分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to a significant surplus of key agricultural products, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to stabilize markets and support local farmers. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green announced the initiative during a press briefing at the ministry’s Hope Gardens headquarters, highlighting exceptional yields of sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, Pak Choy, yellow squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and string beans that have created market imbalances.

The ministry’s approach centers on three primary interventions: expanded market access, value-added processing, and enhanced storage infrastructure. Weekly farmers’ markets are being established across the island with organizational support from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). The inaugural market took place on January 23, with transportation assistance provided to ensure farmer participation.

Concurrently, the ministry is engaging agro-processors to transform excess produce into juices, concentrates, and other value-added products. A buy-back program reminiscent of COVID-19 pandemic measures is in final development stages, where the government will purchase directly from farmers for redistribution.

Critical infrastructure developments include three cold-storage facilities scheduled for operational rollout. The Flagaman facility in St Elizabeth, featuring two renewable-powered 20-foot containers, becomes operational within three weeks. The Essex Valley facility launches in early February with capacity for 22 containers of fresh produce, while the Kirkvine facility in Manchester will be completed in the next financial quarter.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a strategic pivot from emergency relief to sustainable recovery, Project STAR has launched its comprehensive Business Re-start Initiative to assist micro and small entrepreneurs in rebuilding their livelihoods across Jamaica’s most hurricane-devastated communities. The program represents a significant shift toward long-term economic stabilization following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative has commenced by distributing grants to nine businesses spanning critical sectors including poultry farming (encompassing both egg and chicken production), beauty services (barbers, hairstylists, nail technicians, and eyelash technicians), and a cleaning supplies manufacturing enterprise. These funds are specifically allocated for replacing damaged equipment, replenishing destroyed inventory, and resuming daily operations.

According to Saffrey Brown, Director of Project STAR, the organization has consciously transitioned from immediate disaster response to addressing sustainable economic recovery. “Our relief efforts have now evolved toward revitalizing livelihoods and reactivating entrepreneurial activities,” Brown stated. “The hurricane completely obliterated equipment and stock for most business owners in these vulnerable communities.”

The program is initially targeting the western parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James—regions that suffered the most severe hurricane impacts. These areas have experienced substantial micro-enterprise losses, exacerbating economic fragility in already disadvantaged communities. Brown emphasized the program’s adaptive approach, noting that strategies will evolve based on emerging needs.

Early beneficiaries have reported transformative impacts. Levario White, a barber from Salt Spring, St James, described receiving his second grant as “critical to recovery,” expressing excitement about business improvement prospects. Beauty service providers like hairdresser Amisha Wright highlighted how the support arrived at a crucial juncture, enabling her to upgrade equipment and attract more customers. Wright revealed aspirations to pursue professional certification and eventually establish a salon chain.

For poultry farmer Nickoy Brady, also from Salt Spring, the storm destroyed his coop and killed numerous chickens, paralyzing his livelihood. Project STAR’s intervention provided what he called “a lifeline,” allowing him to restart operations and restore family income. “This support means everything—it’s how I provide for my family,” Brady shared.

Project STAR is prioritizing entrepreneurs who previously completed the organization’s entrepreneurship training, particularly those involved in food security sectors. “Accelerating community self-sufficiency in food production is absolutely essential,” Brown explained regarding this strategic focus.

The organization plans to progressively expand the initiative over coming weeks and months, with ambitions to directly support at least 300 micro and small entrepreneurs through grants, tools, materials, and mentorship. Broader objectives include reactivating local value chains across food, craft, services, and manufacturing sectors while promoting disaster-resilient business models and strengthening local economic networks.

As Jamaica progresses beyond the immediate emergency phase, Project STAR maintains its commitment to income generation and long-term community resilience. Brown confirmed the organization’s sustained focus on “revitalizing existing enterprises and supporting new entrepreneurs requiring alternative income sources” through the Livelihood Re-start Initiative, ultimately aiming to rebuild economic security and enhance community resilience in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A persistent fire that ignited within a garbage truck near the Martin Hill’s dump on Sunday night continued to burn well into Monday afternoon, presenting significant challenges for local fire crews. The incident, which completely destroyed the vehicle’s cab, was confirmed by Superintendent Emrick Needham, head of the Manchester Fire Department.

