Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully restored electricity to 64% of its customers, according to JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant. Speaking at a government-organized press briefing on Tuesday, Grant described the progress as a “solid achievement” given the extensive damage caused by the storm. Over 300,000 customers have been reconnected since the hurricane left large parts of the island without power. Grant emphasized that the on-ground devastation was far more severe than aerial assessments suggested, particularly in the western region, which requires extensive rebuilding rather than simple repairs. To accelerate restoration, JPS has deployed over 200 additional overseas line workers and is bringing in specialized equipment, including bucket trucks and hole-digging vehicles. The company has prioritized restoring critical services such as hospitals, water pumps, and economic hubs. Notable successes include the restoration of power to Cornwall Regional Hospital, St Ann’s Bay Hospital, Ocho Rios Port, Dunn’s River Falls, and Sangster International Airport. Grant also highlighted creative solutions, such as rerouting power from Manchester to supply St Elizabeth. Despite challenges, JPS remains committed to transparency and aims to provide detailed restoration timelines for all affected areas by the end of the week.
分类： society
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Central and South Abaco FNM candidate releases book on House of Assembly
A groundbreaking new book, *The House of Assembly: The Journey of Bahamian Democracy*, authored by Jeremy Sweeting, the Free National Movement Central and South Abaco candidate, has been released. This first volume of a two-part series delves into the origins and development of the Bahamian House of Assembly from 1729 to 1900. It meticulously examines the establishment of the legislature under Governor Woodes Rogers and pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s political landscape. Sweeting emphasizes that while historians like the late Dr. Gail Saunders and Patrice Williams have documented The Bahamas’ broader history, his work uniquely focuses on the creation and evolution of the House of Assembly. The book lists the first members of Parliament from 1729 to 1890, highlighting influential political families such as the Pinders, Wyllys/Andersons, Adderleys, and Sawyers. It also explores significant political conflicts, including the tensions between the original settlers of 1648 and Loyalist refugees from America, the abolition of slavery, and the disendowment of the Anglican Church. Sweeting is currently researching the second volume, which will cover the period from 1901 to the present day, tracing the expansion of voting rights and the dismantling of racial, gender, and class barriers in Bahamian politics. The book features forewords by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and former Attorney General Sean McWeeney, with Ingraham praising it as an “excellent addition” to the narrative of The Bahamas’ transformation from a colonial outpost to a thriving democracy. *The House of Assembly: The Journey of Bahamian Democracy* is now available at Logos Bookstore.
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Prisons officer held with contraband as he reported for duty
A prisons officer stationed at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) in Golden Grove, Arouca, has been apprehended for allegedly smuggling contraband, including marijuana, into the facility. The officer, who has served for four years, was searched by police from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) upon reporting for duty on November 12 at approximately 8 am. During the search, authorities discovered several packets of plant-like material, cash, and cigarettes on his person. A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded similar items. The officer was arrested and taken to the Besson Street Police Station, where he is expected to face charges. A search of his residence is also planned as part of the ongoing investigation. Acting Prisons Commissioner Hayden Forde was informed of the arrest and emphasized that combating trafficking remains a top priority for the prisons administration. Forde issued a stern warning to his officers, stating that any involvement in trafficking would result in severe consequences, including being transferred to the division where contraband was delivered and facing judgment. He also praised the Prison Service Hotline for providing valuable information and commended the majority of honest and hardworking prison officers who uphold the integrity of the service.
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UPDATE: Investigation launched into Rio Cobre drowning incident, victim identified
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.
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Fresh showers could set back relief operations
Jamaica’s northern and western regions, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, may face further challenges this week as adverse weather conditions threaten to disrupt ongoing relief operations. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has forecast intermittent showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially hampering recovery efforts in several parishes. Alvin Gayle, Director General of ODPEM, emphasized that even moderate rainfall could complicate relief work, particularly in northern parishes where many homes remain roofless. During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Gayle detailed the expected weather patterns, noting that isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds would likely affect western parishes as well. In preparation, ODPEM and its partners have distributed over 80% of the 45,000 tarpaulins available on the island to provide temporary shelter. Gayle highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address immediate shelter needs while supporting long-term recovery goals. Despite these efforts, the forecasted weather could slow progress in areas still recovering from the hurricane’s devastation.
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US trans deportee now ‘lost in limbo’
Deanna Richardson, a 47-year-old transgender woman, was forcibly deported from the United States to the Bahamas, a country she had not seen since she was two years old. Handcuffed and shackled, she was escorted onto a plane, where an officer reportedly told her, ‘In Trump’s world, there are only two genders. Put him back with the other men.’ Hours later, she found herself in the Bahamas, her life abruptly upended.
Ms. Richardson, who had built a stable life in San Diego as a custodial manager, was ambushed near her apartment by U.S. immigration agents. She was shuttled through detention facilities in Texas and Florida before being flown to New Providence alongside 44 other deportees. ‘They just jumped out of the bushes and grabbed me,’ she recounted. ‘I didn’t see a lawyer or a judge. I kept asking to speak to my deportation officer—no one would tell me anything.’
Her deportation highlights the human toll of U.S. immigration enforcement, which has increasingly targeted long-time residents, often returning them to countries ill-equipped to provide support. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data, arrests and detentions of Bahamian nationals have risen steadily, peaking in fiscal year 2024 with 128 arrests, 163 detentions, and 92 removals.
