分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has entered the decisive final stage of restoring electricity across the island following the devastation wrought by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa last October. The utility company is concentrating significant resources on reconstructing St Elizabeth’s transmission infrastructure, which suffered extensive damage during the catastrophic weather event.

This development emerged from a high-level meeting on January 14 between JPS executives and council members of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation. The discussion centered on the complex process of rehabilitating the high-voltage transmission network that channels electricity from generation facilities to substations island-wide.

JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant detailed the massive deployment of personnel, revealing that hundreds of line workers have been assigned to western parishes, with over 200 specialists dedicated specifically to St Elizabeth—known as Jamaica’s agricultural heartland. Grant explained the technical sequence required for successful restoration: ‘Our methodology requires first repairing transmission lines that deliver power to substations. Once these substations become operational, they reduce voltage to levels safe for community distribution.’

The reconstruction effort presents substantial logistical challenges, particularly in St Elizabeth where crews must reroute, repair, or completely rebuild more than 20 miles of transmission lines. Grant highlighted the topographical difficulties: ‘Significant portions of our infrastructure traverse rugged, mountainous terrain. While this makes the process both labor-intensive and time-consuming, our teams have maintained 24/7 operations to reactivate the network.’

Despite measurable progress, the CEO acknowledged that certain remote sections of the transmission system will require extended timelines for completion. Accessibility issues occasionally prevent heavy machinery from reaching work sites, forcing crews to devise innovative solutions to advance the restoration.

Grant emphasized that reconnecting customers who have endured over two months without electricity remains the company’s absolute priority. The meeting, presided over by Black River Mayor and Municipal Corporation Chairman Councillor Richard Solomon, concluded with council members receiving detailed updates on restoration timelines for their respective districts.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has entered a new era of poverty assessment with the official launch of its groundbreaking National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a sophisticated analytical tool designed to transform how the nation measures and addresses economic hardship. This innovative framework moves beyond traditional income-based metrics to capture the complex reality of deprivation across multiple dimensions of human wellbeing.

Developed through a strategic partnership between the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), the MPI represents a paradigm shift in poverty measurement. The index comprehensively evaluates four critical dimensions – education, health, living standards, and employment – through 15 specific indicators that collectively paint a nuanced picture of disadvantage. Individuals experiencing deprivation in 40% or more of these indicators will be classified as multidimensionally poor.

Financed through grant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank’s Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment programme, this initiative marks a significant advancement in Jamaica’s data infrastructure. During Friday’s official launch ceremony at Kingston’s AC Marriott Hotel, PIOJ Director General Dr. Wayne Henry presented the inaugural MPI report to stakeholders, emphasizing its transformative potential for evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Henry articulated the index’s revolutionary nature, stating, “This tool fundamentally evolves how we define and address disadvantage, moving beyond mere consumption metrics to capture what households truly lack across education, health, living standards, and employment domains.” He emphasized that traditional monetary measures often miss overlapping deprivations that characterize modern poverty, where individuals might meet basic consumption thresholds while still facing critical disadvantages in housing, sanitation, employment, and education access.

The MPI’s implementation enables unprecedented precision in identifying pockets of deprivation that previously remained invisible to policymakers. This granular understanding allows for targeted interventions specifically designed for those most in need while strengthening monitoring and evaluation capabilities under Jamaica’s National Poverty Reduction Programme. Beyond government applications, the index provides researchers, civil society organizations, and the general public with powerful analytical tools to understand poverty’s multifaceted nature.

Elbert Ellis, Portfolio Manager for the Caribbean Development Bank’s Social Sector Division, highlighted the timing significance as Jamaica confronts Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath. “Natural disasters frequently exacerbate existing vulnerabilities across multiple wellbeing dimensions,” Ellis noted. “The MPI ensures recovery efforts remain inclusive, targeted, and responsive to actual needs rather than simplistic economic indicators.”

Statistical analysis reveals encouraging trends, with multidimensional poverty incidence declining from 11.6% in 2018 to 8.7% in 2019 according to available data. The development process, initiated in June 2021 using Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions data, involved extensive community engagement with 357 participants across 17 communities in seven parishes, followed by technical consultations and empirical research to ensure methodological rigor.

This pioneering initiative strengthens Jamaica’s progress toward achieving Vision 2030 development goals and Sustainable Development Commitments, particularly SDG 1 targeting poverty eradication in all its manifestations. The MPI establishes Jamaica as a regional leader in innovative poverty assessment methodologies with potential applications throughout the Caribbean region.

In a significant boost to post-hurricane recovery efforts, the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica has received a substantial donation of critical maternal and infant supplies valued at over JMD $1.3 million from the Digicel Foundation. The contribution, delivered on January 15th, comprises 65 cases of diapers, 12 boxes of baby wipes, 15 boxes of sanitary pads, and 25 boxes of bleach to support the facility’s pediatric and maternity wards.

Hospital CEO Diana Brown Miller described the donation as both timely and deeply appreciated, noting that while the hospital hasn’t yet resumed full operations following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, these supplies will be immediately distributed to mothers in need. The hurricane caused extensive damage throughout the parish and western Jamaica, creating heightened vulnerability among new and expectant mothers.

“The Digicel Foundation stands among the numerous benefactors who have come to our rescue following this devastating hurricane,” Brown Miller stated. “The assistance and donations have been overwhelming, and we are extremely grateful for every contribution regardless of size. Everything adds up in our recovery efforts.”

