分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support rehabilitation services, the Western Shamrock Lodge, in collaboration with Jiangsu Construction Group, donated 10 motorized wheelchairs to the Athlone Wing of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre on Wednesday. The handover ceremony marked a milestone in the long-standing partnership between the organizations and the Jamaican community. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health, praised the initiative, emphasizing its timely and symbolic importance. He highlighted the donation as a testament to the power of partnerships and friendships, stating, ‘Humanity depends on partnerships. It also symbolizes the strength of friendships, and out of friendship has come these long-standing partnerships. Everyone needs a friend at some point in time — they say no man is an island, no man stands alone.’ The motorized wheelchairs are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with severe mobility challenges, offering them greater independence, comfort, and dignity. This donation continues the Western Shamrock Lodge’s two-decade tradition of supporting the Athlone Wing, reinforcing its commitment to community welfare and rehabilitation efforts.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has unveiled its phased reopening plan for its Jamaican properties following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The luxury resort chain confirmed that its Ocho Rios and Negril locations will resume operations on December 6, 2025, allowing team members ample time to recover and support their families and communities. SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart praised the resilience of the staff, stating, ‘Our team members have shown extraordinary commitment, and their spirit is indomitable. We are dedicated to helping those affected by the storm rebuild stronger.’ The decision follows a thorough assessment of all eight resorts across Jamaica, with Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril set to reopen fully restored. Meanwhile, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast will undergo extended improvements and are scheduled to welcome guests on May 30, 2026. Stewart, who also serves on Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force, emphasized the critical role of tourism in the island’s recovery. ‘Tourism is vital to Jamaica’s national recovery. Guests can support the region by returning to the island they love,’ he said. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation, SRI’s philanthropic arm, is spearheading relief efforts to aid affected communities through education, development, and environmental initiatives, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to rebuilding efforts.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread devastation, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has called for a unified national recovery strategy to assist its nearly 700 members and the broader small business community. Representing over 400,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the SBAJ emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder committee to streamline relief efforts and ensure equitable distribution of resources.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent private sector organizations in Jamaica have jointly addressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, voicing their concerns over the sluggish pace of recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In a letter dated November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While commending the efforts of government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the groups stressed that the current response is insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected citizens. They highlighted the critical importance of time, stating that lives depend on swift and efficient intervention. The organizations called for a streamlined national response with transparent roles, centralized coordination, and robust accountability mechanisms. To address the crisis, they proposed several key recommendations: 1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention: Establishing centralized safe zones across the island to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, and sanitation for displaced individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. 2. Coordinated National Relief Command: Creating a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, led by a designated individual with the authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international disaster-relief experts. 3. State of Public Emergency (SOE): Declaring an SOE in the most severely impacted areas to enable emergency powers for road clearance, search and rescue, and supply distribution. 4. Oversight and Transparency: Forming an Oversight and Recovery Committee within seven days, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society to ensure transparency and collective leadership. The PSOJ, JMEA, and JCC reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the government and national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—In a bold move to address gender-based violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the nationwide criminalization of sexual harassment. This comes after she was subjected to an unsettling incident on Tuesday, where a man groped and attempted to kiss her while she was walking to an event near the presidential palace. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when the man, appearing intoxicated, approached Sheinbaum from behind, placing his arm around her shoulder and inappropriately touching her hip and chest while trying to kiss her neck. A member of the presidential security team intervened and removed the man from the scene. Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, later filed a formal complaint with the police after learning that the individual continued to harass other women. Authorities confirmed the man’s arrest. At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, ‘If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?’ She announced that her administration would review whether sexual harassment is classified as a criminal offense across all 32 federal districts, as current laws vary. Additionally, a nationwide campaign will be launched to combat such behavior. Sheinbaum also reflected on her own experiences of harassment in her youth, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. Despite the incident, she maintained composure, even agreeing to take a photo with the man before realizing the full extent of his actions upon reviewing the footage. The event has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security protocols and broader societal attitudes that normalize violations of women’s personal space. According to UN Women, approximately 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and over have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lifetime.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Guardsman Group has initiated a multifaceted relief campaign aimed at aiding affected communities across Jamaica. The company has begun installing Starlink satellite internet systems in its offices located in the hardest-hit parishes, offering free internet access to its staff, their families, and nearby residents. This initiative is designed to restore communication lines severed by the storm, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and share vital updates.

Kenneth Benjamin, executive chairman of Guardsman Group, emphasized the humanitarian focus of these efforts. ‘Our priority is people,’ he stated. ‘This isn’t about operations; it’s about giving families hope. If we can help someone tell their loved ones they’re safe or find out if their loved ones are okay, that’s what matters.’

Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged southern and western Jamaica, left widespread destruction in its wake, isolating communities and crippling communication networks. In addition to the internet access initiative, Guardsman has launched a donation drive to provide essential supplies such as food, water, blankets, clothing, and baby items to affected families. Donations can be made at any Guardsman office across the island.

Furthermore, the company is organizing a company-wide blood drive among its employees to support hospitals and communities treating those injured or in need of emergency care. Benjamin highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming adversity, saying, ‘As a nation, we’ve faced hardship before and always found strength in unity. This is not just about Guardsman; it is about Jamaica. We are part of this country’s fabric, and when our people hurt, we hurt with them. Together, we will rebuild.’

Residents and commuters in St Andrew, Jamaica, are being alerted to avoid Brandon Hill following a significant landslide that has rendered the area completely inaccessible. Local authorities have issued a public advisory urging motorists to seek alternative routes to ensure safety and prevent further complications. The landslide, which occurred unexpectedly, has disrupted normal traffic flow and poses potential risks to those attempting to navigate the area. Police officials have assured the public that updates regarding the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and avoiding the affected zone until further notice.