分类： society

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the town of Black River in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has been left in a state of devastation. Mothers in the area are now grappling with dire conditions as they desperately seek food, water, and essential supplies for their children. When Observer Online visited the town on Thursday, the scene was one of utter destruction—buildings reduced to rubble, and thick mud blanketing the once-bustling main roads.

Residents, including Jheanile Richards and Sashoya Wynter, were seen sitting quietly amidst the ruins, clutching bags filled with whatever belongings they could salvage. Richards, cradling her one-month-old baby, recounted her five-hour search for diapers and food. ‘It’s rough, man, rough. Hunger is killing us. We’ll have to make do with the little we have,’ she said, her baby crying in the background.

Wynter, who lost her home during the hurricane, is now sheltering in an unfinished building with her two children. ‘There’s no food, nothing! What about those who have nothing at all and those who won’t share?’ she lamented. Both mothers emphasized that their most pressing need, aside from food, is water. ‘We don’t have any water at all. I don’t even know how I’m going to bathe,’ Wynter said, looking down at her dirt-stained clothes.

The unfinished building where Wynter and others are staying offers little comfort. ‘We’re sleeping on wet plywood. It’s hard, and we’re constantly worried about someone breaking in,’ she shared. Despite the hardships, the group of eight people staying there remains hopeful, relying on their faith for strength. ‘We sleep with fear, but we also sleep with God. Right now, God is all we have,’ Wynter said.

In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the Golden Krust restaurant group has spearheaded a significant relief campaign in the United States, aiming to raise over US$250,000. This initiative supports on-the-ground relief efforts coordinated by The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ). Golden Krust, the first Caribbean-owned business in the U.S. to secure a franchise license, has mobilized its network of over 100 restaurants to establish a relief fund, kickstarted by a US$10,000 contribution from the company. Customers dining at Golden Krust locations can also contribute by adding donations of $1, $3, or $5 at checkout, with all proceeds directly aiding Hurricane Melissa relief. The fundraising campaign will continue until the end of the year. Additionally, Golden Krust has introduced the ‘Boxes of Hope’ initiative, enabling customers to donate essential relief goods, which will be shipped directly to affected areas in Jamaica. Steven Clarke, Vice President of Marketing at Golden Krust, emphasized the company’s commitment to community and compassion, values rooted in its Jamaican heritage. He stated, ‘In collaboration with AFJ and our partners, we are dedicated to providing meaningful support and hope to those devastated by Hurricane Melissa.’ The campaign unites Golden Krust, AFJ, and a coalition of trusted organizations, including the NCB Foundation, Food For The Poor, Global Empowerment Mission, Sanmerna Foundation, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, JetBlue, and Dennis Shipping, to deliver comprehensive aid to Jamaica.

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), the exclusive promoter of horse racing in Jamaica, has detailed its recovery plans for Caymanas Park in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. In a recent press release, the company expressed its heartfelt concern for all Jamaicans affected by the storm, emphasizing its commitment to safety and swift restoration.

Initial assessments at Caymanas Park revealed damage to five stables, with repair teams already mobilized to address the issues. SVREL is prioritizing the resolution of electrical, structural, and technological challenges to ensure the facility’s safety and operational efficiency. Notably, the racing surface remains intact and ready for use.

To minimize disruptions for racing enthusiasts, SVREL has confirmed that simulcast racing will resume on October 31, 2025, at Caymanas Park and select Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine. Live racing, however, remains temporarily suspended, with a resumption date to be announced later. OTB locations in other parishes will stay closed as recovery efforts continue, with updates to follow when it is safe to reopen.

SVREL concluded its statement with a message of solidarity: ‘Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa. We stand together with you in strength and solidarity as we rebuild. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.’

In a decisive move to bolster recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced a temporary suspension of Import Duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT) on a wide range of essential goods. This tax relief initiative, effective from October 29 to November 28, aims to streamline the importation and distribution of critical supplies to those impacted by the disaster. The suspension applies to both individual and organizational importers, covering items such as cleaning products, clothing, mattresses, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. Additionally, the list includes emergency equipment like generators, tents, and water purification kits, though some items may require pre-approval or permits. Jamaica Customs emphasized that goods imported before October 29 are ineligible for this relief, and other fees such as the Environmental Levy and Customs Administrative Fee remain applicable. This measure is designed to alleviate the financial burden on affected communities and expedite the delivery of much-needed resources during this challenging period.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has issued a rallying cry for national unity and strategic rebuilding in the wake of the catastrophic destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer on Thursday, Patterson emphasized that the recovery effort must transcend political and denominational divides, urging Jamaicans to come together with a shared purpose. He stressed the importance of building smarter, given Jamaica’s vulnerability to natural disasters, and proposed revisiting past initiatives to guide the current response. Patterson highlighted the success of the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR), established after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, as a model for efficient and transparent disaster management. He commended Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his administration for their preparedness and initial response but underscored the need for long-term planning and community involvement. Patterson advocated for innovative construction methods and materials to ensure resilience against future hurricanes, which he noted are becoming more frequent and severe. He also called for bipartisan cooperation and legislative action to address both immediate and long-term needs, emphasizing that rebuilding efforts must account for Jamaica’s susceptibility to natural disasters and the cultural habits of its people.