分类： society

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that devastated western Jamaica, students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus have expressed mixed feelings about the institution’s response. While acknowledging the university’s efforts, they argue that certain measures need to be extended or reassessed to better address their ongoing challenges. Classes resumed on November 3, less than a week after the hurricane struck, despite widespread damage and disruption. Campus Registrar Donovan Stanberry defended the decision, citing the availability of facilities and the implementation of support measures, including recorded classes, a 50% fee waiver for qualifying students, mental health services, and options for exam and semester deferrals. However, students claim these measures fall short of addressing their immediate and long-term needs. Many pointed out that the fee waiver, while appreciated, would be more beneficial if applied to the upcoming January semester, as the storm occurred after midterms, when most students had already paid a significant portion of their tuition. Additionally, students highlighted logistical challenges, such as power outages and poor internet connectivity, which hindered their ability to access online classes. Some lecturers reportedly failed to comply with the directive to record sessions, leaving affected students struggling to catch up. Concerns were also raised about the rigidity of final exams, with students suggesting alternative assessment methods, such as increased coursework or presentations, to alleviate stress. In response, Stanberry emphasized the university’s ongoing efforts through its Student Solidarity Programme, which offers alternative assessments and extended deadlines. He urged students to communicate their needs to the campus registrar and assured that the university is actively working to locate and assist all affected students.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, over 50 barrels filled with essential relief supplies have been dispatched to Jamaica to aid those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This initiative was spearheaded by the Jamaica Strong Radiothon, a collaborative effort between Irie Jam Radio and RoadBlock Radio FM. The event, held on November 8 at De Islands Restaurant in Rosedale, New York, also saw significant monetary contributions. JamLeo, a collective of Jamaican police officers based in New York, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the event. Donors were urged to contribute vital items such as toiletries, bedding, kitchen utensils, and construction materials like plywood and tarpaulins. Among the participants was poet Richie Innocent, a New York resident, who expressed deep emotional distress over the devastation in his hometown of Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth. He shared his sorrow over the destruction of his alma mater, St Elizabeth Technical, and the capital town of Black River. Richie performed several of his poignant poems, including ‘Community’ and ‘The Passover,’ during the event. The Jamaican Diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, has rallied impressively in the aftermath of the hurricane. Numerous organizations and corporations have contributed to the recovery efforts since the reopening of Jamaica’s ports. Additionally, Irie Jam Radio and RoadBlock Radio FM are organizing the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, set to take place on December 12 at the UBS Arena in Long Island, further bolstering the relief initiatives.

Digicel, a leading communications company, has disclosed that critical batteries were stolen from one of its network sites in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, on Monday, November 17. The incident occurred just days after the site had been repaired as part of ongoing efforts to restore services following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Discovery Bauxite’s water wells in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, have emerged as a critical resource for communities grappling with disrupted water supplies. The company has been supplying thousands of gallons of water to its operational areas and neighboring parishes, including Montego Bay, where the World Central Kitchen team is preparing meals for hurricane relief efforts. Local schools, agencies, and residents in St Ann have also benefited from the company’s water facilities, particularly an open water stand near its public clinic in Jacks Lodge, Discovery Bay. Small business owner Pauline White described the support as a ‘lifeline,’ while truck operator Linburgh Gayle highlighted its role in meeting daily water needs for schools, churches, and families. Discovery Bauxite expressed solidarity with those affected by the hurricane, pledging to continue providing water and relief items as long as its pumps can handle the demand. The company emphasized its commitment to aiding the nation during this crisis, noting the significance of its water supplies to hundreds of individuals from local and nearby communities.

CLARKS TOWN, Trelawny — The quiet town of Clarks Town in Trelawny, Jamaica, faced unprecedented devastation when Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck on October 28. Residents not only fought to save their homes but also their livelihoods, particularly their chickens, which are a crucial part of their daily lives. In Bottom Town, Leford Brodie recounted risking his life to rescue the few surviving birds. ‘The storm blew everything away,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘I had to run into the coop and grab what I could, throwing them to safety with some pallets.’ Brodie’s makeshift coop, hastily constructed from scrap boards, now sits beneath his house. He estimates losing around 45 chickens, including several young ones. His neighbor, Cynthia Forbes, faced a different struggle, moving her household items, including her mattress and dresser, into her chicken coop to protect them from the relentless rain. ‘I lost everything,’ she said softly. ‘Everything from the house is in the coop. I’m just trying to save what I can before more rain comes.’ Across Bottom Town and the adjoining Mack Hill, the scene was one of widespread destruction: roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and frantic searches for shelter. Annette Redwood described the chaos: ‘When the houses started falling apart, people were running everywhere to find shelter. My brother ran from one house to the next as roofs collapsed one after another.’ At the time of the Observer’s visit, Redwood noted that the community had yet to receive any outside assistance. ‘Nobody at all,’ she said. ‘We still need help, anything you can do.’ Rashema Edwards and her aunt Darna Steele, who share a yard with several relatives, lost large sections of their roofs when a tree branch crashed through the boards. ‘This storm is the first Category 5 I’ve experienced in my life,’ Edwards said. ‘I had to go out in the storm to place sandbags on the roof to keep the zinc sheets down.’ Her aunt added, ‘We’ve lost the verandah zinc and one room’s zinc. We have nowhere to sleep. The government alone can’t fix this.’ Edwards reflected on the broader impact: ‘Melissa disfigured Jamaica. Everything up there is flattened.’ For those wishing to help, donations can be sent to Rashema Edwards at NCB Falmouth Branch #444273135 or to Janet Lindo (wife of Leford Brodie) at Scotiabank Falmouth Branch #428000. Despite the losses, the community spirit remains strong. Pastor Henry from a local church in Bottom Town said, ‘Nearly every house has some kind of damage. Many have lost their roofs, some their homes, but the people are pulling together. I lost lots of shingles myself, but the sun is shining — and that is a promise of a better day.’ Even the town’s historical centerpiece, St Michael’s Anglican Church, built around 1843, sustained roof damage. Once the heart of this 3,000-strong community, it now stands as a symbol of both loss and endurance.

In a significant humanitarian effort, Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness, alongside her Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation, delivered crucial relief supplies to communities in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, carried out on Saturday, November 15, 2025, aimed to provide immediate support to those most affected by the natural disaster. Holness, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural, personally oversaw the distribution of essential items such as drinking water, food packages, clothing, shoes, tarpaulin, and hygiene kits. In a heartfelt social media post on Sunday, Holness expressed her gratitude to the foundation’s partners and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of their collective mission. ‘Seeing the gratitude and resilience of these communities reminds us why our mission matters,’ she stated. The Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation, established in 2019, focuses on empowering marginalized youth and fostering opportunities for their growth. Holness envisions a future where every child in Jamaica has access to the resources and support needed to thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.