On the morning of October 27, 2025, Charles Ferguson, a 78-year-old resident of Cave Mountain, Westmoreland, spoke to his cousin Winsome McPherson for the last time. He mentioned he would try to consume the food she had sent him. Little did anyone know, this would be their final conversation. The following day, Hurricane Melissa ravaged the area, leaving Ferguson trapped in his remote wooden home. Despite ongoing efforts by his family and neighbors to reach authorities, his body remained in the house for days after the storm. Ferguson, a well-known figure in the Kentucky district of Cave Mountain, lived in a secluded, hard-to-reach location. His cousin, McPherson, recounted the challenges of accessing his home, especially after the hurricane caused severe damage to the already treacherous roads. Ferguson, who had been in declining health and lived alone after his housemate passed away months earlier, was unable to escape when the storm hit. McPherson expressed her sorrow, stating she had anticipated the worst due to his immobility and the hurricane’s intensity. The community, now cut off by landslides and damaged infrastructure, has struggled to contact emergency services. McPherson described Ferguson as a cheerful and generous man, known for his herbal remedies, and lamented the tragic circumstances of his death. As recovery efforts continue, she remains hopeful that help will soon arrive to bring Ferguson’s body down from the mountain he called home.
分类： society
-
Natasha Athara Lewis turns challenges into opportunities
On October 25, 2025, Natasha Athara Lewis, a dedicated educator and advocate for disability inclusion, marked a historic milestone as she received her postgraduate diploma in education with distinction from the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine. Wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy, Lewis described the moment as a triumph of resilience, representation, and personal achievement. Her journey, marked by perseverance and advocacy, has inspired countless individuals across Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis, a mature student and teacher at Malick Secondary School, has spent her life transforming challenges into opportunities. Born in St. James, Port of Spain, she began her education at the Princess Elizabeth Special School for the physically handicapped, where she learned the value of perseverance. Supported by her family, church community, and what she calls her ‘village,’ Lewis overcame numerous obstacles, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and speech therapy, to achieve greater independence.
Her educational path continued at St. James Secondary School, followed by professional certifications in dressmaking and design. Despite facing daily challenges, such as climbing 40 steps on crutches at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute, Lewis persisted, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2014, she began her teaching career, blending her passion for education with her advocacy for inclusion.
Lewis’s journey is also marked by her entrepreneurial spirit. In 1992, she founded Athara’s Designs, a fashion brand that transforms discarded materials into wearable art. She views her creations as a metaphor for the potential of individuals with disabilities, often overlooked but capable of extraordinary contributions. Although her business is currently on hold due to her teaching commitments, her designs continue to inspire.
At UWI, Lewis found a supportive and inclusive environment, which she credits for her success in completing her postgraduate diploma. She also faced new challenges during her teaching practicum, navigating inaccessible classrooms with the help of administrators and peers. These experiences, she noted, not only shaped her but also educated others about the importance of true inclusion.
Beyond the classroom, Lewis has partnered with the Ministry of Social Development to lead sensitization campaigns on accessibility and disability rights. She credits her former educators, Miss Myers and Maria D Thomas, for instilling in her the belief that teaching is a mission of empowerment and equity.
Lewis’s unshakable faith and resilience have been her anchors throughout her journey. She emphasizes that inclusion is not charity but justice, urging society to recognize the diverse talents and creativity of differently-abled individuals. Her advice to parents of children with disabilities is to love, support, and envision a bright future for them.
In her closing remarks, Lewis expressed gratitude to her family, friends, mentors, and UWI for their unwavering support, stating, ‘This accomplishment is not mine alone – it belongs to all of us.’
