In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the town of Black River in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, is grappling with severe devastation and a desperate struggle for survival. A local resident, known as Bowes, has revealed that many in the community have resorted to looting to secure basic necessities like food. ‘We have to do little looting because we don’t know if we ago get food for now,’ Bowes stated, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the townspeople. He painted a grim picture of the town’s future, asserting that Black River is unlikely to recover anytime soon. ‘Black River not coming back for now, right here mash up. This can’t come back,’ he lamented. Bowes, who lost his roof in the hurricane, is currently sharing a single room with ten other individuals, a situation he describes as a necessity for survival. ‘Everybody have to put up who they can put up,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Bowes noted that he has yet to see any government officials providing assistance, leaving residents to fend for themselves in the aftermath of the disaster.
分类： society
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Better system for volunteers needed post Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, attorney and social justice advocate Christina Williams has urgently called for a unified approach to coordinate volunteer relief efforts across Jamaica. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on Monday and Tuesday, unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and displacing numerous residents.
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OUR urges JPS to exercise fairness in billing after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has issued a stern call to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) to uphold fairness and transparency in its billing processes. The regulator emphasized the importance of exercising ‘good practice and reasonable consideration’ when preparing bills for customers affected by service disruptions or property damage.
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NGO calls for stronger community action after Chapman Lane shooting
In the wake of the tragic shooting of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock on Wednesday, members of the Executive Coalition NGO are advocating for intensified community-driven initiatives to address escalating violence. Maycock, a resident of 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, St Michael, was fatally shot near his home, where he had been living with his grandmother until her passing two months prior. Henderson Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition, recounted that the incident occurred while he and his team were engaging with locals about the forthcoming ‘We Gatherin” activities, slated to commence in November. Williams emphasized that this tragedy highlights the pressing necessity for robust social engagement and youth intervention programs to curb violence in vulnerable neighborhoods. He reiterated the Coalition’s dedication to collaborating with government bodies and community members to foster trust and reinforce neighborhood unity.
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched an immediate regional relief initiative to aid affected colleagues, families, and communities across Jamaica. The Foundation, the charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has strategically positioned relief supplies and established logistics to deliver essential resources such as food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions to devastated areas as soon as local authorities permit safe access. Ensuring the safety of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the well-being of all employees. While outreach efforts continue, the Foundation is prepared to commence relief shipments at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance. Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized, ‘Our primary responsibility is to our people and the communities that depend on us. We have mobilized resources across the region to ensure a swift, coordinated, and responsible response. Wherever it is safe to provide assistance, we will be there—offering immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery.’ The Foundation is collaborating closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to efficiently target assistance, avoid duplication, and ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable households and shelter populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are prioritizing employee welfare and the restoration of critical communications infrastructure. Smidts added, ‘We understand that recovery will be a prolonged effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are committed to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives that restore livelihoods and strengthen communities. The Foundation will remain engaged for as long as necessary.’ Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, tied with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labor Day’ hurricane for the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record by wind speed. The Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit communities. Secure online donations can be made at: https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.
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Man shot dead at Chapman Lane
Authorities are actively investigating a deadly shooting incident that took place on Wednesday evening at 3rd Avenue, Chapman Lane, in St. Michael. The tragic event unfolded around 7:45 p.m., claiming the life of 30-year-old Kadeem Jelani Maycock, a resident of the same address. According to preliminary reports, Maycock was seated among a group of individuals when an unidentified assailant, wearing a mask, approached and fired multiple shots at him. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, but Maycock was found unresponsive and showed no signs of life. A medical doctor later confirmed his death at the location. The St. Michael Police Department has issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses relevant details to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 430-7189 or 430-7190, the Police Emergency number 211, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to uncover the motive behind the shooting and identify the perpetrator.
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STATEMENT: Ministry of Labour thank you message, Ti Vilaj Kweyol – Tout Biten Domnik 2025
The 4th Annual Ti Vilaj Kweyol event, held from October 20th to 23rd, 2025, has been hailed as a resounding success, surpassing expectations in many aspects. The Ministers of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, and Small Business Development, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Agriculture, have extended their heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the event’s triumph. The event, which celebrates cultural heritage and community spirit, saw an outpouring of support from patrons, partners, and sponsors, whose collective efforts made it a memorable experience. Organizers, volunteers, vendors, public officers, performers, media houses, and specialty services were also commended for their dedication and seamless coordination, ensuring a safe and rewarding occasion that reflected the nation’s resilience. Sponsors and community organizations were acknowledged for their generosity, which enriched the program and highlighted the importance of unity in advancing the national agenda. Attendees and dignitaries were thanked for their enthusiastic participation and for upholding the values that bind the nation together. The success of this year’s event sets a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering a brighter future for all citizens and small businesses.
