In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in western Jamaica, the Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) has initiated a robust relief program to aid affected communities. Partnering with international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, JBG is delivering critical support to families and farmers impacted by the disaster. Through its Best Dressed Chicken division, the company has distributed free chicken products to local quick-service restaurants and caterers preparing hot meals for residents in need. Additionally, JBG employees have been encouraged to donate essential items such as non-perishable food, water, bedding, hygiene products, and emergency supplies, with donation drop-off points established across all JBG locations. A significant aspect of the relief effort is the collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse, which has established an emergency field hospital in St. Elizabeth and transported vital medical supplies from Norman Manley International Airport to Black River. Teams from JBG, Hi-Pro, and the Jamaica Defence Force have worked tirelessly to set up the field hospital at Black River High School. JBG has also provided meals for Samaritan’s Purse volunteers offering medical and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Hi-Pro Division is engaging agricultural associations to assess the storm’s impact on farmers and develop a targeted assistance plan. Colonel (Ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, Hi-Pro’s vice president, emphasized JBG’s commitment to national recovery, stating, ‘We are more than chicken and agriculture; we are about nation building.’ The company has also received support from Wysinco, which donated 100 cases of water to ensure hydration for patients and families at the field hospital.
分类： society
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Hip Strip operators reeling from Hurricane Melissa devastation
The Montego Bay Hip Strip, a vibrant hub of Jamaican culture and entertainment along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, has been left in ruins following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Known for its lively atmosphere, the area is a favorite among tourists, offering family-friendly activities by day and transforming into a bustling party scene at night. However, the hurricane has disrupted this dynamic, leaving businesses and landmarks severely damaged.
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JCNP denies making any agreement with govt for joint management of parades
The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has refuted claims of a joint management agreement with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. This denial comes in the wake of a video released by the Office of the Prime Minister, which suggested a collaborative effort between the two organizations. The video featured JCNP Chairman Dion Miller and NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder, alongside other Junkanoo community members, discussing a unified approach to the parades. Miller emphasized their commitment to advancing Junkanoo in the national interest, stating, ‘We’re excited to be at this point and to move forward together hand in hand to make Junkanoo one and whole for all.’ Pinder acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders, including the Parade Management Team, the Festival Committee, and longtime sponsor Sir Franklyn Wilson. However, the NJC later clarified that the meeting was not a formal engagement with the JCNP but rather a discussion with representatives of the Shell Saxon Superstars. The NJC stated, ‘To be clear, no agreement for joint management between the NJC and the JCNP exists.’ The committee confirmed that the 2025/2026 parades would be managed exclusively by its appointed Parade Management Team, led by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Douglas Hanna, under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The NJC reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in managing the parade season, ensuring the integrity of Junkanoo. Efforts to reach Dion Miller for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
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TransJamaican Highway commits $100 million to Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid recovery efforts, TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) has announced a $100 million relief package for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative will provide essential building materials such as zinc sheets, lumber, hurricane straps, and nails to over 2,000 residents whose properties suffered damage during the storm.
Ivan Anderson, Managing Director of TJH, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting affected communities. ‘Our goal is to deliver tangible relief to those whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Melissa,’ Anderson stated. ‘We are partnering with one of Jamaica’s leading hardware retailers to ensure supplies reach residents in St Elizabeth and other severely impacted parishes efficiently.’
The company is currently coordinating with government agencies to finalize distribution plans, with the first phase of aid expected to commence within the next two to three weeks. Beyond the corporate contribution, TJH employees have initiated an internal relief drive, gathering critical supplies like non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, toiletries, and baby essentials for distribution to families in need.
Anderson praised the efforts of TJH staff, noting, ‘Our team members have demonstrated remarkable compassion and initiative. Their personal contributions embody the values of care and community that define our organization.’
This dual approach—combining corporate resources with employee-driven efforts—underscores TJH’s dedication to fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of natural disasters.
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OSHA: No existing regulations for LPG tanks, regulators, hoses
Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with a series of fatal LPG gas cylinder explosions, with four lives lost since April. The Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OSHA) has confirmed that there are no existing regulations or standards for the manufacture of LPG gas cylinders or the importation of regulators and hoses. This regulatory gap has led to a market flooded with varying quality and safety standards of these critical components. LPG producers have attributed the recent tragedies to faulty regulators and hoses, urging the public to use only those compliant with international safety standards. A visit to hardware stores in San Fernando revealed a wide range of regulators priced between $60 and $150, with some lacking credible safety certifications. The absence of standardized regulations has raised significant safety concerns, prompting OSHA and the TT Bureau of Standards (TTBS) to work on drafting new policies. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) has initiated measures to address the issue, including reconvening the Specifications Committee for LPG to review and update national standards. Stakeholders are expected to meet soon to discuss these developments, as public anxiety over the safety of LPG usage continues to grow.
