KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of community solidarity, the beloved local eatery Chicken and Tings has joined forces with the global humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) to deliver thousands of hot meals to residents of Kingston and St Andrew devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This unprecedented storm, one of the most severe in Jamaica’s history, has left countless families in dire need of assistance.
分类： society
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Six years after Dorian, anger at state of Treasure Cay airport
Residents of Abaco, Bahamas, are voicing their frustration over the prolonged neglect of the Treasure Cay International Airport, which remains in disrepair six years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the region. The Category Five storm, which struck in September 2019, reduced the airport to rubble, leaving it without a functional terminal. Visitors are reportedly forced to wait in a makeshift plastic shed and use portable toilets, highlighting the dire conditions. Bishop Cedric Bullard, a member of the North Abaco Pastors Association (NAPA), described the airport as overgrown with grass and primarily used by private planes. Customs and Immigration staff have been operating from two trailers for the past five years, enduring uncomfortable conditions, including encounters with snakes. Mr. Bullard emphasized the need for immediate repairs, including rebuilding the terminal, resurfacing the runway, and providing a functioning ambulance. He noted that the airport’s poor condition has led Bahamasair and US carriers to cease operations, redirecting travelers to the Marsh Harbour Airport. The NAPA recently held a meeting to address the lack of progress on the airport, the North Abaco Port, and the island’s deteriorating roads. Residents argue that rebuilding the airport is crucial for revitalizing the local economy. Despite being included in the government’s Family Island Airports Renaissance Programme, a public-private partnership initiative to upgrade 14 Family Island airports, the Treasure Cay Airport’s revitalization remains stalled. Mr. Bullard expressed the community’s sense of neglect, stating, ‘Honestly, we feel neglected. The airport is sitting there. It’s a long runway, it’s a safe runway. It’s in a good area, it’s near the world’s best beach, and they refuse to prepare it. It is a slap in the face.’
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#MelissaAftermath: Residents flock Gutters service station to restock fuel and food supplies
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Manchester and St Elizabeth in Jamaica faced severe challenges as they scrambled to secure fuel and essential supplies. On Thursday, a large crowd gathered at the Mid-Island Service Station in Gutters, the only operational fuel station in the area, with cash in hand to refuel vehicles and generators. The Category 5 hurricane has left much of southern Jamaica without power, communication, and access to ATMs, exacerbating the crisis. Patrenia Kennedy, manager of the Mid-Island Service Station, highlighted the critical role of the on-site supermarket in providing food and household essentials, though supplies were rapidly depleting. She noted that while suppliers were en route, items like bread had already run out. Nearby communities remain isolated, with extensive damage to homes, roads, and farmlands. Imran, a resident of Prospect, Manchester, described the situation as dire, urging government officials to assess the devastation firsthand. He emphasized the urgent need for assistance, particularly for families whose children have lost school uniforms and books. The hurricane’s impact has surpassed that of previous storms, leaving residents in desperate need of relief and recovery efforts.
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#MelissaAftermath: JDF mobilises Jamaica National Reserve to support recovery efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has activated the entire first class of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR). Effective Thursday, October 30, 2025, all reserve members are required to report to their designated duty stations. This mobilization is a critical component of the nation’s comprehensive response and recovery strategy following the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane. Reserve personnel will play a pivotal role in relief distribution, search and rescue operations, logistics management, and the safeguarding of vulnerable areas. Their efforts will be coordinated in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other governmental bodies. The activation, authorized by Governor General Sir Patrick Allem, is part of Jamaica’s national emergency management framework, designed to protect lives, secure property, and expedite the restoration of normalcy in storm-affected communities.
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Holy Halloween
During a recent visit to a residential neighborhood, I was struck by the sight of nearly 100 children, accompanied by their parents and siblings, dressed as vampires, ghosts, Frankenstein, and werewolves. They carried pumpkin-shaped containers, moving from house to house collecting sweets. A quarter of the adults also wore costumes, with many items purchased locally or online. This scene, reminiscent of an episode of *Twilight Zone*, highlighted the growing appeal of Halloween, a celebration that has evolved from a niche subculture to a mainstream, almost sacred event. A resident explained that while community efforts to celebrate Divali, Eid, and Christmas had poor turnouts, Halloween’s trick-or-treating had captured the neighborhood’s imagination. When I asked children about local folklore like Papa Bois, they were clueless, with one parent dismissing such tales as “evil.” This experience underscored how Halloween’s joyous celebration has been decades in the making, fueled by a steady diet of horror movies and novels. Films like *Halloween*, *The Exorcist*, and *Twilight* have romanticized horror, while slasher movies have normalized violence. Studies, such as one published in *Media Psychology* in 1999, reveal that such media can cause residual anxiety and even symptoms akin to PTSD. NeuroLaunch’s 2023 article further emphasized the mental health risks, including phobias. The Caribbean, too, faces the impact of this cultural imperialism, with local horror movies mirroring the violence and gore of Hollywood. While some argue that Halloween fosters social interaction and creativity, its normalization of violence and desensitization to real-life horrors raise critical questions. As Halloween’s popularity grows, it may soon find its way into school curricula or even become a public holiday, marking its transformation from a fringe event to a cultural cornerstone.