Initial reports indicate the fire began after nightfall on Sunday. Firefighters were promptly dispatched to the scene and managed to contain the blaze. However, the intense heat and compacted nature of the solid waste within the truck’s compactor unit allowed smoldering embers to persist for over 15 hours. Superintendent Needham described the ongoing efforts, stating, ‘We are trying to make some connections to see how best we can deal with it… From last night the cab was burnt. However, in the compactor there is now garbage that is burning.’

Authorities have confirmed a critical silver lining: no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The truck is operated by Southern Parks and Markets (SPM) Waste Management, a subsidiary of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA, which holds responsibility for garbage collection across the parishes of Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth. Attempts to reach SPM’s leadership for comment on the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage were unsuccessful as of midafternoon Monday, leaving questions about the ignition source and operational protocols temporarily unanswered. The event highlights the potential fire hazards associated with waste management operations and the logistical difficulties in extinguishing deep-seated fires in refuse vehicles.

Jamaica presents a striking national paradox: while producing world-class competitive swimmers, a significant portion of its population lacks basic swimming ability. Lance Rochester, President of the Aquatics Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), is spearheading initiatives to transform this reality despite facing substantial infrastructure and funding challenges.

Conflicting data surrounds Jamaica’s swimming proficiency. A 2013 informal study suggested 75% of Jamaicans couldn’t swim, while a 2022 OECD report indicated 40% of Jamaicans aged 15+ could swim unassisted. The OECD additionally noted that adults in lower-income nations generally report lower swimming capabilities, though Jamaica is classified as upper-middle-income by World Bank standards.

President Rochester identifies accessibility, not willingness, as the primary barrier. ‘The issue is probably less recognizing the need, but more so having the opportunity to learn,’ Rochester told the Jamaica Observer. He emphasizes that most schools lack pools, qualified coaches, and trained lifeguards, making swim programs ‘an extremely difficult undertaking.’

The infrastructure deficit is severe. Beyond the National Aquatics Centre in Kingston, only nine public pools exist nationwide—eight in the Corporate Area and one in Montego Bay. Installing a standard 25-meter pool costs approximately $16 million, creating significant financial barriers.

Rochester’s innovative solution involves developing ‘sea pools’ utilizing Jamaica’s natural coastal resources. After conducting feasibility studies and analyzing regional models, the ASAJ has crafted a sustainable action plan. ‘We have engaged with numerous stakeholder agencies, including in the tourism space,’ Rochester stated, targeting early 2026 for concrete updates on this initiative.

This aquatic infrastructure development would benefit multiple disciplines including competitive swimming, water polo, and artistic swimming, while primarily focusing on foundational ‘learn to swim’ programs.

Despite these challenges, Jamaica maintains competitive excellence with consistent Olympic and World Championship appearances, plus continued success at regional events like the Carifta Games, demonstrating the nation’s untapped potential in aquatic sports.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The newly inaugurated President of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica (LMAJ), Paulette Kirkland, has issued a compelling call for lay magistrates to reinforce their roles as pillars of fairness and community justice. Speaking at the half-yearly gathering of the Manchester Chapter on January 22 at Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Kirkland emphasized that the effectiveness of justices of the peace (JPs) and lay magistrates is profoundly reflected in the tangible outcomes of their service—such as vulnerable children receiving prompt protection and families achieving peaceful resolutions rather than enduring prolonged conflict.

Kirkland articulated that lay magistrates operate at the critical junction where legal principles meet community needs, noting that their decisions directly impact lives, fortify judicial institutions, and cultivate public trust through unwavering integrity. She underscored that the adage ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ represents a daily reality for countless individuals awaiting closure, stressing that the justice system’s efficacy hinges on the full commitment of every magistrate and JP.

To address systemic delays, Kirkland advocated for rigorous preparation, punctuality, and proactive engagement with court clerks and police officials to ensure cases are properly documented and investigating officers’ reports are present. She highlighted the necessity of continuous professional development, urging magistrates to pursue ongoing education about judicial processes and to exemplify ethical leadership by upholding principles of fairness, impartiality, and integrity in all deliberations.

