分类： society

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has brought profound emotional and logistical challenges to Jamaica, as recovery teams struggle to retrieve bodies from storm-ravaged communities. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon described the process as one of the most painful aspects of the disaster response, with some victims still trapped in inaccessible areas only reachable by helicopter. Speaking at a post-hurricane media briefing, she emphasized the emotional toll on both responders and families, as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) work tirelessly to recover bodies scattered across isolated western parishes. The death toll has risen to 32, with eight additional cases under investigation to determine if they are storm-related. Recovery efforts have been hampered by impassable roads and washed-out bridges, forcing reliance on aerial missions. Helicopters have been crucial for transporting both the deceased and emergency supplies, though unstable terrain and lack of safe landing zones have added to the complexity. Morris Dixon stressed the importance of timely reporting from local representatives, who play a critical role in identifying marooned communities and prioritizing rescue missions. Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. revealed that 25 communities remain cut off, with hundreds of families displaced and many having lost everything. The government’s relief operation has expanded into a large-scale logistical effort involving multiple agencies and international partners, including Food For the Poor and the World Food Programme. Over 40,000 relief packages have been prepared, with plans to sustain affected families in the coming weeks. Despite challenges, Charles affirmed that aid has reached every parish, with social workers, JDF soldiers, and partners working tirelessly even in areas with no connectivity.

Satnerine Tomlin, a resident of Whitehouse in Westmoreland, Jamaica, is grappling with an overwhelming crisis just weeks before the birth of her fourth child. Her home was obliterated by Hurricane Melissa, leaving her and her three children homeless. Tomlin, who is due to deliver on November 22, lost all her possessions, including clothing, her children’s belongings, and essential items prepared for her unborn baby. ‘Everything is gone. The house is completely destroyed. I have nothing left,’ Tomlin lamented in an interview with Observer Online. Currently, she and her children are temporarily sheltered in a relative’s home, but the situation remains dire. Tomlin has appealed for urgent assistance, whether in the form of food, clothing, or help to rebuild her home. She managed to salvage only her baby’s documents, birth papers, and identification. The community of Whitehouse has been severely impacted, with many residents sharing similar stories of loss and devastation. Shanakay Campbell, another local resident, expressed her struggles in finding diapers for her one-year-old and highlighted the widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. The hurricane’s aftermath has left roofs torn off, wooden structures flattened, and power lines scattered across roads. Tomlin recounted the traumatic experience of enduring the storm, describing how she and her children were forced to seek refuge in a bathroom as the hurricane tore through their home. ‘We are traumatized, but God is with us,’ she said. The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the wreckage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a collaborative effort to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery, donations will be collected during the FIFA World Cup qualification match between Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and Curaçao on November 18 at the National Stadium in Kingston. The initiative is spearheaded by the Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.

Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange highlighted the significance of the initiative during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Monday. ‘This is one way the Reggae Boyz are contributing to the relief efforts,’ she stated, adding that discussions are ongoing with other national teams to explore additional support avenues.

Minister Grange also revealed that the president of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will attend the match, underscoring the event’s importance. Furthermore, she announced the appointment of Bishop Herro Blair as the national coordinator of the Religious and Faith-Based Organisations team. Bishop Blair will lead engagement and coordinate relief efforts across diverse religious groups, including Rastafarians, Revivalists, Muslims, Hindus, and Baha’i.

Expressing gratitude for the public’s unwavering support, Minister Grange encouraged everyone to participate in the recovery and rebuilding process. ‘We will get over this… We will recover and rebuild better than before,’ she affirmed, emphasizing the collective resilience of the nation.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, including the establishment of a National Registry of Volunteers and a series of international fundraising concerts. The initiative aims to raise an initial US$1 million to support relief efforts and rebuild affected communities. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange announced these measures during a special media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming the crisis. The National Registry of Volunteers, accessible via the Support Jamaica portal (supportjamaica.gov.jm), provides a streamlined platform for individuals to offer their skills and time in areas such as food distribution, medical support, and clean-up activities. Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to participate, highlighting the need for a coordinated and efficient response. Additionally, former Prime Ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, along with former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, have been enlisted to assist in the recovery efforts. Blair will coordinate the involvement of religious and faith-based organizations, which have historically played a crucial role in times of crisis. To further bolster resources, the Government has partnered with the entertainment industry to organize the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, featuring performances by leading Jamaican artists in venues across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The series will kick off with a virtual concert and telethon on November 16, followed by events in London, Miami, and other cities. Grange also revealed that the Caribbean Premier League and former cricketer Chris Gayle will contribute to the fundraising campaign. The Reggae Boyz vs Curacao FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 18 will serve as another platform for donations, with the Jamaica Football Federation and Red Cross Jamaica coordinating the effort. Grange expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various sectors, reiterating that Jamaica will emerge stronger from this unprecedented disaster.