Upon arrival in the Bahamas, Ms. Richardson was processed by Immigration and INTERPOL before being placed in temporary accommodation at a government-assisted shelter. However, she has struggled to obtain identification documents necessary for employment, banking, or housing. ‘They keep sending me back and forth between offices,’ she said. ‘It’s just a merry-go-round. The government agencies here, nobody talks to each other, so nobody knows what any of the other agencies are doing.’
Ms. Richardson described her return as a ‘culture shock’ and expressed concerns for her safety in public spaces. ‘I told ICE about the risks for people like me here, and they didn’t care,’ she said. ‘I almost got attacked because someone thought I was something I wasn’t. I don’t feel safe; I just want to get my ID, get a job, and live.’
Despite the challenges, Ms. Richardson remains resilient. ‘My mental health is horrible right now, but I’m a survivor,’ she added. ‘I’ve survived everything life has thrown at me—but this, this I was never prepared for.’
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Raheem Sterling’s house burgled again
Raheem Sterling, the Chelsea winger, and his family experienced a harrowing ordeal last weekend when burglars broke into their Berkshire residence. The incident occurred on Saturday while Sterling, his partner Paige Milian, and their children were at home. The intruders were reportedly confronted by Sterling, causing them to flee without stealing any items.
Sterling’s representative confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating, “We can confirm that Raheem Sterling was the victim of a home break-in this weekend. He and his children were present at the time. While this was a severe violation of privacy and safety, we are grateful that he and his loved ones are unharmed.” The representative also urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
This is not the first time Sterling’s home has been targeted. In December 2022, burglars broke into his Surrey property while he was competing in the World Cup in Qatar, forcing him to return home early. During that incident, valuables worth £300,000 ($393,000) were stolen. Additionally, in 2018, thieves attempted to break into his Cheshire home but fled when the alarm system was activated.
Sterling’s recent challenges extend beyond personal security. He has yet to feature for Chelsea this season after being sidelined by manager Enzo Maresca. Following a disappointing loan spell with Arsenal last season, Sterling has been training separately from Chelsea’s first-team squad after failing to secure a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
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WATCH: Dominoes group donates $2.75 million to Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A casual weekly dominoes game among friends has evolved into a significant humanitarian initiative. The Shats Domino Group, a close-knit WhatsApp community of business owners and long-time friends, has transformed their Monday gatherings in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew, into a powerful force for good. Known for their spirited dominoes matches and lively debates on local and global issues, the group has now channeled their camaraderie into raising over $2.75 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica. Carlton Hume, the group’s president, reflected on the shift, stating, ‘It just dawned on us that maybe we can do something more meaningful. What started as a simple fundraiser has turned into something truly wonderful.’ The funds will be donated to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), an organization praised by the group for its extensive work across the island. Dwight Moore, a member of the group, emphasized that giving back has always been a core value among the diverse members. In a heartening gesture, AFJ has pledged to match the donation. Caron Chung, AFJ’s Executive Director, expressed deep gratitude during Monday’s meeting, where she received the $2.75 million cheque. ‘It’s incredible to see this group take the initiative to support Hurricane Melissa relief. Their generosity is truly inspiring,’ she remarked. This initiative highlights how a shared passion can unite people to make a profound impact in times of crisis.
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Gov’t to roll out temporary homes for hurricane victims
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has unveiled plans to provide safe and dignified temporary housing for displaced families. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the urgency and humanity driving the effort. The Category 5 hurricane has left numerous families homeless, many of whom are currently housed in shelters that are far from ideal. Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted the need for facilities that respect the dignity of those affected, stating, ‘If we were in the same position, we would want a facility that honors our dignity.’
The Government is actively reviewing proposals for temporary housing units that can be swiftly deployed across the hardest-hit parishes. These units are being designed with durability and safety in mind, ensuring they can withstand future weather events. Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the solutions will not be one-size-fits-all but will cater to the diverse needs of affected families, including single individuals and large households. International support and best practices from other countries are being incorporated into the planning process.
A comprehensive damage assessment is currently underway to determine the scale of the crisis and the specific needs of those impacted. Dr. Morris Dixon assured that the Government is committed to delivering quality housing solutions, even if it means a longer timeline. ‘We don’t want to just have them feel like they’re a charity case,’ she said. ‘We’re about giving people decent houses.’ The goal is to provide semi-permanent structures that are structurally sound and capable of offering long-term shelter. While tents have been considered, the focus remains on more durable and dignified options.
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Jamaican-American decathlete leads Hurricane Melissa relief initiative in Burnt Savannah
Claston Bernard, a renowned Jamaican-American decathlete and Commonwealth champion, is spearheading a significant relief initiative in his hometown of Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The community is recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. Bernard, an alumnus of Louisiana State University and a former candidate for the office of consul general, has returned to his roots to lead the rebuilding efforts. Over the weekend, he joined forces with a group of US Navy veterans who have been actively involved in restoring the area. Their collaborative work, which includes providing essential support and reconstruction, is expected to continue through the end of November. Bernard’s dedication to his native community highlights the importance of local leadership in disaster recovery.