分类： society

In the coastal community of Bluefields, Westmoreland, 73-year-old Jason McKenzie finds illumination not from the national power grid, but from a century-old kerosene lamp that has become his sole source of light since Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left more than 30,000 Westmoreland residents without electricity, with some potentially waiting until 2026 for full restoration according to Jamaica Public Service updates.

McKenzie’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ lamp—a cultural artifact passed down through three generations of his family—has transformed from sentimental keepsake to critical survival tool. The nostalgic glass lamp, once popular in Jamaican households during the late 1800s, now provides practical illumination amid widespread power outages.

“My grandparents left it for me,” McKenzie told journalists during a visit to the parish. “One time I considered discarding it, but then realized its value during power outages. Now the storm has come, and I must depend on it.”

The hurricane not only knocked out power infrastructure but also destroyed McKenzie’s roof, leaving portions of his home exposed to the elements. Despite managing temporary repairs to his bedroom section, he remains vulnerable to weather conditions while awaiting assistance.

McKenzie detailed the lamp’s operational practicality compared to modern alternatives: “The money I would use to buy candles, I use to buy kerosene oil. Candles are expensive and dangerous—you must watch them constantly. The lamp remains stable throughout the night.”

His weekly expenditure of $800 Jamaican for kerosene proves more economical than frequent candle purchases, though he still conserves fuel by extinguishing the lamp during sleeping hours.

The storm experience proved traumatic for McKenzie, who described taking shelter under his bed as hurricane winds tore zinc roofing from his house. “You have to be a soldier sometimes,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for survival despite the devastation.

As restoration efforts continue across Jamaica—with over 80% of residents already reconnected—McKenzie’s story highlights both the resilience of vulnerable communities and the unexpected return of historical technology during modern disasters.

Residents across Westmoreland, Jamaica continue grappling with an extensive power outage more than six weeks after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the region on October 28. While expressing understanding for the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) monumental restoration challenges, communities are urgently appealing for accelerated recovery efforts as they resort to alternative lighting solutions.

The human impact of the prolonged electricity disruption reveals multiple dimensions of hardship. Percival Gordon from Farm District, whose home was destroyed by the hurricane, described the situation as “wicked” while preparing meals under solar lighting. “It’s not easy. It’s not pretty on us down here,” he shared, noting that when his solar lamp fails, “it’s pure darkness until morning.”

Economic consequences are particularly severe for tradespeople like Winston Hamilton of Whitehouse, who relies on power tools for his livelihood. “Light is an essential part of business. If light no deh about, the place lock down,” Hamilton emphasized, highlighting both economic and security concerns in the darkness.

Daily routines have undergone radical transformations since the hurricane. Maxine Johnson from Belmont now leaves work by 5:00 PM instead of her previous 7:00 PM departure to maximize daylight hours. Javier Stewart, navigating darkened streets with a flashlight, expressed safety concerns about nighttime travel, stating he “does not feel safe walking home at night.”

The financial burden of alternative lighting solutions is mounting for residents. Gordon detailed spending approximately $400 Jamaican for candles lasting merely three days, while others must pay to charge mobile phones—their primary communication and secondary light source—from generator owners.

According to JPS’s December 7 update, approximately 88% of Westmoreland customers remain without electricity. While power has been partially restored in northern and southern parish sections, full restoration for some communities may extend into 2026.

Despite the hardships, residents demonstrate remarkable resilience. Some gather around community fires until late hours, while others like Sharon Walcott maintain perspective: “We will wait until the light comes back because we know JPS is doing them best.” This tempered patience, combined with urgent appeals for accelerated restoration, characterizes the complex reality facing Westmoreland’s communities as they adapt to prolonged energy deprivation.

In a landmark infrastructure announcement, the Jamaican Government has revealed an ambitious plan to construct a continuous highway network encircling the entire island. This transformative project, designed to address critical transport vulnerabilities exposed by recent natural disasters, represents one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in Jamaica’s modern history.

Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, detailed the comprehensive strategy during a recent Jamaica Observer Press Club event. The proposed highway system will extend from Williamsfield in Manchester to connect with Montego Bay’s perimeter road, creating seamless transportation corridors through St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St. James parishes.

The initiative emerges as a direct response to the systemic weaknesses revealed when Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck the island on October 28. While newer highways demonstrated structural resilience during the extreme weather event, the lack of interconnected routes severely hampered emergency response efforts and recovery operations across affected regions.

Minister Morgan emphasized that true infrastructure resilience extends beyond road durability to encompass comprehensive network connectivity. “We have constructed highways, but they remain non-contiguous,” Morgan explained, highlighting the problematic gaps between existing transportation arteries including the south coast and north coast highways.

The government’s strategic vision involves creating what Morgan describes as a “contiguous ring around the island” through carefully planned linkages between existing routes and new bypass constructions. Key components include determining optimal alignments from Black River to Savanna-la-Mar, alongside planned bypasses for Lucea, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and Mammee Bay.

Several project elements are already advancing, including a memorandum of understanding with China Harbour Engineering Company for the Mammee Bay bypass, commenced work on the Port Antonio bypass, and ongoing studies for the Spur Tree bypass. Preliminary planning has also initiated for the Lucea bypass.

While the complete financial scope remains undetermined, the highway network will constitute a cornerstone of Jamaica’s broader reconstruction and resilience strategy. The government will collaborate with multiple agencies including the National Works Agency, National Road Operating and Constructing Company, and the newly established National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority.

Addressing capacity concerns, Minister Morgan expressed confidence that market forces would respond to clearly articulated long-term infrastructure needs. He specifically encouraged local contractors to position themselves for participation, noting their unique understanding of Jamaican topography, geology, and hydrology while emphasizing the importance of professional standards and effective execution.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands — Two Jamaican nationals have received prison sentences after admitting to trafficking a substantial quantity of marijuana through Cayman Islands waters. The sentencing concludes a maritime drug interception case that highlights the vulnerabilities exploited in regional narcotics operations.

Eric Junior Cunningham, 42, received a 24-month imprisonment term, while his accomplice Radmond Junior Samuels, 33, was sentenced to 18 months. The verdict was delivered by Justice Emma Peters in the Cayman Islands Grand Court following guilty pleas from both defendants.

The case originated on March 25 when Cayman Islands Coast Guard personnel intercepted a vessel approximately 32 nautical miles south of Grand Cayman. Cunningham was identified as the boat operator with Samuels aboard as passenger. During the inspection, authorities discovered nine packaged bundles of ganja totaling over 167 pounds, alongside a GPS navigation system and satellite communication device.

Initially entering not guilty pleas in May, both defendants changed their positions three weeks prior to their scheduled September trial date. During proceedings, Cunningham acknowledged his participation in the smuggling operation after being promised a $5,000 payment that ultimately remained undelivered.

Social inquiry reports presented to the court revealed both men faced considerable personal challenges. Cunningham, a farmer by trade, had endured significant property damage during previous storm events, including complete home destruction during Hurricane Melissa. Samuels reported being coerced into the operation through threats from an individual known as ‘Bigs,’ compounded by early parental loss, limited education, and ongoing health concerns.

Justice Peters recognized that neither defendant held a leadership position within the drug operation, but emphasized that maritime transport remains a critical component of regional narcotics supply chains. The court categorized Cunningham’s role as ‘significant’ due to his operational control of the vessel, while Samuels received ‘lesser’ role designation considering his limited involvement and confirmed intimidation.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Peters highlighted the structural inequalities within drug trafficking networks: ‘Those who command illegal organizations strategically minimize their exposure while compelling others to assume operational risks. Although intermediate participants may receive some compensation, the substantial profits flow upward while consequences flow downward.’

The sentences represent the minimum permissible under deterrence requirements, with both defendants receiving a 20% reduction for their guilty pleas. Accounting for time already served in remand and potential early release for good behavior after serving 60% of their terms, both men are anticipated to return to Jamaica in early 2025. The court additionally ordered confiscation and destruction of all seized narcotics.