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Christopher Martin Foundation joined forces with the Bright Beginnings Charity Group to launch the “Bringing Hope” initiative, providing critical relief and emotional support to children impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The effort, spearheaded by Campion College students Kris-Sarai Martin and Anna-Lyssa Cooke, reached over 200 children aged 10 to 16 in Trelawny communities such as Zion and Kinloss, as well as those sheltering at Holland High and William Knibb High Schools. Volunteers and corporate sponsors distributed more than 300 care packages filled with hygiene kits, snacks, clothing, and comfort items, alongside hot meals, water, phone charging stations, and basic medical care. International reggae and dancehall artist Christopher Martin, founder of the eponymous foundation, expressed his deep sorrow over the hurricane’s devastation, emphasizing the importance of supporting vulnerable children. He commended the student founders for their leadership and compassion, calling them a beacon of hope for Jamaica’s youth. The foundation also extended gratitude to key contributors, including Hyundai Jamaica, Digicel Jamaica, Wisynco Group Limited, Big Yard Studios, and Tango Entertainment. As part of broader recovery efforts, Martin is set to headline the Hurricane Melissa Virtual Concert and Telethon on November 16, aiming to raise US$1 million for disaster relief and rebuilding. The event, part of the “I Love Jamaica” series, underscores the foundation’s commitment to empowering youth and uplifting communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Significant progress has been made in restoring access to communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, according to Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development. Speaking at a media conference at Jamaica House on November 3, Morgan highlighted the successful creation of critical corridors to facilitate the delivery of relief supplies, particularly to the western parishes hardest hit by the hurricane.

Morgan detailed the establishment of a primary corridor stretching from the border of St Elizabeth to Savanna-la-Mar, as well as another from St James through St Ann and Trelawny to Savanna-la-Mar. Initially, these routes were single-lane, leading to severe traffic congestion due to the influx of vehicles carrying supplies and aid workers. To address this, the government expanded the corridors to two lanes, significantly improving traffic flow.

The minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles, such as gas trucks and oil tankers, could navigate these routes. By November 2, several obstacles had been removed to allow these vehicles to traverse the area safely. Key routes now open include Ocho Rios to Port Antonio, Port Antonio to Morant Bay, Morant Bay to Kingston, and several others connecting major towns across the island.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in areas affected by flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. The government is collaborating with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to address these issues, with daily meetings to coordinate the removal or relocation of JPS poles obstructing roadways. Over 100 contractors and equipment operators are working across the region, focusing on critical areas while also addressing challenges in parishes like Portland and St Thomas.

Morgan urged the public to avoid visiting impacted areas unless absolutely necessary, as their presence could hinder ongoing relief efforts. The government continues to prioritize the restoration of infrastructure to support recovery and aid distribution in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has instructed the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to assess the viability of relocating portions of the electricity grid underground. Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this initiative during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for resilience in the power infrastructure.

Holness highlighted specific areas, including Montego Bay’s Elegant Corridor and Hip Strip, as priority zones for this underground project. These regions, central to Jamaica’s tourism industry, sustained significant damage during the hurricane. While acknowledging the high costs associated with underground infrastructure, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing expenses with the need for a robust and resilient grid.

In parallel, the government has prioritized power restoration in critical facilities such as hospitals, water plants, and communication hubs, as well as densely populated residential areas. Holness noted that the ‘all clear for restoration of utility services’ has enabled JPS and independent contractors to mobilize extensively. The Ministry of Energy is overseeing grid stabilization efforts and addressing localized issues, including low voltage on restored feeders.

The Prime Minister assured the public that the government is providing strategic guidance to JPS, focusing on restoring large commercial and urban centers alongside essential public services. He also pledged to keep citizens informed about the progress of re-energization efforts across parishes as the network undergoes repairs and reconstruction.