The San Fernando City Corporation marked its 37th anniversary with a vibrant celebration at City Hall on November 18, showcasing the creativity and vision of its youngest citizens. The event, which included a civic awards ceremony and reception, highlighted a unique photography exhibition titled *Our Cities, Through Our Eyes*. This initiative, supported by Unicef and led by renowned photographer Giacomo Pirozzi, empowered 16 children aged nine to 17 to capture the essence of their city through their lenses. Over an intensive week in August, the young photographers learned the art of visual storytelling, focusing on patience, empathy, and intentional framing. Their work, displayed in the auditorium lobby, offered a poignant glimpse into the beauty, challenges, and dreams of San Fernando as seen through youthful eyes. The photographs revealed themes of safety, belonging, joy, and the spaces where childhood thrives or falters. Maryam Abdu, Unicef’s chief of social policy for the Eastern Caribbean, praised the initiative, describing the images as more than art—they were stories, aspirations, and calls to action. She commended San Fernando’s leadership, including Mayor Robert Parris, for their commitment to the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, emphasizing the importance of integrating children’s voices into urban planning. The event also honored distinguished citizens, cultural icons, and public servants for their contributions to the city’s growth. As San Fernando continues to evolve, the anniversary celebration underscored the city’s dedication to fostering a community where every child can thrive.
分类: society
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74% of JPS customers now have electricity following Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. As of Sunday, approximately 74% of affected customers have had their power reinstated, according to a media briefing held in Negril. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, highlighted the challenges posed by the Category 5 hurricane, which brought winds of 185 miles per hour to a grid designed for a Category 3 storm. Initially, over 540,000 customers were left without service, but efforts have now restored power to around 360,000, leaving fewer than 180,000 still in the dark. Key areas such as Hanover and Negril were re-energized three days ahead of schedule, with critical facilities like the Royalton Negril, Riu, Margaritaville, and the Negril town center now operational. JPS aims to restore power to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital by the second week of December. In Trelawny, power has been restored to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, the National Water Commission Martha Brae Treatment Plant, the Cruise Pier, and several hotels. Montego Bay in St James has also seen progress, with the Sangster International Airport, the University of the West Indies Western Campus, and hotels like Sandals and Riu now receiving electricity. St Mary and Portland have achieved 86% and 83% restoration rates, respectively, while St Ann, Clarendon, and Manchester are on track for 75% restoration by mid-December. However, St Ann remains particularly challenging due to severe damage to the transmission network.
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US driver ‘forgot’ road rules in head-on crash that killed two
A pre-dawn journey to school in North Abaco turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on Friday, claiming the lives of Monique Williams, a seasoned pre-school teacher, and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrance Williams. The fatal head-on collision occurred on SC Bootle Highway, leaving a close-knit family shattered and the Treasure Cay community in mourning. Ms Williams, 53, was driving Terrance and another teenager to school when her vehicle collided with a Ford Excursion carrying an American couple en route to a bone-fishing trip. According to Abaco journalist and pastor Silbert Mills, the visitors had missed their turn and mistakenly drove on the wrong side of the road, marking their first visit to The Bahamas. Terrance, an eighth-grade student at SC Bootle High School, and Ms Williams, who had dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching, were both deeply cherished in their community. The third passenger, Calsey Rolle, remains hospitalized. The Williams family, already tightly bonded, is grappling with the immense loss. Emmise Bootle, Ms Williams’ niece and Terrance’s cousin, described the duo as inseparable, with Ms Williams treating Terrance as her own son. Terrance, a quiet and thoughtful boy, was beginning to explore life’s deeper questions, while Ms Williams was eagerly anticipating retirement. The Ministry of Education and SC Bootle High School have paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, celebrating Terrance’s promise and Ms Williams’ unwavering dedication to education. The tragedy has left parents and former students reflecting on the profound impact Ms Williams had on their lives, even as they seek solace in faith.