The hospital administration emphasized their commitment to “building back better” with increased resilience, hoping to restore services to pre-hurricane levels in the near future. Pediatrician Dr. Allison Isaacs highlighted the dual impact of the donation, explaining that it will alleviate financial pressure on both patients and healthcare workers who continue to experience the hurricane’s aftermath.

Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels characterized the donation as part of their ongoing relief initiatives focused specifically on vulnerable populations in western Jamaica. Daniels additionally praised hospital staff for their dedication under challenging circumstances, noting that many healthcare workers themselves were affected by the storm yet continued serving their community.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican law enforcement community and grieving relatives gathered Saturday to honor the life and service of Constable Jemarey Gordon, one of two police officers fatally shot during a violent confrontation last November. The solemn thanksgiving service took place at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, drawing massive attendance from across the nation.

The emotional ceremony brought together heartbroken family members, fellow officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and residents from Gordon’s hometown of Oakland Road. In a moving written tribute, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake memorialized Gordon’s nine years of dedicated service to national security. “With heavy hearts we honour the life of our dear colleague, No. 19415 Constable Gordon,” Commissioner Blake stated, extending official condolences to the fallen officer’s father, mother, siblings, and children.

Significant representation came from Gordon’s assigned unit, the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), alongside delegates from the Police Federation. Superintendent Susan Bruce delivered the formal eulogy, honoring Gordon’s commitment to duty. The ceremony concluded with full police honors during interment at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St. Catherine, reflecting the department’s deep respect for their fallen comrade.

The tragic incident occurred on November 13 along 83 Lane, Waltham Park Road, where Gordon and his colleague Constable Charles Stewart lost their lives during an armed confrontation with multiple assailants. Constable Stewart received his final honors during separate funeral proceedings the previous week, marking a devastating period for Jamaica’s law enforcement community.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Manchester parish have implemented a comprehensive security strategy involving multiple government agencies to address escalating violence in several troubled communities. The initiative comes in response to a series of serious crimes that prompted extended curfews in Cedar Grove, Green Street, Albion, May Day, and adjacent neighborhoods identified as high-risk zones.

The security measures were intensified following a December 23 shooting incident that resulted in the death of 31-year-old shopkeeper Jomo Trowers and left two other men wounded. This violent episode triggered an immediate lockdown that significantly disrupted local commerce, particularly affecting bars and small businesses operating within the curfew-bound areas.

Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Police Division, revealed during a community walk-through that criminal elements abroad are orchestrating local violence. “Intelligence indicates overseas actors are masterminding these disturbances,” Duncan stated. “They exploit young residents through financial incentives and material rewards to maintain loyalty while remaining comfortably abroad.”

Law enforcement has made progress with the arrest and remand of 21-year-old laborer Jwell Channer, who faces charges connected to the December shooting. Channer remains in custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for February 25.

Despite acknowledging the economic hardship caused by curfews, Superintendent Duncan emphasized the priority of preserving lives. “While livelihood concerns are significant, public safety remains paramount,” he explained, noting that crime analysis reveals predictable patterns of violence occurring primarily around bars and shops during specific time frames.

The police strategy incorporates social interventions including planned football competitions and the establishment of police youth clubs. These initiatives aim to foster community engagement and provide positive alternatives for local youth. During a recent visit, Superintendent Duncan personally participated in a football match with young residents, symbolizing the department’s commitment to community bonding.

Multiple organizations have joined the effort, including the Social Development Commission, Heart/NSTA Trust, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Manchester Parish Development Committee, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and local councilor Karl Smith. This coalition reflects a consensus that community-police partnership is essential for sustainable crime reduction throughout Manchester parish.

A comprehensive audit of Jamaica’s local government entities has uncovered systemic financial reporting failures across all 14 municipal corporations, with nearly 100 financial statements remaining undelivered for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General’s Department (AGD), in its recently tabled 2025 Annual Report, documents severe non-compliance with the Local Government (Financing and Financial Management) Act, revealing financial disarray that extends far beyond hurricane-affected regions.

While Hurricane Melissa impacted seven western parishes—St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, Trelawny, Manchester, and St Ann—the financial reporting deficiencies proved universal. The audit identified 95 missing financial statements across municipal corporations and a Parochial Revenue Fund, with some documentation gaps tracing back over a decade.

The St Ann Municipal Corporation emerged as the most delinquent entity with 15 outstanding financial statements dating to the 2010/2011 period. Westmoreland followed with 11 missing reports since 2014/2015, while St Thomas lacked 10 statements from 2015/2016. Clarendon and Kingston and St Andrew municipalities each showed nine missing reports, with St Mary documenting eight gaps since 2017/2018.

More alarmingly, the audit uncovered complete absences of accounting records in multiple municipalities. St Thomas Municipal Corporation could not provide documentation to verify $66 million in receivables, $54 million in liabilities, $287 million in expenditures, and $98 million in equity for 2012/2013. Similar discrepancies emerged in St Mary, where $73 million in cash equivalents, $32 million in receivables, and $98 million in liabilities lacked supporting documentation for 2015/2016.

Hanover Municipal Corporation attributed its missing 2017-2019 records to both time lapse and a December 2022 IT system failure, while Portmore Municipality cited a September security breach that damaged accounting servers and backup systems.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through its permanent secretary, is now implementing scheduled completion plans with targeted oversight in information technology and financial management. Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis emphasized the critical need for strengthened controls, particularly regarding cash management, receivables, liabilities, and revenue expenditure verification across all municipal entities.