In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Adli Lewis, the principal of Seaside Primary School in Portland, Jamaica, has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative efforts to support the community. Recognizing the struggles faced by families left without power, Lewis transformed the school into a vital resource center, offering ironing facilities for parents and students alike.
分类： society
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Turn outrage into action
The tragic death of Romona Victor, a UNC councillor, in a reported murder-suicide carried out by her husband, Rodney Ramsumair, has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of femicide in Trinidad and Tobago. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo urged women in abusive relationships to seek counselling and walk away, but the reality is far more complex. Despite such advice, femicides continue to rise, with 137 women and girls killed daily by intimate partners globally in 2024, according to the UN. Locally, NGOs like the International Women’s Resource Network report alarming figures for 2025, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. This grim reality reveals systemic failures: women’s complaints are often dismissed by authorities, and protection orders are not always effective. Even when women attempt to leave abusive relationships, they are frequently pursued by their former partners. The case of Ms. Victor, a well-known councillor, illustrates that no woman is immune to this violence. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles have both expressed their grief and called for action. Ms. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need for a supportive environment where victims can come forward without fear, while Ms. Beckles advocated for a stronger legal system and expanded gender-based policing. However, addressing the root causes of this crisis requires a cultural shift. Harmful attitudes and stereotypes perpetuated among boys and men must be challenged. Men have a critical role to play in reshaping societal beliefs and behaviors to end this cycle of violence.
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JN provides counselling for Melissa survivors in south Trelawny
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group, in collaboration with local and corporate partners, has launched a vital initiative to offer psychosocial support to residents in southern Trelawny, Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left many grappling with emotional and physical devastation, prompting the JN Group to step in with comprehensive relief efforts.
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Samuda applauds universities for launching Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE)
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to address the escalating impacts of climate change, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, has praised the establishment of the Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE) by the nation’s tertiary institutions. This initiative, formed in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, aims to bolster scientific research, policy planning, and long-term resilience in the face of increasingly severe climate shocks.
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Smiley Faces Christmas Caravan brings joy to Arouca
For over a decade, the Arouca community has been illuminated each December by the heartwarming efforts of Ronald Garvin, founder of the Smiley Faces Events Christmas Caravan. What began as a modest Christmas party on Forde Street has evolved into a mobile celebration that brings gifts, music, and holiday cheer directly to families across the area. Garvin, a health, safety, and environment assistant, has dedicated himself to fostering a sense of togetherness and joy during the festive season. The caravan, which features a truck loaded with toys, snacks, and sweet boxes, aims to create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and celebrated. Garvin’s initiative, which started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown to encompass multiple streets, reaching hundreds of children annually. The event not only delivers presents but also strengthens community bonds and inspires acts of kindness. Garvin’s motivation stems from his own upbringing, where his mother’s determination ensured that he and his siblings always had something to look forward to during the holidays. Despite challenges in securing funding, Garvin and his team of volunteers continue to make the caravan a beloved tradition. This year, they hope to reach 500 children, spreading the message of joy, love, and generosity. Garvin encourages corporate Trinidad and Tobago to contribute, emphasizing the importance of giving during the holiday season. The caravan’s impact extends beyond material gifts, offering hope and creating lasting memories for families. As Garvin aptly puts it, the true essence of the season lies in one word: giving.
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Motorists advised to expect delays in Hanover
Residents and commuters in Lucea, Hanover, are being cautioned about potential traffic disruptions as the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) undertakes essential post-planting and rewiring operations along Church Street and Seaview Drive. The utility company issued a public advisory on Wednesday, urging motorists to adhere to traffic directives and prepare for minor delays while navigating the affected routes. The infrastructure upgrades are part of JPS’s ongoing efforts to enhance electrical systems in the region. Authorities have assured the public that updates will be provided as the work progresses. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly to minimize inconvenience during this period.
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Church group treks into remote Westmoreland community to deliver vital Hurricane relief
In a remarkable display of community solidarity, the Pentecostal Gospel Showers Family of Churches (PGSFoC) orchestrated a significant relief mission last weekend to aid families in Westmoreland, Jamaica, devastated by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa in October. The Category 5 storm left many areas, including the remote York District, in dire straits, with damaged roads hindering access to essential aid.
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Still on track
Despite the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in West Green and Catherine Hall, including sections of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) has confirmed that the project remains on schedule for its May 2026 completion. NROCC Managing Director Stephen Edwards assured the public that the construction timeline is being adjusted to accommodate the challenges posed by the hurricane. Edwards emphasized that while some minor work is required on the road connecting West Green to Howard Cooke Boulevard, the overall project is progressing as planned. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, caused significant damage, including the emergence of a spring in one section of the bypass road, raising concerns about potential long-term impacts. The US$374-million project, funded by the Jamaican government and executed by China Harbour Engineering Company, includes several phases, such as the Montego Bay Bypass, Barnett Street/West Green Avenue Road Rehabilitation, and a comprehensive drainage study. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Montego Bay by diverting vehicles from heavily congested streets and will feature open-road tolling, eliminating the need for toll booths. Despite the ongoing construction, some motorists have been using the road, prompting NROCC to issue warnings about the dangers of accessing the site before its official opening. Edwards urged the public to refrain from using the bypass road until it is fully completed and declared safe for regular traffic.
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UK man changes plea, admits driving into Liverpool FC parade
In a dramatic courtroom reversal, Paul Doyle, a British man, confessed on Wednesday to intentionally driving his car into crowds during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade in May. Doyle, who initially denied all 31 charges, including grievous bodily harm, wounding with intent, affray, and dangerous driving, broke down in tears as he entered guilty pleas on the second day of his trial. The incident, which occurred on May 26 in Liverpool city center, left 134 people injured, including infants and children, with 50 requiring hospital treatment. No fatalities were reported. Judge Andrew Menary warned Doyle to expect a lengthy custodial sentence, with sentencing scheduled for December 15. Doyle, a former Royal Marine from a Liverpool suburb, allegedly became increasingly agitated by the crowds, as shown in dashcam footage, and chose to drive through them rather than wait. Sarah Hammond, the Crown Prosecution Service’s top regional prosecutor, described the act as “calculated violence” that turned celebration into chaos. Doyle, a father of three, has been in custody since his arrest and faces charges related to 29 victims, including eight children, the youngest being six months old.
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JYAN urges strong protection measures for women and girls post — Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) is calling on national stakeholders to focus on the safety and protection of women and girls. This appeal comes shortly after the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on Tuesday. JYAN emphasizes that while the entire nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, women and children face heightened risks of violence and abuse.