分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has firmly dismissed recent media allegations of sewage overflows near Coronation Market, labeling the reports as inaccurate. In an official statement, the NWC revealed that its technical teams conducted comprehensive inspections at key locations mentioned in the reports, including Rose Lane, Spanish Town Road, and Upper Oxford Street. The investigations concluded that the observed overflow was caused by blocked drainage infrastructure, which is unrelated to the NWC’s sewage network. The commission clarified that the affected drains primarily carry grey water, which can stagnate when flow is obstructed. These drains, the NWC emphasized, are not under its operational jurisdiction. Additionally, the NWC reassured the public that its sewage infrastructure remains fully operational, with no issues reported in its conveyance pipelines or nearby pumping station following Hurricane Melissa. The commission confirmed that all wastewater systems in the area are functioning as intended.

When Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica on October 28, Joel Immortal, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and instructor, was thousands of miles away, showcasing Jamaican culture in Russia. Witnessing the devastation through social media left him deeply affected, though he was relieved to learn his family remained unharmed. ‘The hurricane incident was very shocking for me. I was sad because I knew my people back home had to face something dangerous. I was thrown off balance because I was in another country, and I could not stay focused because I was worrying about my family. Thankfully they were safe,’ Joel Immortal shared with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. Upon returning to Jamaica nearly two weeks later, Joel Immortal immediately immersed himself in relief efforts, collaborating with businessman and music executive Romeich Major of Major Marketing. ‘When I returned, I saw a lot of the devastation first-hand. I was helping Romeich, and we were distributing things and helping the places that got really badly affected by the hurricane. It was devastating to see how bad the place was and the after-effect with everything. Houses were on the ground and covered by water. Cars were destroyed, and people lost a lot. I could not believe this is really Jamaica with all of this happening. It was a sad moment, but I am happy that I am helping to make things better because I believe better days are coming,’ he recounted. Joel Immortal, who won the Red Bull Dance Your Style Street Dance competition in 2022, also reflected on his time in Russia, where he performed in multiple cities. ‘I got booked for multiple shows over there. I was moving from city to city, and every place had a different vibe because dancehall over there is very big, and the people are very passionate about it. For me to be there is a dream come true for them because they get to learn [how to dance] from the source,’ he said. This marked his fifth trip to Russia, each visit reaffirming the mutual inspiration between him and his audience. ‘What I enjoyed most was the love and the support and the passion from the people. It showed me that dancehall really reaches far and that my work is making an impact,’ he added. Despite his recent three-week stint in Russia, Joel Immortal is already preparing for a two-month European tour starting in February 2024, which could extend to nearly three months depending on bookings. ‘What I am looking forward to the most is the energy and the support from people in different countries. It feels amazing to see dancehall growing and to know that I am helping to reach new places and new people every time,’ he expressed. At 28, Joel Immortal has established himself as a trailblazer in the dance world. Born Joel Pennant in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, he attended Central High School in Clarendon and has since founded the Russian Squad dance group, joined Active Immortal, and created Dancehall Family Tree (DFT), a collective uniting dancers. ‘We want to set a new generation with this, and this is why we are connected to share our platform together from different teams and individual teams amongst the DFT unity,’ he proudly stated. Joel Immortal’s journey has been marked by determination and passion. ‘My journey has been amazing… Many things surprised me, but I always believed they would happen because of my work and my determination. I want to make my family, my friends, and my culture proud, and I want to change the world through dance. I want to make my work stay immortal just like my name, Joel Immortal, because dancing is life,’ he declared. Recently, he ventured into music with his debut single, ‘Thumbs Up,’ featuring artiste and media personality Sanjay.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative for Ocho Rios, focusing on restoring its tourism and business sectors. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), emphasized the urgency of this effort, particularly for small businesses that are vital to the local economy. Seiveright, alongside Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, conducted an extensive assessment of the Ocho Rios corridor to evaluate hotel readiness, attraction recovery, craft market conditions, and the status of micro and small enterprises.

Seiveright highlighted the collaborative nature of the recovery process, describing it as a ‘whole-of-Government effort.’ He noted that Minister Aubyn Hill has been spearheading national initiatives to restore business operations, mobilizing MIIC teams across multiple parishes and coordinating with partners in manufacturing, retail, services, utilities, and logistics.

A significant milestone in the recovery process is the reopening of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port, which had been closed since February 2024 for major repairs. The port is crucial for Jamaica’s cruise tourism and small-business ecosystem, providing opportunities for craft traders, transport operators, artisans, restaurants, and retailers. Seiveright also addressed the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on craft vendors, many of whom lost inventory, stalls, and weeks of income. He reaffirmed MIIC’s commitment to collaborating with the tourism ministry, the Urban Development Corporation, local authorities, and private-sector partners to support these operators.

Seiveright stressed the importance of stabilizing utilities—water, electricity, telecommunications—and ensuring safe transportation links as recovery progresses. ‘Utilities and infrastructure are the backbone of commerce. Without them, neither tourism nor business can function properly,’ he said.

Describing Ocho Rios as Jamaica’s ‘proof of responsible recovery,’ Seiveright underscored the town’s role in demonstrating how coordinated national action can safely and steadily reopen major economic corridors. ‘Ocho Rios is where Jamaica shows the world that we are recovering with order, with purpose, and with our small business people at the center of it,’ he concluded.

Kenneth Campbell, a man with a history of criminal offenses, has been remanded in custody following fresh allegations of stabbing a woman in St James, Jamaica. Charged with wounding with intent, Campbell appeared in the Parish Court on Thursday, where his plea for bail was denied. His attorney, Albert Morgan, was notably absent, preventing any renewed application for bail. The court’s decision was influenced by Campbell’s prior convictions, which cast a shadow over his case. Additionally, it was revealed that Campbell had previously been under investigation for murder and was granted pre-charge bail in that case. However, he was returned to custody after allegedly committing the recent stabbing. The incident reportedly occurred on June 15 on Barnett Lane Avenue, where the victim claimed Campbell grabbed her from behind, demanded sex, and stabbed her with a ratchet knife when she resisted. The attack left her hospitalized. Campbell is expected to remain in the Freeport lockup until his next hearing on December 3.

A devastating road accident in Trelawny, Jamaica, has claimed the life of a local higgler, marking the 20th road fatality in the parish this year. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the North Coast Highway. David Junior Myers, a 45-year-old resident of Zion district, tragically lost his life after his Champion motorcycle collided with a stationary Ford Ranger truck. Reports indicate that Myers lost control of his bike around 5:30 pm while traveling along the Hague roadway, resulting in a severe crash. He sustained multiple critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Trelawny police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in the region, prompting concerns about the need for stricter traffic regulations and public awareness campaigns.

A devastating grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola area of British Columbia, Canada, left 11 people injured, including children as young as nine, authorities reported on Friday. Among the victims, two are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Old Trail, according to Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The Nuxalk First Nation, a local Indigenous community, confirmed the attack on their Facebook page, warning residents of an ‘aggressive bear in the area.’ Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident. Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared with the Canadian Press that her son narrowly escaped injury as the bear targeted others in the group.

The British Columbia Emergency Health Services reported that seven of the injured did not require hospitalization. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has assumed control of the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the bear has been located. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.

In a significant move to support tourism workers impacted by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced that over $1 billion has been secured through a combination of government funding and private sector contributions. Speaking at a press briefing at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, Bartlett revealed that the government has allocated $600 million, while private sector partners have pledged more than $400 million, with recent reports indicating their contributions are already exceeding initial commitments.