-
‘We’re just trying to keep people alive’
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Houston Moncure, Managing Director of Bluefields Bay Villas, has shifted his focus from luxury hospitality to humanitarian aid. His primary mission now is to ensure the survival of the storm-ravaged community surrounding his resort. Moncure has repurposed his property into a critical relief hub, providing essential resources such as food, water, and internet access to residents and emergency responders. Despite significant damage to his own resort, including structural losses to several villas and suites, Moncure remains steadfast in his commitment to community recovery. He has equipped his vehicles with Starlink satellite systems to maintain connectivity during disasters, a strategy that proved invaluable during the hurricane. Moncure estimates the recovery process will take four to six months and cost millions of dollars, excluding additional landscaping repairs. He is also collaborating with NGOs and plans to convert shipping containers into temporary housing for displaced residents. Moncure emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, ‘Without the community, it’s not the experience that our guests have come to love.’ His efforts highlight the resilience and compassion needed in the face of natural disasters.
-
‘Mi house just lift up and carry mi gone’
For Junior Bowen, a 59-year-old resident of Petersfield, Westmoreland, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa transcended the ferocious 185-mile-per-hour winds. His ordeal reached its peak when his home was torn from its foundation, lifting him into the air before hurling him into nearby bushes. The Category Five hurricane struck last Tuesday afternoon, leaving Bowen battered, buried, and helpless beneath the rubble until rescuers found him.
-
The fight against freedom
In the decade leading up to the Emancipation Act, Tobago’s planting community braced for the anticipated consequences of the anti-slavery movement. Fearing violent resistance from the African population, which they labeled as criminal, authorities implemented stringent measures to maintain control. These included harsher laws, an expanded and more regulated police force, and enhanced judicial facilities. A new courthouse was constructed above the marketplace, providing magistrates with larger spaces to operate. Simultaneously, the police forces in Scarborough and Plymouth were bolstered by a new law that introduced two additional magistrates to oversee law enforcement and address offenses. These magistrates were required to hold court sessions twice weekly, year-round, and were empowered to appoint constables to maintain order during market days and apprehend offenders. To accommodate the expected rise in incarcerations, the Scarborough Jail was expanded. The prison’s design was rooted in four key principles: the anticipated increase in prisoners due to societal tensions, the need to prevent escapes, the deterrence of external assistance to inmates, and the enforcement of labor as a core component of incarceration. The new facility, constructed by John H Noding, was a two-story structure designed to be escape-proof, with reinforced walls, iron gates, and secure partitions. A committee was established to oversee the project, ensuring its timely completion by June 1, 1824. Parallel to these developments, the militia was strengthened through a 1827 law that introduced strict regulations, mandatory enlistment for free men aged 16 to 55, and provisions for uniforms and weaponry. Notably, the law allowed for the inclusion of black and colored sergeants and corporals, a pragmatic move driven by the shortage of white men. However, racial distinctions persisted, with black and colored members positioned on the left during parades. Despite these efforts, the tide of history was against the planters, as the anti-slavery movement in Britain gained momentum, making the abolition of slavery in the colonies inevitable.
-
Masicka’s MADE Foundation to provide relief for those affected by Hurricane Melissa
Renowned dancehall artist Masicka has taken a proactive role in aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa through his charitable organization, the MADE Foundation. The foundation has initiated the first phase of a comprehensive relief program aimed at supporting affected areas, with a particular focus on the parish of St Elizabeth. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Masicka emphasized the importance of community solidarity during times of crisis. “Jamaica is home. When the people are hurting, I feel that too,” he stated. “The MADE Foundation is about making a difference and showing that we care beyond the music.” Although Masicka’s immediate family was spared from the hurricane’s impact, he expressed deep concern for friends and supporters in St Elizabeth who suffered significant losses, including homes, farms, and access to basic utilities. Collaborating with local representatives, the MADE Foundation has identified urgent needs and is providing essential supplies such as food, building materials, steel, and cement. The initiative has also garnered support from Red Stripe and producer Mario Dunwell, who have joined the mission to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Masicka highlighted that this effort aligns with his long-standing commitment to philanthropy, which includes donating computers to schools, organizing back-to-school events, and supporting youth initiatives. The MADE Foundation, established to empower communities through education, mentorship, and crisis support, aims to create lasting change across Jamaica and the Caribbean. Masicka’s connection to St Elizabeth, where he performed early in his career, adds a personal dimension to the relief efforts. The foundation plans to expand its outreach to other parishes as part of an ongoing national recovery initiative.