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Worthy contenders
Several months ago, I purchased a delicate piece of measuring equipment. Upon its arrival, I meticulously inspected it, stored it safely, and studied its manual to avoid any mishaps. Over time, as I used it repeatedly and confirmed its reliability, I began to trust its durability and no longer treated it as fragile. This experience draws a parallel to how people approach the Bible. Many keep it untouched, unread, or approach it with fear and skepticism, often influenced by misconceptions. However, the Bible is far from fragile; it is a robust and transformative document that has shaped human history. The Bible encompasses the teachings of Jesus, prophetic guidance from God, detailed historical accounts spanning 4,000 years, genealogies, proverbs, songs, and predictions of future events. Authored by various individuals over millennia, it stands as an unparalleled historical and spiritual classic. Its authenticity is supported by archaeological findings and historical standards, such as the documented existence of Jesus and His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. Reading the Bible offers profound insights into humanity’s past, present, and future. It encourages endurance, understanding, and hope. Some seek hidden codes or patterns within its text, such as the recurring mention of fourteen generations in Matthew’s Gospel. This pattern has sparked discussions about transformative figures like Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed, who emerged fourteen generations apart. Mohammed, a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael, initially preached monotheism and the teachings of the Bible before his message evolved. Over subsequent generations, religious leaders across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam often prioritized tradition over the Bible’s teachings, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. Identifying transformative figures in the fourteen-generation pattern remains a complex but intriguing endeavor. The Bible, as a historical and spiritual guide, continues to inspire and challenge readers to reflect on their lives and the world around them.
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Educators honoured for inspiring excellence as Teachers Week heads to climax
This week, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) is celebrating Teachers’ Week by honoring 11 remarkable educators with the esteemed Top TIER Awards. These awards recognize their unwavering dedication, impactful service, and profound influence on students’ lives. The culmination of the week-long celebration will be the President’s Reception, scheduled for Friday at 7 pm at the BUT Headquarters in Merryhill, Welches. Here, the awardees will receive both the President’s Choice and Top TIER Awards under the theme, “Teachers – The Heart of Educational Transformation.”
The 2023 recipients include Jeffrey Odle (President’s Choice – St Leonard’s Boys’), Bradley Murray (Lester Vaughan School), Ulric Batson (Hilda Skeene Primary), Hugh Griffith (Ignatius Byer Primary), Shamel Edwards (Ministry of Educational Transformation), Sonia Wickham (St Luke’s Brighton Primary), Fabian Massiah (St Leonard’s Boys’), Erika Leacock (The Lodge School), Natasha Agard (St Lucy’s Primary), Brenda Chaplin-Edwards-Drakes (Gordon Greenidge Primary), and Joanne Derrick-Harris (Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre).
According to Cherise Rock, BUT Public Relations Officer, the Top TIER Award celebrates educators who “inspire, encourage, and respect” their students and colleagues. Rock also announced the first Top TIER teacher for 2025, emphasizing the award’s significance in recognizing excellence in education.
Shamel Edwards, a peripatetic reading teacher at the Ministry of Educational Transformation, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “I feel so honored and blessed. I do everything with my heart, and their win is a win for me,” she said. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Odle, the President’s Choice Awardee from St Leonard’s Boys’ School, shared his joy after over 40 years in education, stating, “It’s probably the first time I’ve been recognized for anything.”
Fabian Massiah, a Physical Education teacher at St Leonard’s Boys’, also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Twenty-one years isn’t 21 days. I do it for the boys, and I believe my purpose is here.”
Teachers’ Week will continue with a Professional Development Workshop on Thursday at the Sky Mall Seminar Room, focusing on the theme “AI is Here,” before concluding with Friday’s President’s Reception, where the Top TIER teachers will be formally honored.
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NSDC celebrates a quarter-century of skills training
The National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) is commemorating its 25th anniversary by reflecting on its transformative journey in upskilling Saint Lucians while setting the stage for an ambitious future. During a press briefing on October 28 at its Bisee headquarters, General Manager Dr. Selma St Prix unveiled plans to evolve NSDC into a collegiate institution, bridging secondary and tertiary education, particularly in technical and vocational fields. ‘We want to collegiate the NSDC,’ she stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to at-risk youth under its corporate social responsibility framework. The new structure will align with both technical and academic frameworks, enabling seamless progression for students from technical institutes to NSDC and onward to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. NSDC, established at the turn of the century and officially launched in February 2021, has gained recognition locally and internationally despite financial challenges. The institution is actively fundraising to enhance its facilities and expand its programs. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Choiseul arts and crafts center and collaborations with international partners like Sandals University. NSDC offers a diverse range of courses, from culinary arts to information technology, and aims to attract more male students by introducing cutting-edge programs in mobile app development, virtual reality, gaming, and artificial intelligence. To mark its silver jubilee, NSDC hosted a church service, a games night, and will hold a fundraising show on November 8, auctioning off the skills of professional men to corporate sponsors. Proceeds will improve the accessibility of NSDC’s building. Over the past 25 years, NSDC has trained thousands in hospitality, tourism, construction, agriculture, and more, earning praise from employers for its transversal and life skills training. Dr. St Prix recently participated in a World Bank panel on improving young men’s educational outcomes, underscoring NSDC’s commitment to innovation and excellence.