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Decomposed Body Found in Old Capital
Authorities in Belize City are currently probing the death of an unidentified man after his decomposing body was discovered earlier today. The unsettling find was reported by a local resident who noticed a strong odor near the basketball court in the Caesar Ridge neighborhood. Upon arrival, police officers located the body lying face-up in an open lot adjacent to Wilton Cumberbatch Field. The deceased was clad in a white undershirt and black sports shorts. Law enforcement swiftly secured the scene, and forensic investigators were summoned to gather evidence. Preliminary assessments indicate that the victim may have suffered a gunshot wound, though further details remain unclear. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual and determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Birthday Tribute for Daniel Held at Jolly Harbour Today
A heartfelt gathering is planned at the Jolly Harbour Super Yacht Dock on Wednesday, October 29, to commemorate the birthday of Daniel with a unique and touching tribute. The event, set to take place from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, has been timed to coincide with the picturesque sunset, offering a stunning natural backdrop for the celebration. Attendees are invited to bring their preferred beverages, share cherished memories, and recount their most treasured stories about Daniel. Organizers have emphasized that the event aims to honor Daniel’s vibrant life and enduring spirit in a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. This informal yet meaningful gathering is expected to bring together friends and well-wishers to celebrate the essence of Daniel’s character and the impact he has had on those around him.
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OM vraagt gerechtelijk vooronderzoek aan in Moiwana-zaak
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has formally requested the investigating judge to initiate a judicial inquiry into the Moiwana case. This move aims to enable additional investigative actions that can only be conducted under the supervision of the investigating judge.
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Logos Hope to Bring Floating Bookfair Back to Antigua in November 2025
The Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating bookfair, is making its much-anticipated return to Antigua and Barbuda from November 5 to 16, 2025. The vessel will dock at the Nevis Street Pier, St. John’s Cruise Terminal, offering a unique opportunity for both residents and tourists to delve into a treasure trove of over 5,000 books spanning diverse genres, including science, education, faith, fiction, and family life. Organized with the mission to disseminate ‘knowledge, help, and hope,’ the Logos Hope provides affordable literature and fosters cross-cultural understanding through its volunteer crew, which represents more than 60 nations. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with boarding commencing at 9:30 a.m. Visitors can explore the ship from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is priced at 5 XCD per person, with complimentary admission for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Payments for books can be made via cash or credit card. Notably, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, with each adult permitted to supervise up to ten children. This visit underscores Logos Hope’s enduring commitment to promoting literacy, cultural diversity, and community engagement as part of its Caribbean tour.
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LETTER: Call for a One-Year Work Exemption for Citizenship-Eligible Residents in Antigua and Barbuda
In a bid to address the challenges faced by long-term residents, senior immigration officials in Antigua and Barbuda are advocating for a one-year work exemption for individuals who have met the residency requirements for citizenship but are currently barred from legal employment due to existing immigration policies. Under the current system, residents who have completed the necessary years of residence to qualify for citizenship lose their right to work once their work permit expires and they transition to an extension of stay. This creates a paradoxical situation where individuals who have contributed significantly to the nation’s economy and society are forced into unemployment or illegal work. The proposed exemption would grant a one-year work permit to those who have passed a standard immigration eligibility check, allowing them to continue working legally while completing their citizenship applications. This policy aims to reduce administrative burdens, promote fairness, and sustain economic contributions from experienced residents. Key benefits include economic stability, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and enhanced social integration. The proposal also includes measures to ensure accountability, such as quarterly fees for delayed citizenship applications. By implementing this policy, Antigua and Barbuda would foster a more efficient and equitable immigration system that rewards long-term commitment and supports national development.