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Promoter promises hurricane relief assistance from Chuck Fenda concert in Rhode Island
Dena ‘DJ Brownin’ Morrison, a Rhode Island resident with deep ties to Jamaica, has become a beacon of hope for the island’s hurricane-affected communities. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, Morrison, who has long been involved in charity work in West Kingston and other areas, sprang into action. She mobilized her high school RESPECT students at Juanita Sanchez High School to launch the ‘Boxes of Hope’ initiative, aiming to bring joy and essential supplies to teenagers impacted by the disaster. Her ultimate dream? To one day call Jamaica her permanent home.
Furthering her commitment, Morrison has partnered with Dynamite Promotion to host the ‘Thanksgiving Reggae Explosion’ on November 26 at Kulture Nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island. The event will feature Jamaican reggae artist Chuck Fenda, alongside DJ Matik, DJ Gambit, and Dynamite Sounds. A portion of the proceeds will directly support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Morrison emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, ‘This is more than a concert—it’s an act of collective healing.’ She outlined multiple avenues for relief, including Give Back Jamaica for school support, JA Patty’s relief fund for displaced elderly individuals, and a personal partnership with Chuck Fenda to collect, ship, and distribute supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to the concert, which will be sent directly to Jamaica.
Drawing inspiration from Jamaican wisdom, Morrison shared, ‘Every mickle mek a muckle. Every small offering becomes part of something greater.’ Her efforts are bolstered by collaborations with organizations like Give Back Jamaica, led by Hopeton Brown, and vlogger DJSlick44, who ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable communities.
Morrison’s passion for Jamaica extends beyond charity. She has cultivated meaningful relationships with Jamaican cultural icons, including Major Mackerel, Dennis Walks, and Chuck Fenda, who has become a mentor in her burgeoning career as a reggae promoter. As an educator, Morrison integrates her advocacy for ethnic studies and Black Lives Matter into her curriculum, earning recognition from the Secretary of State.
Her dedication to mentorship and community building continues to inspire. ‘I am grateful for the guidance of DJ Goldfinger, DJ Daney, and Mark Tenn, who have helped me grow as a DJ and promoter,’ she said. Morrison also mentors Jamaican adults in the U.S. and supports Jamaican students in her classroom, helping them navigate new paths while celebrating their cultural heritage.
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Vijftig jaar Suriname, vijfpuntige ster in vlag, vijf letters NATIO
As Suriname marks its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, the nation reflects on its rich cultural heritage, symbolized by its flag and the unifying power of football. The Surinamese flag, with its five horizontal stripes and a central yellow star, represents progress, freedom, justice, fertility, and unity among diverse ethnic groups. The star, with its five points, signifies the major population groups and a golden future. This symbolism extends beyond the flag, permeating Surinamese society and its diaspora. Football has played a pivotal role in fostering unity and pride. Historical matches, such as the 1976 friendly between Ajax and Robinhood, highlight the sport’s ability to bring people together. The diaspora, particularly in the Netherlands, has remained deeply connected to Suriname, with notable figures like Errol Emanuelson and Kenneth Kluivert contributing to this bond. The ‘Natio’ bus, painted in the colors of the Surinamese flag, symbolizes this enduring connection, traveling through Suriname and beyond, carrying the spirit of unity and resilience. As Suriname looks to the future, the diaspora continues to play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s identity, ensuring that the legacy of independence and unity endures for generations to come.
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LIVE from 9AM: Feast of Christ the King 2025 at Our Lady of La Salette
The Feast of Christ the King 2019, a significant religious event, is set to be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person. The live video link will be accessible on the event’s official page starting at 9am. Viewers experiencing issues with the video playback are advised to refresh their browser to ensure uninterrupted access. This event, celebrated globally, holds immense spiritual importance for the Christian community, marking the culmination of the liturgical year. The live stream aims to bring the ceremony to a broader audience, allowing participants worldwide to partake in the festivities virtually. Stay tuned for the link and prepare to join this momentous occasion from the comfort of your home.




