分类： society

In an extraordinary display of resilience, William Knibb Memorial High School in Martha Brae, Trelawny, is proceeding with emergency reopening plans despite sustaining catastrophic damage estimated at $400 million from Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane’s fury left eight of the school’s nine buildings severely compromised, with widespread destruction of roofs, windows, furniture, and critical infrastructure.

Principal Linvern Wright has coordinated with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education to secure eight large tents that will serve as temporary classrooms, enabling a phased reopening process. The educational institution will welcome back Grade 11 students and sixth formers on Monday, with the remaining student population expected to return by Thursday. The school serves approximately 1,100 students from grades seven through sixth form.

Innovative temporary measures include using plywood and tarpaulins in layered configurations to create weatherproof learning environments. ‘We cover it first with 3×8 ply, then cover it with tarpaulins and ensure that it is flat so that even if rain falls, the water goes off,’ Wright explained, emphasizing that these are not mere temporary fixes but carefully engineered solutions.

The damage assessment reveals comprehensive destruction extending beyond classrooms to administrative offices, where staff were forced to dry important documents outdoors after the administration block lost its roof. The $400 million preliminary estimate includes complete replacement of fencing alone, projected to cost approximately $2.8 million, alongside destroyed electrical systems, technological infrastructure, doors, and windows.

Wright highlighted the profound emotional impact on the school community, noting that many families have simultaneously experienced job losses due to hotel closures, home destruction, and personal tragedies. He expressed particular concern about ensuring students receive meals through the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), recognizing that for some, school lunch might represent their only daily meal.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Wright stressed the critical importance of reopening for both academic recovery and psychological well-being. ‘They are not going to be 100 percent comfortable but we hope they’ll be 100 percent here…even just for the social and psychological well-being,’ he stated.

As president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, Wright indicated that educational institutions across Trelawny are employing various strategies to resume operations safely. He warned of the ‘significant gaps in learning that you can’t compensate for’ when students miss instructional time, emphasizing that the long-term effects of extended closures would be dire for educational outcomes.

Grounds crews worked through Friday afternoon removing hazardous debris, loose zinc sheeting, and preparing the compound for the students’ return, symbolizing the community’s determination to restore normalcy despite unprecedented challenges.

Jamaican religious authorities have issued a collective summons for national moral renewal and societal unity as the country enters 2026, framing recent hurricane devastation as divine warnings requiring immediate spiritual response.

Pastor Grace Ade Gold revealed she experienced prophetic dreams of flooding prior to Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa’s catastrophic impacts, interpreting these natural disasters as celestial signals for Jamaica to undergo profound cleansing. She cautioned that without genuine nationwide repentance, further calamities might ensue. “People are not repenting, and the flood might come up back again,” Ade Gold warned the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual vigilance.

The religious leader drew parallels between contemporary Jamaican society and ancient Israel, citing specific concerns about increasing acceptance of occult practices and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She challenged church members to overcome fear and vocalize opposition to these developments, invoking Timothy 1:7’s declaration that “God has not given us the spirit of fear.”

Jamaica Evangelical Alliance President Bishop Alvin Bailey acknowledged the church’s substantial disaster response efforts while calling for enhanced involvement in national discourse. He criticized relief programs tainted by political maneuvering, advocating for truly collaborative recovery efforts involving government, opposition parties, and private enterprises. “This year must be a year of decency, probity, hard work, rebuilding of our nation,” Bailey asserted, envisioning comprehensive national advancement.

Reverend Newton Dixon, General Secretary of the Jamaica Council of Churches, proposed a compassion-centered recovery model rooted in gospel principles. He urged businesses to maintain price stability protecting vulnerable populations and challenged political leaders to transform adversarial systems through authentic consultation and cooperation.

Human rights advocate and Anglican priest Sean Major Campbell projected significant global power shifts in 2026, advising Caribbean nations to exercise diplomatic prudence. He emphasized regional vulnerability to superpower dynamics and urged strategic preparation for emerging multipolar world arrangements.

Collectively, these religious voices articulated a vision for national restoration combining spiritual renewal with practical governance reforms, positioning moral regeneration as essential for Jamaica’s physical and societal reconstruction.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — A comprehensive holiday relief initiative transformed Christmas for vulnerable residents in Westmoreland, one of the regions most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa’s October 2025 devastation. Spearheaded by A-List Marketing & Entertainment Group, the “Joy to the West” program delivered essential supplies and seasonal cheer through a multi-stop community engagement strategy.

The initiative represented phase two of the company’s ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, strategically blending disaster support with Christmas festivities. The program provided critical items including toys, educational materials, clothing, hygiene products, and refreshments to those facing continued hardship following the late October storm.

Corporate representatives executed a carefully orchestrated route across the parish, targeting specifically identified vulnerable groups. Their first destination was the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation’s Westmoreland branch, where they distributed baby supplies, sanitary products, water, and operational materials. In a gesture recognizing staff dedication, each employee received footwear as a Christmas gift.

The outreach continued at Llandilo School of Special Education, where students and educators received tailored support through educational supplies, toys, and hygiene items. This segment highlighted the program’s commitment to inclusive assistance for children with special needs and their support systems.

The initiative culminated at Cooke Street Sports Complex, which transformed into a vibrant community celebration space. Families experienced a festive atmosphere complete with bounce house entertainment, gift distributions, and comprehensive supply provisions—creating memorable moments of joy and collective healing.

