分类： society

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm last Tuesday, Trelawny native Nugent Walker, the executive manager for sprint legend Usain Bolt, spearheaded efforts to restore access to the Martha Brae to Sherwood Content road. Alongside local residents, Walker took the initiative to clear debris and assess the extensive damage inflicted on the northwestern corridor, including the communities where he and Bolt grew up. The hurricane’s impact has left many areas in western Jamaica, particularly Trelawny, in dire need of recovery. While Bolt was off the island attending a personal engagement, his team and community members worked tirelessly to address the immediate challenges. Residents of Perth Town, Reserve, and Sherwood Content are currently relying on an alternate route through Duncan’s, Clark’s Town, and Duanvale, which has significantly extended travel times from a 10-minute commute to nearly two hours. The collective efforts of Walker and the community highlight the resilience and solidarity of Trelawny’s residents in the face of natural disaster.

The Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has issued a heartfelt appeal to property owners across the nation, urging them to list their vacant homes, apartments, warehouses, and investment properties for both short and long-term rentals. This initiative aims to tackle the severe housing and storage shortages exacerbated by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement released on Monday, the RAJ emphasized that property owners are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s recovery efforts. RAJ President Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson highlighted the importance of compassion and collaboration during this critical time. ‘This is a moment for compassion and partnership,’ she stated. ‘We encourage owners of vacant properties to put them to good use by listing them on the market to support relief efforts. This is our opportunity to make a tangible difference while ensuring investments serve a meaningful purpose.’ The RAJ has assured property owners of its members’ readiness to provide professional and efficient assistance in preparing, listing, and renting properties. Additionally, the association is committed to helping families and businesses identify suitable spaces for housing or storage. ‘Our realtors are trained to make the listing and rental process seamless and transparent for both owners and tenants,’ Gilpin-Hudson added. ‘Together, we can help families find stability and enable businesses to resume serving their communities.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartwarming display of solidarity, numerous Chinese nationals have joined forces to assist communities in St Elizabeth devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, spearheaded by the Chinese Benevolent Association, has seen volunteers working tirelessly to assemble and distribute care packages to those in dire need.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rising dancehall sensation Jay-A Gullyside, alongside his 1Nato team, embarked on a humanitarian mission in St Elizabeth over the weekend, distributing over 85 care packages to elderly residents and those left homeless and destitute by the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The artiste, visibly moved by the widespread destruction, described the scenes as heart-wrenching. ‘It was an emotional experience for me…the devastation…just to see it up close. We saw decaying bodies in communities around Black River, dead animals, and the overwhelming stench was unbearable,’ Jay-A recounted. The team ventured beyond Treasure Beach, providing aid in Southfield and focusing on areas severely affected beyond Black River, including Billy’s Bay and Jack Sprat. Jay-A painted a grim picture of the aftermath: downed trees, demolished homes, and communities isolated by stagnant, foul-smelling waters. ‘Some people lost everything. I saw mothers begging for diapers. These are proud people, farmers, and fishermen who are used to self-sufficiency, now reduced to begging. It’s heart-breaking,’ he shared. One particularly poignant moment involved a Rastafarian man who lost his boat and saw his parents’ graves washed away. ‘All he could say was, ‘Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life.’ It was very touching,’ Jay-A recalled. The mission was cut short in Goshen, where floodwaters forced the team to retreat. ‘Goshen is still in bad shape. We encountered water and had to turn back. People are still trapped in their homes,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Jay-A spent time comforting residents, listening to their harrowing survival stories, and offering hope. ‘I’m not rich, but I hope the little I gave can inspire others to help. I love my country, Jamaica,’ he said. Jay-A, known for his collaborations with dancehall icons like Mavado and Dexta Daps, demonstrated that his commitment to his community extends beyond music.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica last Tuesday, the community of Brompton in St Elizabeth remains in dire straits. Over the weekend, the resilience of the youngest residents was on full display as children took to the streets, pleading for assistance from passing motorists. Armed with handmade placards bearing messages such as ‘We need food and water, anything helps,’ these young survivors highlighted the urgent needs of their devastated neighborhood. Brompton, among the hardest-hit areas, has been left in ruins by the storm’s ferocity. Despite the overwhelming destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged as compassionate drivers halted to distribute vital supplies, including food, bottled water, and soap, offering a small but significant reprieve to the struggling community.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has successfully distributed more than 30,000 food packages to affected households across the island. This extensive relief effort was carried out in collaboration with all 14 parishes and involved key partners such as the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Food for the Poor, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, private sector entities, and various faith-based and community organizations.

Of the total packages, 22,156 were directly distributed by the ministry, while contributions from the private sector and other partners accounted for an additional 8,500. Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of partnership and unity in disaster response. ‘Through partnership, foresight, and unity, we have demonstrated that effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness but on compassion and collaboration,’ he stated.

The ministry remains committed to coordinating with parish offices and humanitarian partners to ensure that isolated communities are reached and that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive support.