分类： society

The life and contributions of Gerry Murray, a revered figure in Jamaican football and the Mona community, were commemorated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service on October 18 at the Church of the Ascension. Murray, who passed away at the age of 75 on September 15 at his Red Hills residence in St. Andrew, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the sport he loved. The service, attended by his wife Carmen, children Omari and Melissa, and brothers Richard and Michael, brought together former teammates, friends, and football legends to honor his legacy. Lennox Robinson, a former St. George’s College and Real Mona player, fondly recalled Murray’s caring nature and leadership, describing him as a ‘man for all seasons.’ Stewart Stephenson, a former teammate at Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona, praised Murray’s tenacity on the field and humble personality, noting his role in a golden era of Jamaican football. Peter Moses, another former teammate, highlighted how Murray’s spirit united the gathering, erasing the passage of time. Murray’s football journey began at Jamaica College before he transferred to KC, where he played a pivotal role in the 1967 Manning Cup victory. His talent earned him a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering and continued to excel on the field. The service not only celebrated Murray’s achievements but also underscored the profound impact he had on those around him.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds across Jamaica, most residents sought refuge indoors or in shelters. However, the neighborhoods of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town defied the storm’s fury, continuing a unique local tradition known as the ‘ackee war.’ Despite the hazardous weather, scores of young people gathered outdoors to engage in the spirited game, showcasing resilience and community spirit. ‘The storm can’t stop us. We are water ourselves. We’re out here playing ackee war and enjoying ourselves—no violence,’ one resident proudly declared. ‘Every storm, we’re out here, just love and love alone.’ The friendly competition pitted Arnett Gardens against Trench Town residents, highlighting a tradition that thrives even in the face of adversity. This event underscores the deep-rooted cultural practices and unity within these west Kingston communities, offering a glimpse into how they turn challenges into moments of joy and camaraderie.

The Jamaica National Group has mobilized its ISupportJamaica Fund to assist in the anticipated recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which is projected to be the most severe storm in Jamaica’s history. In a recent press release, the financial institution emphasized that meteorologists predict Melissa’s impact will surpass that of Hurricane Charlie in 1951 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, two of the country’s most devastating hurricanes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dennis Gordon, Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Central, has been actively addressing the critical issue of a breakaway in the Sandy Gully affecting Cassia Park residents, despite being bedridden due to a knee injury. Gordon expressed his distress over being perceived as uncaring, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the issue even while incapacitated.

The parish of St Elizabeth has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with extensive infrastructural damage reported across the region. Essential facilities, including hospitals and police stations, have been significantly affected, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government, provided a preliminary assessment during a press briefing with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management on Tuesday evening. He described the situation as dire, with St Elizabeth ‘under water’ and sections of Clarendon also experiencing severe conditions. The Santa Cruz infirmary was flooded, forcing the relocation of 50 residents to another section of the facility. The local fire brigade station in Santa Cruz was also inundated. Rescue operations faced immense challenges, particularly in Black River, where several families were trapped in their homes. McKenzie highlighted the difficulty of reaching those in need due to waist-high floodwaters and flying debris. While no fatalities were confirmed at the time, at least three families were stranded, including a firefighter who had gone to assist others. Black River Hospital suffered roof damage and a power outage, leading to the evacuation of 75 patients. The Black River police station also sustained structural damage. Superintendent Colridge Minto noted that many parish roads were impassable, with several families seeking refuge at the police station. Authorities remain hopeful but are bracing for further challenges as recovery efforts continue.

Jamaica is grappling with severe disruptions as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, continues to wreak havoc across the island. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has reported a significant surge in power outages, affecting approximately 240,000 customers, or 35% of its total clientele. The hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where around 75% of residents are without electricity. In contrast, areas such as St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann have experienced minimal impact, with fewer than 10% of customers affected as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring power safely and promptly, addressing the media at the National Emergency Operation Centre in New Kingston. Despite false social media claims suggesting a complete shutdown of the national grid, JPS has confirmed that no such action is planned. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified that outages are solely due to the hurricane’s impact on the grid, which has damaged generating units, substations, and transmission lines. While most hospitals remain powered by JPS, facilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, including Black River, Mandeville, and Percy Junior hospitals, are relying on standby generators. JPS crews are actively working to restore critical services and urges residents to prioritize safety during this crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has introduced a comprehensive online platform, supportjamaica.gov.jm, to centralize and streamline national relief operations. This initiative aims to provide real-time updates, facilitate secure donations, and enable efficient incident reporting for citizens affected by the hurricane.