分类： society

Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has once again demonstrated her commitment to community support by distributing essential care packages to residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa. On Tuesday, the renowned athlete focused her efforts on communities along the St Elizabeth and Westmoreland border, continuing the relief work initiated by her Pocket Rocket Foundation. This follows her previous outreach in parts of Westmoreland on Saturday. During the distribution, a significant number of residents gathered to receive the aid, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the assistance. Fraser-Pryce’s actions highlight her dedication to helping those in need, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joins a growing number of individuals and organizations contributing to recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Transport Authority has issued a stern warning to public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators against the unlawful practice of hiking fares. The Category Five storm, which struck the island last Tuesday, has reportedly led to several operators exploiting the situation by overcharging commuters.

Ralston Smith, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, emphasized that such actions are not only illegal but also a blatant violation of commuters’ rights. Smith highlighted that demanding fares beyond the approved rates constitutes a breach of the Road Traffic Act, which could result in severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of road licences.

“Under section 68 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, operators found guilty of overcharging passengers risk losing their licences,” Smith stated. The authority is also advising commuters to steer clear of unlicensed vehicles, which are often the primary culprits in charging exorbitant prices.

To assist in identifying legitimate transport services, the authority noted that licensed vehicles are marked with red licence plates and a light blue Transport Authority sticker on the windshield, valid until 2026.

The public is encouraged to report any instances of fare overcharging by calling (876) 926-8912 or sending WhatsApp messages to (876) 551-8196. Reports should include the vehicle’s licence plate number, route details, and any supporting photos or videos.

The Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has demanded immediate legislative reforms following alarming data revealing that one in every three men tested over a five-year period was not the biological father of the child they believed to be theirs. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles disclosed that between January 2020 and September 2025, 440 paternity tests were conducted, with 143 men (approximately 33%) discovering they were not the biological fathers. Feeles emphasized the emotional and legal ramifications of such revelations, citing cases where men faced legal troubles over child maintenance for children they later discovered were not biologically theirs. One notable case involved Marlon Thompson, who paid TT$35,000 in maintenance for a child later proven not to be his through DNA testing. Despite the maintenance order being revoked, Thompson still faced legal consequences due to an unresolved warrant, which was eventually quashed by a High Court Judge two years later. Feeles also highlighted a 2019 case where a man learned during a custody hearing that the two children he had been supporting were not his. The magistrate dismissed the wife’s maintenance application, but the man was left emotionally devastated. TFATT is urging policymakers to revisit the 2018 Joint Select Committee (JSC) recommendations, which called for mandatory DNA testing before maintenance orders are issued. The association has written to Attorney General John Jeremie and Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, proposing legislation to criminalize paternity fraud, mandate DNA testing, and provide compensation and counseling for affected fathers and children. While Jeremie expressed interest, Feeles acknowledged that legislative changes would take time. The Chief Justice’s office has indicated that the matter is under consideration.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a comprehensive clean-up initiative has been launched in St James, Jamaica. Spearheaded by the St James Municipal Corporation and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the operation commenced on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with Catherine Hall and Westgreen being the first areas targeted. The effort involves a robust deployment of resources, including heavy equipment, tipper trucks, and a dedicated workforce comprising laborers and chainsaw operators. Audley Gordon, Executive Director of the NSWMA, emphasized the urgency of the task, describing the current living conditions in affected communities as ‘subhuman.’ He expressed hope for favorable weather to facilitate a thorough clean-up and restoration process. Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon outlined the phased approach, starting with Westgreen and Catherine Hall, followed by the city center, with the aim of restoring normalcy by the weekend. The operation also includes providing essential services such as potable water, food aid, and assistance in cleaning homes to support the residents in rebuilding their lives.

Nicholas Lok Jack, Executive Chairman of Associated Brands Industries Limited (ABIL), has announced a significant humanitarian aid package of US$500,000 to support Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ABIL, the parent company of renowned brands such as Sunshine Snacks, Charles Chocolates, Devon Biscuits, and Sunshine Cereals, has committed to providing both financial and material assistance to the affected regions. The aid includes a US$250,000 cash donation to the Sandals Foundation and an additional US$250,000 worth of food and snack products, which will be distributed through various agencies to the hardest-hit communities. Lok Jack emphasized the deep connection ABIL has with Jamaica, home to over 500 employees through its subsidiary, Confectionery and Snacks (Jamaica) Limited. He praised the resilience and spirit of the Jamaican people, stating, ‘We stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, as you rebuild stronger than ever.’ The partnership with the Sandals Foundation was chosen due to its established credibility and effectiveness in delivering aid across the Caribbean. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, expressed gratitude for ABIL’s swift and generous response, highlighting the importance of regional unity in times of crisis. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored the immediate impact of the partnership, noting that it will bring essential supplies and hope to those most affected. ABIL’s pledge reaffirms its enduring commitment to the Caribbean and its people, embodying the values of compassion and community support.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the St Elizabeth police have launched a groundbreaking initiative to address connectivity challenges faced by residents in the Brompton community. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, revealed that mobile units equipped with Starlink devices are being deployed to restore communication for those cut off from their loved ones. The service is currently operational along the Brompton main road and has extended to areas such as Spring Park, Speculation, Black River, and Siloah/Maggotty. Minto emphasized that this effort transcends traditional law enforcement duties, focusing instead on providing essential support during a crisis. ‘Today’s initiative is not about operations, but intervention,’ he stated. Residents have expressed gratitude for the initiative, with Jamar Allen, a local, praising the police for their timely assistance. ‘Bless up to the police officer fi weh dem a do…Because [a lot] of persons stand up here for days cyah get to reach out to them family,’ he said. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has been commended for its innovative approach, demonstrating its commitment to serving the public in unconventional yet impactful ways.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Trelawny, Jamaica, are grappling with a severe water shortage as the National Water Commission (NWC) struggles to restore piped water services. The Martha Brae River, which reportedly overflowed during the storm, has become a critical source of water for many. Long queues of residents have been observed along the roadway from Martha Brae to Falmouth, collecting untreated river water for essential domestic uses such as bathing, laundry, and flushing toilets. The situation has drawn significant attention, with motor vehicles lining both sides of the road as people fill containers with the available water. One resident commented, ‘It’s clean river water flowing on both sides of the road. We don’t drink it directly, but if necessary, we can boil it.’ The crisis highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure resilience and emergency response improvements.