分类： society

Last Friday, the Corporate Area of Jamaica was hit by torrential rains described by climate change and extreme rainfall specialist Dr. Christopher Burgess as an ‘extreme’ weather event. Data from privately owned automatic weather stations indicated that the rainfall represented a ’50-to-100-year return period event,’ making it both rare and severe due to its duration. The downpour, which began around 4:30 pm on September 19, caused widespread flooding, immobilizing motorists, inundating homes, and leaving a trail of debris and devastation. The rains subsided after 8:00 pm, but the damage was already significant. Dr. Burgess, a registered professional and civil engineer with expertise in environmental and coastal engineering, identified New Kingston, Cross Roads, and Cherry Gardens as the ‘epicenter of the weather event.’ He emphasized, ‘There is no doubt that the rainfall was extreme.’ The Meteorological Services of Jamaica reported rainfall amounts from various stations, including 39.1 mm in three hours at Kingston College, 68 mm in two hours at Mona Reservoir, and 75.6 mm in two hours at Shortwood Teachers’ College. However, the Mico University station in Cross Roads went offline during the storm. Climate Services Manager Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings noted that the rainfall was significant, with Mona receiving 68 mm in two hours, nearly half of the 30-year mean rainfall for September. She highlighted the intensity of the event, stating, ‘You got almost half of what’s expected in a month in about an hour and a half.’ Dr. Burgess pointed out that privately owned stations recorded higher rainfall levels than the Meteorological Services, suggesting the event was even more extreme. Meanwhile, Professor Carol Archer of the University of Technology warned that such flooding will persist unless Jamaica overhauls its rainwater infrastructure and enforces existing legislation. She stressed the need for updated regulations and enforcement to prevent improper development. The Meteorological Services also forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms across most parishes in the coming days, underscoring the ongoing risk of extreme weather.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has announced the completion of its largest-ever procurement of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs), with 1,000 units expected to arrive in the coming weeks. This significant investment, funded by the Government of Jamaica, underscores the JCF’s commitment to accountability and modern policing practices. In a statement released on Thursday, the JCF emphasized its full support for the widespread deployment of BWCs, which are seen as essential tools for enhancing transparency and public trust in law enforcement.

The announcement comes amid growing public pressure following the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jamar Farquharson during a police operation in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, on September 15. A video shared by Farquharson’s family has sparked calls from advocacy groups and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) for the mandatory use of BWCs during planned police operations. The JCF has expressed deep regret over the incident, extending condolences to Farquharson’s family while stressing that the facts of the case are under independent investigation.

The JCF also addressed recent comments by Indecom’s Assistant Commissioner, Hamish Campbell, who suggested that public statements by senior police leadership on fatal shootings could help reassure communities. The JCF countered that such an approach contradicts Indecom’s previous guidance, which cautioned against premature commentary on ongoing investigations to preserve their integrity. The JCF reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with Indecom’s investigation while prioritizing the credibility of outcomes and public confidence in both institutions.

A heated debate has emerged in Jamaica as the Unuchi Foundation, a non-profit advocating for Africana spirituality, campaigns to repeal the Obeah Act of 1898. This move has sparked strong opposition from Christian groups, who fear that legalizing the folk practice could unleash demonic forces and exacerbate societal issues. On Wednesday, representatives from various church groups gathered in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, to pray against the potential decriminalization of Obeah. They urged Jamaicans to recognize the dangers of the practice and resist efforts to legitimize it. Bishop Dr. Alvin Bailey, president of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance, emphasized that while Obeah is currently illegal, it remains prevalent and destructive. He warned that legalizing it would be a disastrous decision, enabling deviant behaviors and spiritual wickedness. The Unuchi Foundation, however, argues that Obeah is an integral part of African heritage and seeks to empower and heal people through its practice. The foundation organized a candlelight vigil and a virtual event to mark the first constitutional hearing on decriminalizing Obeah. Christian leaders, including Bishop Rowan Edwards and Pastor Dalbert Simmonds, have vowed to oppose any such legalization, citing the negative impact of similar practices like Voodoo in Haiti. The Church’s stance reflects deep concerns about the societal and spiritual consequences of legitimizing Obeah, which they believe could further destabilize the nation.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has raised concerns over the repeated failure of Glenmuir High School to fully compensate its teaching staff. This marks the second instance this year where educators at the institution have not received their complete salaries on time. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the school’s board chairman, the JTA expressed deep disappointment and demanded immediate rectification. The association emphasized that the school is in violation of the Education Regulation of 1980, which mandates that teachers employed from the first day of the term must receive their full monthly salary. The JTA warned that the institution is liable for any late charges incurred by staff if the payment is not made within 24 hours. They urged the school to ensure that teachers receive their full salaries promptly to enable them to meet their financial obligations. This issue highlights ongoing challenges in the education sector regarding fair compensation and adherence to regulatory standards.

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in applications on the opening day of its three-day registration period for the Vineyard Town and Howard Avenue apartment projects. This overwhelming response underscores the pressing demand for affordable housing in Jamaica’s Corporate Area. According to Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the NHT, the Vineyard Town development received over 2,100 applications, while the Howard Avenue project attracted more than 2,600 submissions on the first day alone. Berbick described the turnout as “definitely above expectations,” attributing the high interest to the urban nature of the projects. He emphasized that the NHT is actively working to address the housing shortage by planning to construct 43,000 starter homes across Jamaica. The Howard Avenue apartments, priced at $9.9 million and spanning 300 square feet, are tailored for low-income earners, with 20% of the 245 units reserved for applicants aged 36 and under. Similarly, the Vineyard Town studio apartments, priced at $15 million and covering 430 square feet, are designed to help young adults enter the housing market. Berbick highlighted the flexibility of the new initiative, which allows homeowners to sell their units back to the NHT after five years, enabling them to upgrade or access non-homeowners’ loans. Despite the oversubscription, Berbick anticipates further applications in the coming days, humorously noting Jamaicans’ tendency to act at the last minute.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr Saphire Longmore, a distinguished psychiatrist and former Government Senator, has concluded her nine-year tenure in the Upper House of Parliament, expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Jamaican people from 2016 to 2025. In a heartfelt statement issued on Thursday, Dr Longmore reflected on her contributions to advancing the nation’s vision and her unwavering commitment to public service.

Dr Longmore emphasized that while she will not be returning to the Senate in the new session, her dedication to Jamaica’s progress remains steadfast. ‘Public service is not defined by a single role or title — it is a team effort and a mission we all share,’ she stated. She also shared her plans to focus on personal and professional growth, working alongside her family to chart the next chapter of her career.

The former senator extended her congratulations to the newly appointed senators and reaffirmed her readiness to collaborate with them and the administration in pursuing Jamaica’s development. She also highlighted her continued role as a consultant psychiatrist at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), expressing gratitude to her colleagues for their unwavering support.

Dr Longmore, a former president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association and chair of the Jamaica Psilocybin Technical Committee, has long been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and policy reform. She used the occasion to address the tragic passing of Tyra Spaulding, a 26-year-old former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, whose death is being investigated as a suspected suicide.

Describing the incident as ‘an unfortunate reality,’ Dr Longmore pledged to continue leveraging her expertise to support mental wellness in Jamaica. ‘This is a collective developmental task which is bigger than any one person or role,’ she remarked, paying tribute to Spaulding with the words, ‘May her soul rise in peace.’