分类： society

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Digicel Group and the Digicel Jamaica Foundation have initiated a robust humanitarian effort to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. The joint initiative, titled ‘Reconnecting Jamaica,’ aims to distribute nearly 12,000 care packages to residents in the most affected western parishes, including Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. To date, over 1,500 food care packs have been delivered, with an additional 10,000 set for distribution in the coming days. These packages contain essential supplies such as water, rice, oil, and other staples, alongside hygiene kits and solar-powered lighting solutions like LED lanterns and emergency bulbs for households still without electricity. Furthermore, hardware certificates are being provided to enable residents to purchase construction materials locally, fostering sustainable rebuilding efforts within their communities.

Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, stating, ‘Our responsibility extends beyond business; we’re focused on restoring hope and supporting government efforts.’ The Digicel Foundation, a cornerstone of community development for nearly two decades, has mobilized staff and volunteers island-wide to coordinate relief distribution. Additional support includes the distribution of SIM cards with data plans to relief workers, complimentary prepaid and postpaid plans for affected customers, and mobile charging stations on Digicel buses to help residents stay connected.

Collaborating with the Jamaican government, Digicel is also addressing environmental and health needs by supplying items such as foggers, testing tablets, and medical equipment. A regional crowdsourcing campaign and donation bins at Digicel’s Kingston headquarters further encourage contributions to the relief efforts. Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s broader mission: ‘Reconnecting Jamaica is about restoring dignity and stability. These care packages symbolize solidarity and long-term support.’

Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, praised the dedication of the network teams working tirelessly to restore connectivity and assist in relief distribution. ‘Reconnecting Jamaica is our sole focus,’ he said. ‘We’re proud of our teams who embody the spirit of the Digicel family by standing with our customers in their time of need.’

A significant disruption unfolded in Wildey, St Michael, early Friday morning when a truck transporting heavy equipment struck overhead utility wires, triggering a major traffic jam and a power outage. The incident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. near the Rubis Service Station. According to Valenta, the station’s assistant supervisor, the bucket attached to the truck snagged the wires as it approached the corner, resulting in a utility pole splitting in half and a subsequent loss of electricity. ‘Barbados Light & Power responded promptly, shutting off the power supply. We’re now operating on our generator, ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers. We have sufficient fuel to meet demand,’ Valenta explained. Repair teams from Barbados Light & Power and telecommunications provider Flow remain on-site, working diligently to restore services. Meanwhile, traffic in the area is moving at a snail’s pace, with authorities advising motorists to exercise caution as restoration efforts continue.

RBC Capital Markets hosted its 11th annual Charity Day on Tuesday, themed ‘Powered by Purpose, United for Kids.’ This global initiative brings together employees to support organizations dedicated to improving children’s lives and strengthening communities. For the 2025 edition, RBC pledged a substantial US$7 million donation to over 70 youth-focused organizations across 13 countries, funding programs that aim to create brighter futures and more resilient communities. In a notable partnership, the Capital Markets team in Limegrove, Holetown, selected the Cancer Society as its 2025 charity recipient. The Cancer Society is renowned for its comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, detection, care, and wellness. RBC’s US$50,000 donation will specifically support childhood cancer treatment. Tanya Tempro, representing RBC Capital Markets, emphasized the significance of the day, stating, ‘This is an opportunity to strengthen our ties with non-profits, showcasing the collective impact of our efforts and engaging in activities that align with our mission to help clients thrive and communities prosper.’ She highlighted the need for individualized, multimodal treatment plans and compassionate care for children and their families. Dr. Greg Padmore, accepting the donation on behalf of the Cancer Society, detailed the organization’s multifaceted support for families affected by childhood cancer. This includes financial aid for medical expenses, free transportation to hospital appointments, and assistance with nutritional and educational needs. The Society also covers medication costs and facilitates overseas travel for treatment. Over the years, the Cancer Society has been a steadfast supporter of the Children’s Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, donating essential appliances, books, games, and toys to enhance the care environment. Dr. Padmore expressed gratitude to RBC Capital Markets for their partnership, which eases the burden on families navigating childhood cancer.

The vibrant atmosphere at St Giles Primary School was palpable as students, adorned in crisp uniforms, practiced their drills with precision and enthusiasm. The Mini Independence Parade, scheduled for November 21, is more than just a display of marching skills—it’s a celebration of teamwork, discipline, and national pride. Under the guidance of Lyndon Alkins, the school’s guard and trainer of the Colour Party, the students are honing their abilities to embody these values. This year’s Colour Party includes members of the Cub Scouts and Brownies, all taking their roles with utmost seriousness. Alkins, who has been training the group since 2018, expressed pride in their progress, noting that the students are preparing for a principal salute and will be dressed in their Scouts and Brownies uniforms. The parade’s commanding officer will be a young lady leading the group. The preparations have sparked excitement across the school, with nearly half of the students participating in various roles. As Literacy Week activities continue at the Ivy, St Michael school, the pupils are learning invaluable lessons that extend beyond the classroom. On November 21, the school grounds will transform into a vibrant celebration of Barbados’ spirit, with flags raised high and the rhythmic march of St Giles pupils echoing the nation’s independence.

An 86-year-old resident of Christ Church, Brian Chester, has been rendered homeless after High Court marshals demolished the house he had occupied for 30 years. Chester, represented by attorney Lalu Hanuman, had sought to purchase the land under the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act, a 1979 law designed to enable former plantation tenants to own the land they occupied. Despite his urgent application to the High Court for a stay of the eviction and demolition order, Justice Patrick Wells rejected the request, leading to the destruction of Chester’s home on Wednesday, earlier than the scheduled Friday. Chester is now staying with a friend. The legal battle involved a US-based landowner, Barry Clarke, represented by attorney Branford McGline Taitt, the Chief Marshal, and the Attorney General. Chester claimed that the landlord had violated the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act by failing to facilitate his purchase of the land since his application in June 2016. He also sought reimbursement for land rent paid since then. Chester argued that the absence of a Small Holdings Committee, which should handle such disputes, contributed to the unresolved matter. He requested the court to declare the land conveyed to him, reimburse his ground rent, and find the Attorney General negligent for failing to establish the committee.

Faith leaders have raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of fatherless households and family breakdowns across the Caribbean, attributing the trend to shifting social attitudes, women’s growing independence, and the erosion of traditional family values. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the faith-based organization Family Faith Freedom Barbados (FFFB) at the First Baptist Church, religious figures highlighted the complex interplay between social progress and its unintended consequences on family dynamics.