gathering in New Rochelle
Monroe University’s Dining Lab on the New Rochelle campus became a vibrant center of cultural celebration on October 31, as it hosted an event honoring the independence days of four Caribbean nations: Dominica, Sint Maarten, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The gathering, part of the university’s International Initiative, brought together students, faculty, and staff in a spirited display of community and cultural pride. The event was marked by performances, traditional cuisine, and the presence of distinguished Caribbean guests, including diplomats and cultural ambassadors. The celebration showcased the university’s commitment to fostering a global and inclusive academic environment, with a student population representing over 135 countries. Key organizers, such as Joeane Laurent and Tara George, emphasized the importance of creating a sense of belonging for international students. The event’s emcee, Showanna Arthurs, highlighted the joy of celebrating Caribbean heritage and unity. Monroe University hailed the event as a resounding success, underscoring its dedication to diversity and cultural appreciation.
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21-year-old Jesse Guthrie of Ottos charged with Attempted Murder
In a recent development, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the arrest and formal charging of 21-year-old Jesse Guthrie from Ottos for the alleged crime of Attempted Murder. The incident, which occurred on November 4, 2025, in Tinning Village, involved a violent altercation that left a 40-year-old man from Grays Farm severely injured. The victim was found unconscious by the roadside, suffering from multiple wounds to his right hand and neck. Following a thorough investigation, Guthrie was apprehended and taken into custody. He is now facing legal proceedings and is scheduled to appear in court to address the charges brought against him. This case has drawn significant attention from the local community, highlighting concerns over public safety and the prevalence of violent crimes in the region.