分类： society

The parish of Hanover, still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, was struck by another natural disaster on Tuesday as a relentless four-hour thunderstorm exacerbated the existing devastation. The storm, which lasted from Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, caused widespread damage across the eastern end of the parish, leaving residents and authorities scrambling to recover. The National Works Agency (NWA) was actively engaged in clearing blocked drains, gullies, bridges, and roads in the affected areas, including Bamboo in Hopewell, Sandy Bay, Kew Main Road, Point, and Tryall. Janel Ricketts, NWA Community Relations Officer for the Western Region, reported significant land slips along the Kew Main Road and a blockage on the Sandy Bay Main Road, which has since been cleared. The neighboring parish of St James also faced challenges due to the heavy rainfall, but the NWA is addressing these issues. In a commendable community effort, residents of the Oceanpointe Housing Scheme took the initiative to use a privately owned backhoe to clean a nearby gully and remove three cars swept away by floodwaters around 2:00 am. Jason Rowe, a resident of the gated community, expressed frustration over the NWA’s delayed response, stating that proactive measures could have prevented the damage. Rowe revealed that they had contacted the NWA before the hurricane to request drain cleaning, but were told funds were only available for post-disaster cleanup. Ricketts assured that the NWA will investigate the matter. Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continue with backhoes and trucks clearing debris from the Sandy Bay and Tryall main roads.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, the Baulk Wesleyan Holiness Church in Baulk Heights, Westmoreland, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and hope. Despite not being an official government shelter, the church opened its doors to displaced families, providing refuge and support during the crisis. Reverend Jerome Chisholm emphasized the church’s role as a sanctuary for the community, stating, ‘The community knows that in case their roof goes, or they are flooded out, they can shelter in the church.’ At the peak of the disaster, the church housed up to 20 individuals, offering both physical and spiritual comfort. Although the church itself suffered significant damage, including the destruction of its rear section and several doors and windows, the congregation remained steadfast, continuing to hold services and uplift the community. Reverend Chisholm highlighted the importance of maintaining hope, even in the face of ongoing hardship. The church’s efforts were bolstered by a collaborative relief mission led by gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards, radio personality Wesley ‘Burgerman’ Burger, and the Jamaica Observer Media Group. On Saturday, hundreds of residents from Baulk Heights and the surrounding Burnt Savanna community received essential supplies, including warm meals, potable water, clothing, tarpaulins, and medical aid. Edwards, who spearheaded the initiative, described the experience as overwhelming yet deeply rewarding. ‘When they got their packages, they were still there because there was nothing else to go home to — no roof — so they were just like the best place to be is right there…and there was some hope of something coming,’ he shared. Natalie Chin Samuda, deputy managing director of Jamaica Observer Media Group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve approximately 700 individuals, calling the mission a humbling experience. ‘We know there is so much more to do, but knowing we could do our small part made our hearts full when we left Baulk,’ she said. The collective efforts of the church, volunteers, and partners have provided a glimmer of hope to a community grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

In a dramatic last-minute decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to Tremane Wood, a 46-year-old man who was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday for the 2002 murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf. The execution was set to take place at 10:00 am Central Time at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board had recommended clemency for Wood by a narrow 3-2 vote on November 5, and Governor Stitt acted on this recommendation just minutes before the execution was to proceed. In a statement, Stitt explained that after a thorough review of the case and prayerful consideration, he decided to commute Wood’s sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision ensures that Wood, a violent offender, will remain incarcerated for life, mirroring the punishment his elder brother Jake received for the same crime. Jake, who confessed to stabbing Wipf to death, died by suicide in prison in 2019. This year has seen a significant increase in executions across the United States, with 41 carried out so far, the highest number since 2012. On the same day, Florida was scheduled to execute Bryan Jennings, a 66-year-old former Marine, for the 1979 rape and murder of six-year-old Rebecca Kunash. Additionally, South Carolina planned to execute Stephen Bryant, 44, by firing squad on Friday for the 2004 murder of three people. The use of nitrogen hypoxia, a controversial execution method involving nitrogen gas, has been criticized by United Nations experts as cruel and inhumane. While 23 U.S. states have abolished the death penalty, others continue to enforce it, with Florida leading the nation in executions this year.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread devastation, the unwavering spirit of Jamaica has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. The Flow Foundation, actively providing relief to the hardest-hit areas in western Jamaica, has reported a profound sense of determination and faith among the affected communities. Despite the destruction, residents remain steadfast in their resolve to rebuild and recover. On November 5, 2025, the foundation visited Chester Castle in Hanover, Top River in Westmoreland, and the Savanna-la-Mar region, witnessing scenes of fallen trees, impassable roads, and damaged homes. Yet, amidst the rubble, the indomitable Jamaican spirit prevailed. Volunteers distributed essential care packages containing food, personal care items, and tarpaulins, offering not just material support but also emotional encouragement. One elderly resident, Jerry from Chester Castle, who lost his home in the storm, expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, ‘Mi lose mi house, but mi nuh lose hope or faith.’ Rhys Campbell, Executive Director of the Flow Foundation, emphasized that the resilience of the residents has become a driving force behind their ongoing humanitarian efforts. ‘The Jamaican spirit is one of perseverance and resilience,’ Campbell remarked. ‘Even in the hardest times, our people rise. Seeing that resilience firsthand reminds us why our work matters.’ Supported by Liberty Latin America through the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, the Flow Foundation will continue its mission in the coming weeks, aiming not only to restore lives but also to reignite hope across Jamaica’s most affected communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, has firmly dismissed claims by reggae icon Buju Banton that hurricane relief supplies were stolen at the port. The allegations, which surfaced in a viral video, prompted an immediate investigation. Vaz shared the findings on X, stating that no evidence of missing or tampered goods was uncovered. The minister emphasized that the shipment arrived on Tuesday and was promptly cleared by customs, with items directly transferred from the aircraft to the receiving truck without any offsite storage. He also clarified that the shipment did not include stoves or Starlink devices, countering specific claims in the viral post. Vaz acknowledged historical issues with customs operations but stressed that each report of irregularity is thoroughly investigated. He shared a detailed list of the relief items to ensure transparency. Buju Banton’s video, which has garnered international media attention, accused port authorities of theft, citing a half-filled barrel as evidence. Other social media users echoed similar concerns, reporting missing or partially emptied containers.