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The alarming upsurge in noise pollution offences
In recent months, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has witnessed a troubling surge in noise pollution, with residents enduring sleepless nights, distressed pets, and deteriorating mental and physical health. Despite existing regulations under the Environmental Management Act and the Noise Pollution Control Rules of 2001, enforcement remains alarmingly inadequate. Offenders, ranging from bars and vehicles to roadside events, continue to operate with impunity, often violating permissible decibel limits without facing consequences. The situation has escalated to tragic levels, as evidenced by the recent death of three-year-old Kemani Gordon, whose parents claim incessant fireworks explosions caused the infant’s distress. Despite repeated calls to law enforcement, no action was taken. This incident echoes the 2015 case of Sudama Saroop, who was jailed for five years after confronting a neighbor over loud music that disturbed his baby. Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT (CANPTT) reports widespread complaints, with residents citing elevated blood pressure and other health issues due to relentless noise. Despite clear legal provisions under the Summary Offences Act, both the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the police have failed to address the issue effectively, often passing responsibility between agencies. CANPTT is advocating for legislative reform, including stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, mandatory closure of non-compliant establishments, and the provision of sound-level meters to police divisions. Additionally, public education campaigns are urgently needed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise pollution and the legal responsibilities of citizens and business owners.
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‘Tell us who’s overcharging’: National urges customers to report price gouging
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation across Jamaica, reports of price gouging have surged, prompting National Bakery, a leading food manufacturer, to take a firm stance against such unethical practices. The company has urged customers to report any instances of overpricing by its representatives, emphasizing its commitment to fairness during the recovery period.
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Volunteer Defence Force members sue State over pension
Forty-three members of Trinidad and Tobago’s Volunteer Defence Force (VDF) have initiated a constitutional motion against the State, alleging decades-long violations of their fundamental rights due to the government’s failure to provide pension and terminal benefits. The case, presided over by Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams, centers on claims that the State breached the claimants’ rights to property, legal protection, and equality under sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the Constitution. The claimants, led by Andy Greaux, argue that despite serving as permanent staff within the VDF—a recognized formation of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF)—they were denied pension deductions and superannuation benefits afforded to other TTDF members. Attorney Arden Williams, representing the claimants, emphasized that the State’s failure to enact regulations governing the VDF has left generations of servicemen without pensions or terminal benefits, despite their equivalent duties and pay structure. Williams described the omission as “irrational, arbitrary neglect,” accusing the State of failing to act on repeated representations by the claimants. The State, represented by Mary Davis, countered that the VDF members are not entitled to superannuation benefits under the Defence (Pensions, Terminal and Other Grants) Regulations, as no deductions were made from their salaries into the Consolidated Fund. The State also argued that any unequal treatment is justified by statutory and administrative distinctions. Justice Quinlan-Williams has reserved judgment, which will be delivered on January 29.
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Camels replace cows as Kenya battles drought
In the arid landscapes of northern Kenya, where rain has been absent since April, the Samburu community is turning to an unlikely savior: camels. Chapan Lolpusike, a herder from the semi-nomadic Samburu tribe, recalls the devastating impact of the worst drought in four decades, which wiped out his cattle. ‘We no longer have cattle at home. We only raise camels,’ he said, highlighting a significant shift in livelihood strategies. Camels, known for their resilience, can graze on dry grasses, endure weeks without water, and produce up to six times more milk than cattle, making them indispensable in this climate-vulnerable region.
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US set for travel chaos as flights cut due to govt shutdown
The United States is bracing for significant travel disruptions as federal authorities mandate widespread flight cancellations amid an ongoing government shutdown. Starting Friday, airlines will implement a 10% reduction in flights across 40 high-traffic areas, following a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive citing safety concerns. The shutdown has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, security personnel, and other critical staff unpaid, exacerbating personnel shortages and operational challenges. Last weekend alone, over 10,000 flights experienced delays, with travelers already enduring long security lines. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, ‘We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself.’ The cancellations coincide with the peak Thanksgiving travel season, potentially affecting thousands of daily flights. Major airports in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles are expected to bear the brunt of the disruptions. Airlines like United and Delta have pledged compliance but assured that international and hub-to-hub routes will remain unaffected. The shutdown, triggered by Congress’s failure to approve funding, has left 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the strain on aviation staff, many of whom are taking sick leave or seeking secondary employment to make ends meet. Bedford described the situation as unprecedented, marking a new low in the impact of government shutdowns on critical infrastructure.