-
Finding joy in disaster
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Laughlands, St Ann, Jamaica, the community’s spirit remains unbroken. Residents like Ferdinand King and Richie exemplify resilience and camaraderie as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. King, whose home was flattened by the storm, found moments of laughter amidst the chaos, recalling how he narrowly escaped the collapsing structure. Despite the loss, he remains focused on moving forward, drawing strength from his past experiences with hurricanes like Gilbert and Ivan. Richie, a farmer and carpenter, also shared his story of survival, using his ingenuity to create a makeshift bridge from fallen tree limbs after the storm washed away the original. Both men emphasize the importance of community support and are calling for assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Their stories highlight the enduring Jamaican spirit of joy, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.
-
Caribbean superpowers unite
In October 2023, Elspeth Duncan was invited to lead a morning relaxation and meditation session at the Good Deeds Day Regional Conference, held at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. The event brought together participants from across the Caribbean, all committed to fostering positive intentions and actions. During the session, a participant from Spread the Love Curaçao gifted Duncan a handmade “love and kindness” rock inscribed with the message “Strong Together.” This simple yet profound token serves as a symbol of the Caribbean’s enduring unity and shared identity. Duncan reflects on the region’s unique strengths, including its cultural diversity, resilience, and collective spirit, which have historically enabled Caribbean nations to overcome challenges. She emphasizes that the Caribbean’s true power lies in its ability to come together, not just in times of celebration but also in moments of crisis. This unity was recently demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in late October. Despite the devastation, social media was flooded with calls for assistance and solidarity, highlighting the region’s deep sense of community. Duncan also draws attention to the often-overlooked victims of natural disasters—animals. Her NGO, Venus Doggess Of Love, is organizing a film-screening fundraiser to support the Montego Bay Animal Haven in Jamaica. While the funds raised may seem modest, Duncan believes that every contribution, when combined with others, can make a significant impact. The Caribbean’s ability to unite in adversity, she concludes, is what makes it a true superpower.
-
Recovery in full gear
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has unveiled plans to establish multiple field hospitals across the island as the death toll rises to 28. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, severely damaged healthcare facilities in western Jamaica, prompting urgent measures to address the crisis. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced during a media briefing on Saturday that the first field hospital will be constructed in Black River, St. Elizabeth, with assistance from the international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse. The facility, equipped with an operating theater and critical diagnostic equipment, is expected to begin operations on Sunday, November 2. Additional field hospitals will be set up in Savanna-la-mar, Falmouth, Noel Holmes, and Cornwall Regional. The Indian, Canadian, and Spanish governments have also pledged support by providing field hospitals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has distributed essential supplies such as food, water, and care packages to patients and staff at Black River Hospital. International aid continues to pour in, with the World Food Programme delivering 5,000 food kits to feed 15,000 people for a week and the Dominican Republic sending a Navy vessel loaded with over 1,050,000 food rations and other relief supplies. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported significant progress in clearing major roads, including the reopening of the Class A road from Kingston to Lucea and the southern route from Santa Cruz to Black River. Additionally, the Jamaica Public Service Company has restored electricity to 150,000 customers across several parishes. The Jamaica Defence Force has also been actively involved, delivering relief packages to affected communities in Black River.
-
Teen abducted from community
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities in Portmore, St Catherine, are urgently investigating the suspected abduction of 17-year-old Elese Myles, who went missing from her community on Saturday. Elese, a resident of Winona Drive, Bridgeport, reportedly sent a distress message to her mother and a neighbor around 9:00 am, claiming she had been taken against her will. She was last seen wearing a white blouse and pink pants and has not been in contact since. The police have classified the case as high-priority, expressing concerns for her safety. Investigators are diligently following all available leads and are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward immediately. The public is encouraged to contact the Portmore Police at (876) 989-8422, the 119 Police Emergency number, or their nearest police station with any relevant details.