Founder and Managing Director Nickeria Smickle emphasized the program’s dual purpose of providing material support while restoring dignity and hope. “Westmoreland was deeply impacted by Hurricane Melissa, and we felt a responsibility not just to give, but to show up with love, dignity and joy,” Smickle stated, noting the initiative serves as a reminder that communities aren’t forgotten during challenging times.

The company has committed to sustaining private sector support for Jamaica’s recovery, demonstrating corporate social responsibility through empathetic, presence-based action that addresses both immediate needs and long-term community resilience.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October, a community event in Jamaica has provided profound emotional relief for affected families. Patricia McPherson, whose St. Elizabeth home was damaged by the hurricane, found unexpected therapy at the New Year’s Day Funfest held at Hope Gardens.

McPherson, currently residing with relatives in Hope Pastures, attended with her children Kylie and Kyle. She described the experience as therapeutic—the first genuine happiness her family had experienced since the natural disaster. ‘This is the first time since the hurricane that they seem so happy,’ McPherson told the Jamaica Observer, noting how completely her children became immersed in the attractions.

The festival represented a massive coordinated effort toward community healing. Event organizers transformed Hope Gardens into an entertainment paradise featuring bounce-a-bouts, zip lines, water slides, gaming stations, and dedicated fun zones. A vibrant food court offered diverse Jamaican cuisine including jerked meals, curried goat, stewed pork, and traditional pastries.

On the main stage, host Ryan ‘Debonaire’ Dixon orchestrated an engaging program including sponsor give-aways, dance and singing competitions, mascot performances, and an acrobatic contortionist. Gospel artist Kevin Downswell electrified the audience with inspirational performances of ‘Goodbye World’ and ‘Stronger’ that transformed the crowd into a spontaneous choir.

Shanelle Bailey, Funfest’s social media and entertainment coordinator, explained the intentional design behind the event: ‘In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa we knew it was important to create more than just an event—we wanted to create a moment of relief, joy, and renewal for families.’ She noted the overwhelming community response demonstrated the deep need for such healing experiences.

The festival successfully created an atmosphere where families could temporarily forget their struggles and reconnect through shared joy. For many attendees, including first-time participants like young Gabrielle and her mother Sandra, the event represented a hopeful beginning to the new year—a symbolic fresh start after months of recovery challenges.

In a poignant fusion of artistic excellence and social consciousness, the Jamaica Youth Chorale (JYC) reimagined its annual Christmas Joy concert as a powerful vehicle for communal healing. The December 21st performance at The University of the West Indies’ Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts transcended traditional holiday programming by dedicating a substantial segment to addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The production, structured in two distinct acts, masterfully balanced international Christmas classics with culturally significant local compositions. The evening commenced with Donald McCullough’s dynamic ‘Angels We Have Heard on High,’ immediately establishing the ensemble’s technical prowess. Act One maintained this celebratory atmosphere through Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and Ivo Antognini’s technically demanding ‘The Trinity Service – Magnificat,’ which prompted Director Greg Simms to humorously caution latecomers about the piece’s complexity.

The emotional pivot occurred dramatically in Act Two as the chorale’s senior ensemble, Kingston 17, transformed the stage into a sanctuary of reflection. Dressed in symbolic white attire contrasting with their earlier formal black, the seventeen performers created a solemn atmosphere with dimmed lighting and spoken word reflections. This specially curated segment featured profoundly moving arrangements including Dr. Kathy Brown’s adaptations of ‘Endless Night/Shadowland’ from The Lion King and ‘Hold on to Your Dreams,’ alongside Nathan Carter’s ‘If I Can Help Somebody’ and Mark Hayes’ ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ which elicited visible emotional responses from attendees.

Beyond the musical performance, JYC converted artistic expression into tangible support through a toy drive that collected over 50 gifts for children affected by the hurricane. These donations were formally presented to the UWI Mona Guild External Affairs Committee on December 22nd. Additionally, the evening’s proceeds benefited The Caring For Miracles Foundation, supporting their work with preterm infant care in Jamaica.

The concert ultimately concluded on a hopeful note with Simms’ vibrant arrangement of ‘Silent Night,’ symbolizing the resilience of communities facing adversity. As the chorale looks toward 2026, this performance stands as a testament to art’s capacity to foster healing and unity during challenging times.

A catastrophic fire that erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day has completely destroyed a longstanding catering bar and grill on Spanish Town Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, leaving more than 15 employees without livelihoods. The blaze, which ignited shortly after midnight, consumed the premises of Paradise Catering and Dobby’s Hideaway Bar and Grill, resulting in extensive damage to warehouses and the near-total loss of operational equipment. Miraculously, no staff injuries were reported.

Managing Director Chef Ricardo Esson, surveying the charred remnants of his establishment, expressed profound distress over the impact on his workforce. Characterizing his team as family, Esson revealed that the financial devastation would force him to implement a reduced work schedule once operations resume, potentially placing staff on a week-on, week-off rotation. The timing compounds the tragedy, with Esson highlighting the particular hardship faced by newly hired employees suddenly deprived of income.

The property owner, 80-year-old Vincent Myers, described the incident as the destruction of his life savings, having operated his business at the location for over three decades. Myers emphasized the necessity of strategic rebuilding with proper materials rather than temporary structures, though he remains optimistic about customer retention with adequate support.

Whitfield Town Division Councillor Eugene Kelly underscored the broader community impact, noting that approximately 20 employees supported hundreds of family members across multiple generations. Kelly advocated for establishing governmental emergency funds specifically for small businesses, which he identified as economic lifelines for inner-city communities. He emphasized that many such enterprises lack sufficient insurance coverage for catastrophic events, necessitating systemic support mechanisms for recovery and rebuilding.