The event, themed ‘Measuring Progress, Renewing Commitment’, served as a platform to reaffirm the indispensable role of lay magistrates—trained, non-partisan volunteers who preside over Petty Sessions Courts, alleviate case backlogs at the parish level, and facilitate community services. These magistrates, who also function as JPs, are fundamental to the operation of lower-tier courts, where a minimum of two JPs is required to constitute a legal session. Their responsibilities extend beyond the courtroom to include document authentication and community development initiatives.

The LMAJ, a non-profit organization dedicated to JPs and lay magistrates, champions justice, social harmony, and community service across Jamaica through mediation, dispute resolution, and child diversion programs, all while maintaining stringent ethical standards.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Significant strides have been made in restoring Jamaica’s electrical infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path. Hugh Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), announced that power has been successfully reinstated to approximately 94% of the utility’s customer base across the island nation.

The progress report was delivered during Sunday’s inauguration ceremony for JPS’s new emergency mobile power generation unit in Westmoreland, one of the regions most severely impacted by the catastrophic weather event. Grant revealed that fewer than 38,000 customers remain without electricity service from the utility’s total portfolio of nearly 700,000 accounts.

Regional recovery data indicates that eastern and central parishes have achieved near-complete normalization with over 99% of customers now receiving power. The northwestern regions of Hanover and Trelawny have likewise seen substantial progress with more than 95% restoration rates. St. James reports exceeding 90% recovery, while the heavily damaged western parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth have both surpassed the 60% restoration threshold.

Despite these achievements, JPS leadership emphasizes that complacency is not an option. The company has entered what Grant described as “the last mile phase of restoration” — a challenging period requiring targeted efforts to reach the most isolated and severely damaged areas. The CEO formally committed to achieving 96% restoration across all customer territories by the conclusion of January.

Hurricane Melissa, categorized as a maximum-intensity Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28 with devastating consequences. The hurricane’s powerful winds and torrential rains caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, residential properties, and commercial establishments throughout the island, with western parishes experiencing the most severe impacts.

A domestic ferry carrying hundreds of passengers sank off the southern Philippines in the early hours of Monday, resulting in a tragic maritime disaster that has left at least 18 dead and 10 individuals unaccounted for. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 issued a distress signal at approximately 1:50 AM local time while traversing waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, just four hours after departing Zamboanga City on Mindanao island.

Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that search-and-rescue operations would continue through the night, with the official passenger manifest revised downward to 344 individuals after determining some listed passengers had not actually boarded. The 44-meter triple-decker vessel sank in the same maritime corridor where another ferry owned by Aleson Shipping Lines caught fire in 2023, claiming 31 lives.

Conflicting eyewitness accounts have emerged regarding sea conditions at the time of the capsizing. While coast guard officials cited survivor reports of rough waters, at least two survivors contradicted this narrative. Jun Guro, a lawyer among the rescued passengers, questioned the official account in an interview posted by the Isabela City government: ‘I hope they investigate this, because we did not have bad weather. Why did it sink when there was no storm?’

The human drama unfolded through harrowing personal accounts, including a final text message from recent maritime academy graduate Kyle Punsalang to his brother: ‘Our boat is tipping over. Please help.’ Rescue efforts faced significant challenges as emergency responders in Isabela City and Basilan province struggled with limited resources. Ronalyn Perez, a Basilan emergency responder, reported being ‘short-staffed at the moment’ while handling the influx of survivors.

Coast guard video footage showed survivors being pulled from dark waters and receiving medical attention on shore, where barefoot victims were wrapped in blankets and placed on gurneys. The tragedy has prompted multiple investigations, with the Maritime Industry Authority dispatching a team to determine contributing factors. Aleson Shipping Lines expressed condolences and confirmed close coordination with authorities, while the coast guard preliminary stated the vessel had not been overloaded.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the Philippine maritime transport system, where millions depend on inter-island ferries to navigate the archipelago’s 7,000+ islands. The nation has experienced numerous maritime tragedies, including a 2015 capsizing that killed over 60 people and the 1987 Dona Paz collision that resulted in more than 4,000 fatalities – the worst peacetime maritime disaster in history.