分类： society

Residents of Bay Road and McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are bracing for potential devastation as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Already grappling with recent flooding caused by heavy rains, the community fears the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane, will exacerbate their plight. Arthur Riley, a Bay Road resident, expressed deep concern, predicting that the area could be submerged by the weekend. ‘Water is already rising in low-lying areas and behind houses,’ he said, noting that floodwaters often extend to nearby McNeil Land. Both communities have a history of severe flooding, with Bay Road last experiencing significant inundation just a month ago. Riley, who lives on higher ground, relies on a fibreglass boat to navigate his property during floods. He warned that if Melissa hits, the aftermath could take nearly a month to subside. Errol Edwards, a mechanic whose shop is on Bay Road, shared similar anxieties. Flooding typically disrupts his business for a week, leaving him unable to work. ‘I cannot work in the water,’ he lamented, adding that he urges customers to collect their vehicles before storms to avoid damage. Edwards and other residents believe cleaning the area’s drains could mitigate flooding. Councillor Ian Myles confirmed that drain-cleaning efforts are scheduled for Thursday, while Member of Parliament Ian Hayles emphasized the need for residents to heed evacuation warnings. Despite ongoing local efforts, the lack of central government support remains a concern. As Melissa looms, Westmoreland’s flood-prone communities are preparing for the worst, hoping for minimal damage but bracing for a potentially catastrophic event.

A tragic incident unfolded in the community of Triumph, Guyana, on Wednesday when a 29-year-old contractor, Winston Semple, lost his life after being attacked by a swarm of bees while working on a road construction project. Semple sustained multiple bee stings across his body and collapsed at the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Another worker, 40-year-old Glendon Sampson, was also attacked during the same incident and remains in critical condition. Local residents played a crucial role in swiftly transporting both men to the hospital following the attack. Authorities have announced that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Semple’s body to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, multiple agencies are collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The National Water Commission (NWC) has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted water supply during and after Tropical Storm Melissa. Acting President Kevin Kerr emphasized the commission’s proactive measures during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, the Jamaican Government has ramped up emergency efforts to address vulnerabilities in the Sandy Gully, a critical drainage system in Kingston. Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized that the current measures are temporary, pending the finalization of a multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation project. Speaking during a site visit to the Spanish Town Bridge section of the gully, Morgan revealed that crews from the National Works Agency (NWA) have been deployed to clear debris and reinforce at-risk areas.

The Sandy Gully, which spans approximately eight kilometers from Red Hills to Kingston Harbour, has long been plagued by silt buildup, illegal dumping, and encroachment, significantly reducing its capacity to handle stormwater. Morgan highlighted that the large-scale rehabilitation project is progressing through the Public Investment Management System (PIMS), the Government’s framework for major capital projects. However, he stressed that immediate safety remains the top priority.

Despite these efforts, Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, criticized the Government’s focus on the bridge section, arguing that it overlooks more severe damage further upstream. Hylton warned that eroded areas upstream pose a direct threat to residents, infrastructure, and Jamaica Public Service (JPS) installations. He expressed frustration over the lack of urgent intervention, noting that his repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.

Hylton revealed that he had to enlist the help of an international organization to clear debris at the gully’s mouth, where blockages could exacerbate flooding in nearby communities. He emphasized that temporary clean-ups are insufficient to prevent future disasters, urging the Government to address the broader issues affecting the gully.

Both officials agree that protecting lives is paramount as Tropical Storm Melissa looms. While Morgan insists that the Government is acting swiftly to manage immediate risks, Hylton maintains that comprehensive, long-term solutions are essential to safeguard homes and livelihoods. The Sandy Gully’s vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for sustained investment and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in Jamaica.

What started as a promising ministry led by a charismatic young pastor culminated in one of Jamaica’s most harrowing tragedies. Kevin Smith, the self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ and leader of the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries, lured his followers with promises of salvation through his ‘ark.’ Instead, they met with death and disgrace. The Jamaica Observer delves into Smith’s meteoric rise, his rapid downfall, and the catastrophic aftermath that left Jamaica’s faith community grappling with the sinister realities that can lurk behind religious leadership. The two-part documentary, titled ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor — Dead or Alive? The Story that Shook Jamaica,’ is now available on YouTube, offering a chilling exploration of this dark chapter in Jamaican history.