分类： society

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, communities across Jamaica are uniting to aid families in the most severely affected parishes as they embark on the arduous journey toward recovery. Venturing into these devastated areas demands meticulous preparation, empathy, and the right equipment to ensure safety while assisting others. For those planning to participate in relief efforts, here are 11 indispensable items to navigate the challenges of the day. Sturdy water boots or heavy-duty shoes are crucial for traversing flooded or debris-laden zones, shielding against sharp objects, mud, and contaminated water. Bug spray is essential to fend off mosquitoes thriving in stagnant post-hurricane environments. Relief items such as non-perishable food, water, toiletries, and bedding, packed in color-coded bags, facilitate efficient distribution. Personal sustenance, including food, snacks, and water, ensures volunteers do not deplete supplies meant for affected residents. Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer maintain hygiene in areas lacking running water. A durable garbage bag is necessary for the safe disposal of personal waste, preventing further burden on overwhelmed communities. A hat and sunscreen protect against intense UV exposure during prolonged outdoor work. A compact first-aid kit with plasters, alcohol pads, painkillers, and personal medications addresses minor injuries promptly. A fully charged phone and portable power bank are vital for communication and navigation. A full tank of petrol, spare tire, and, if safe, extra fuel ensure mobility in unpredictable road conditions. Lastly, a machete and gloves are indispensable for clearing debris-blocked roadways. Coordination with authorized relief groups and the police is paramount for safety and efficient aid distribution. Thorough preparation not only maximizes the impact of support but also safeguards volunteers in their noble mission.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has issued an urgent appeal to the Jamaican Government to devise and implement a comprehensive national strategy to combat the escalating public health threat posed by widespread garbage accumulation across the island. Shadow Minister of Local Government, Natalie Neita Garvey, emphasized in a Saturday statement that the growing domestic waste in every parish represents a “clear and present danger” to the population. She clarified that the issue extends beyond the debris left by Hurricane Melissa, which has only exacerbated an already dire situation. Neita Garvey acknowledged the challenges brought by the hurricane but stressed that further delays in addressing the waste crisis are untenable. She called on the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to adopt innovative and effective strategies to manage the crisis. The shadow minister highlighted that the combination of domestic waste and hurricane debris has created an “unprecedented islandwide crisis,” forcing some residents to resort to unsafe disposal methods. Neita Garvey urged Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie to take proactive leadership and move “beyond excuses” to avert a potential public health emergency. Following consultations with municipal corporations, she advocated for a coordinated national response that leverages both state and private-sector resources, including compactors and crane trucks, to address the problem comprehensively. Neita Garvey called for the immediate convening of the NSWMA to prepare and execute a robust cleanup plan, warning that swift and decisive action is essential to restore normalcy to communities unaccustomed to such conditions.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is walking a fine line between compassion and legal constraints as he seeks to assist Raquel, a single mother struggling to recover from the storm’s devastation. Raquel, who relocated to a concrete house in Catherine Hall, St James, before the hurricane hit, has been unable to afford the $40,000 needed to remove debris and stagnant mud from her property. The foul-smelling waste has rendered her home uninhabitable, forcing her and her six-year-old child to flee. Raquel’s catering business has also been severely impacted, leaving her financially strained. Despite the challenges, Mayor Vernon has pledged to find a solution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. State resources, he explained, are allocated for public infrastructure, not private property. However, he has enlisted local representative Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford to mobilize community support for Raquel. Vernon stressed the need to avoid misappropriation of public funds while ensuring that those in need receive assistance. Raquel’s plight highlights the broader struggles faced by Catherine Hall residents, many of whom are grappling with flood damage, debris, and disrupted livelihoods. During a recent town hall meeting, Vernon addressed these issues, discussing flood relief, water supply, and aid distribution. Raquel’s story underscores the urgent need for community-driven solutions in the face of natural disasters.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Bounty Hall, Trelawny, have found solace in their local corner shops, which have become essential hubs for sustenance and community support. Amid reports of price gouging in other areas, establishments like Spence’s Grocery and D William’s Shop have maintained fair pricing and provided critical services to their neighbors.

In a stark departure from its usual lively atmosphere, 83 Lane on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew was eerily quiet on Friday afternoon. The subdued environment followed the tragic shooting deaths of two off-duty police constables, Charles Stewart and Jemarey Gordon, the previous evening. Residents, still reeling from the incident, chose to remain indoors, leaving the area deserted.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that the officers were attempting to mediate an altercation at a local business establishment when they were fatally shot. Witnesses recounted hearing a barrage of gunfire, prompting panic among those gathered outdoors. One resident described the harrowing scene, stating, ‘I saw someone lying in the road. It was Carlos [Charles Stewart]. He died in his uniform because he was coming from work.’

Constable Stewart, 30, was assigned to the Spanish Town Police Station, while Constable Gordon, 32, served in the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch. Both officers were also involved in operating a car mart and motor vehicle parts business at 83 Lane. The JCF has since identified three individuals—Junior Brown, Macarius Munroe, and a man known only as Squidly—as persons of interest in the case.

The community has been left in shock, with many expressing grief and outrage over the senseless violence. A close associate of Stewart shared, ‘Charles was family. He had two kids and was just trying to make a better life.’ Another resident questioned the safety of civilians, asking, ‘If they shoot a man in his police uniform, what would they do to us?’

Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake condemned the murders, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. ‘We will spare no effort, no resource, and no measure to ensure those responsible face swift justice,’ he declared. The JCF’s Chaplaincy Branch and Welfare Division are providing support to the families and colleagues of the slain officers.

The incident has cast a pall over the community, raising concerns about safety and the escalating violence in the area. As investigations continue, residents mourn the loss of two dedicated officers who were not only committed to their duty but also deeply embedded in their community.