分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, has left approximately 90,000 families in western Jamaica grappling with severe consequences. Initial assessments by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reveal that over 120,000 buildings suffered roof damage, highlighting the storm’s destructive force. Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of ODPEM, provided these updates during a press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston. He emphasized that while many communities have regained access thanks to the efforts of the National Works Agency (NWA), the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and other entities, 27 communities remain isolated due to flooding and landslides, particularly in St Elizabeth, St James, and Trelawny. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, causing widespread damage across multiple parishes, including Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St Ann. Commander Gayle assured that ODPEM, alongside government ministries, private sector partners, and international organizations, is making daily progress in restoring essential services such as power, telecommunications, and water, as well as clearing roads and delivering aid. ODPEM is also finalizing its initial damage assessment report to determine the full extent of the hurricane’s impact, which will guide the government in addressing the needs of affected communities as recovery efforts commence.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, over 250 volunteers from St John’s Ambulance Jamaica and the JN Foundation sprang into action, delivering essential medical aid and first aid to nearly 800 residents in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Supported by the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), which facilitated transportation and provided free Wi-Fi via Starlink, the relief effort targeted communities still grappling with power outages and damaged infrastructure. Certified first aid responders, trainers, and healthcare assistants treated elderly residents who had lost medications and others injured during the storm but unable to access medical care due to impassable roads. Among those rescued was Vincent Wilson, an elderly diabetic from Barton Wharf, Lacovia, who was trapped in a collapsed home. Neighbours Morgan and his family cut through their fence to save him. Despite injuries, many residents, including Ramorio Solomon and Romeo Wright, continued to rebuild homes and assist neighbours. St John Ambulance CEO Duane Ellis highlighted the collaboration with organisations like Kiwanis International and universities, emphasizing the collection of critical data to guide follow-up interventions with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Chairman Earl Jarret praised the volunteers’ compassion and professionalism, urging them to uphold the dignity of survivors. The initiative underscored the resilience of affected communities and the importance of coordinated disaster response.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the western parishes of Jamaica, ADRA Jamaica, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The organization swiftly activated its National Emergency Management Plan, ensuring a coordinated response to the crisis. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, ADRA Jamaica volunteers prepared and distributed 800 units of food supplies in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, anticipating the immediate needs of affected communities. Pastor Wenford Henry, Director of ADRA Jamaica, emphasized the proactive approach, stating, ‘We chose these parishes as our initial response based on the hurricane’s predicted path.’ Following the disaster, ADRA teams and volunteers conducted daily visits to severely impacted areas such as Black River, Middle Quarters, and Lacovia, providing hot meals and essential support. On November 4, ADRA International leaders, in collaboration with the Adventist Church’s youth department, conducted a volunteer training session at Victor Dixon High School in Mandeville under the ‘Yes with ADRA’ initiative. Over 100 volunteers participated in data collection and clean-up drives on November 5, with plans to distribute food and supplies based on assessed needs. Volunteer Anthia Adderley praised the training, noting its interactive and detailed approach. Pastor Henry reassured affected communities, ‘We will not leave you. ADRA Jamaica and our overseas partners are committed to rebuilding your lives better than before.’ Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, commended ADRA’s efforts, highlighting the collaboration with government and faith-based organizations to alleviate hardships faced by hurricane victims.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) — Authorities in St Vincent are currently investigating the fatal shooting of Shem Walker, a young man in his early 20s, whose body was discovered on Wednesday near a crashed vehicle in Akers. The incident marks the 34th homicide recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines this year, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating violence in the region.