分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartfelt display of community solidarity, the Dunbeholden Football Club has stepped up to assist residents in the storm-ravaged western region of Jamaica. On Sunday, club members traveled to Russia, Westmoreland, delivering essential relief supplies to families still recovering from the devastating aftermath of the recent storm. The aid included food packages, water, clothing, shoes, and tarpaulins, addressing immediate needs in the affected area.

The high-profile corruption trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused is set to continue in February 2026, with additional witness testimonies expected to shed light on the alleged $25 million fraud scheme. The trial, which began on October 7th after an initial delay due to the absence of Judge Vaughn Facey, has seen Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell presiding over the proceedings.

The Westmoreland Fire Department in Jamaica faced a challenging day on Wednesday as it responded to two separate bushfires in the Beeston Spring and Watercress areas. The first emergency call was received at approximately 5:27 pm for the Watercress area, followed by another at 7:22 pm for Beeston Spring. Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton, overseeing Area Four of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, reported that much of the fire was inaccessible to firefighters. Despite this, the brigade managed to extinguish flames in accessible areas using water. Seaton explained that the inaccessible sections were left to burn out naturally, and as of now, there is no active fire in the vicinity. The cause of the fires remains unknown, but Seaton noted that dry vegetation and debris left by Hurricane Melissa likely exacerbated the situation. He reiterated the fire department’s ongoing public education campaign, emphasizing the illegality of setting unattended fires and advising residents to bury waste instead of burning it, especially given the scarcity of water in pipe tops. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life or property.

In a recent legal proceeding at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, two individuals, Marlon Gibbeson and Ricardo Hunter, were each fined $30,000 for transporting agricultural produce without the necessary documentation as mandated by the Agricultural Produce Act. The case highlights Jamaica’s stringent measures to combat praedial larceny, a pervasive issue affecting the agricultural sector.

Marlon Gibbeson was apprehended by law enforcement while transporting 1,130 coconuts without a Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) receipt. These receipts, exclusive to registered farmers, serve as proof of sale and ownership and are compulsory when moving agricultural goods. Although Gibbeson later produced the required receipt, Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell emphasized that the law necessitates possession of the receipt during transportation to prevent theft. Consequently, Gibbeson pleaded guilty and was fined.

Ricardo Hunter faced similar charges for transporting 150 coconuts and a quantity of bananas without the requisite receipt. Hunter, unaware of the legal requirement, explained that most of the produce originated from his father’s property. Judge Powell reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture’s intensified efforts to curb praedial larceny and reminded the court of the Act’s maximum penalty of $3 million. Hunter also pleaded guilty and was fined $30,000.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to agricultural regulations to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and reduce theft within the sector.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, the Unicomer Group has donated 100 twin and double mattresses to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with plans to contribute an additional 200 units and other essential items. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting affected families as they rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy. Ann Marie Walters, Managing Director of Unicomer Jamaica, emphasized the company’s dedication to relief efforts, stating, ‘We are committed to helping those impacted by this storm. Our goal is to provide meaningful comfort to families during this challenging time.’ Shortly after the hurricane, Unicomer pledged over $75 million to assist both its employees and the broader public affected by the disaster. Walters also highlighted the company’s partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, underscoring its focus on delivering both immediate relief and sustained support to communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the YeCats Mobile Resource Centre has introduced the YeCats Mobile Classroom, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring educational stability in Jamaica’s hardest-hit areas. Launched on November 17 in Black River, the program has already begun transforming the lives of children, offering emergency literacy and numeracy support. Spearheaded by Stacey Robinson, founder and literacy coach of YeCats, the mobile classroom is a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. The initiative concluded its first week with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, and sponsors. As a fully mobile program, YeCats plans to expand its operations to other hurricane-affected regions, providing eight weeks of structured, rehabilitative learning in each location. Robinson emphasized the program’s mission: “Education must continue, even in the midst of crisis. Our children deserve stability, confidence, and an opportunity to keep learning.” Parents and students have already reported life-changing results. Marsha, a mother who volunteered at the mobile classroom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am so excited and glad that right now the kids can come out and go to school.” Children, too, are showing remarkable emotional and behavioral transformations. An 11-year-old boy, previously known for disciplinary issues, shared his commitment to change, stating, “Miss, mi aguh change and behave better.” The program’s innovative YeCats Sound Box, a phonics system, is a cornerstone of the curriculum, designed to build confident, fluent readers. Teachers and parents will also receive training to ensure continued progress outside the classroom. The initiative is supported by key partners, including Matthews and Clarke, Murray’s, and World Central Kitchen. Sandie Saunders of Matthews and Clarke Limited was particularly praised for her early endorsement, which was instrumental in mobilizing resources. Classes are held Mondays to Wednesdays in a safe learning tent donated by Murray’s, focusing on reading, writing, mathematics, and life skills. The program’s holistic approach includes one hour dedicated to activities supporting physical, emotional, and mental development, crucial for children recovering from trauma. With 70 students registering on the first day and 120 by the second, the program’s rapid growth underscores the urgent need for academic continuity and psychosocial support in disaster-stricken areas.

Witnessing the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa from their homes in the United States, Dr. B Roy Davidson and Dr. Laxley Stephenson were compelled to act. The devastating impact on their home parish of Westmoreland and other rural areas of Jamaica spurred them into action. Dr. Davidson, CEO of UNI Health Care Inc in Los Angeles, and Dr. Stephenson, president of Global Humanity Network Inc in Atlanta, led a humanitarian delegation to Jamaica from November 9 to 14. Their mission was to deliver two weeks’ worth of relief supplies to 500 families affected by the hurricane, with support from UNI Health Care Inc and the Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles. They were joined by Dr. Beverly Nichols, president of the Atlanta-based Push Start Foundation, who contributed 25 solar generators to provide electricity for lighting, communication, and device charging in the hardest-hit communities. The team visited Little London, Whitehouse, Savanna-la-Mar, Montego Bay, Lacovia, and Black River, witnessing firsthand the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. For Davidson and Stephenson, both natives of Little London, the mission was deeply personal, as many of their relatives and friends were among the victims. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm with winds of 185 mph, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread devastation in rural areas and claiming 45 lives. The Jamaican diaspora’s swift and compassionate response highlights the enduring connection between Jamaicans abroad and their homeland.

In a courtroom drama that unfolded in St James, Jamaica, Romaine Christie found himself at the center of a legal battle over an alleged theft of three mobile phones. Christie, who appeared before Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday, faced charges of simple larceny following an incident in September. According to court records, Christie entered a Montego Bay store, requested to inspect three Samsung phones, and then abruptly fled with the devices. The theft was promptly reported, leading to Christie’s arrest and subsequent charges. During the hearing, Christie’s father pleaded for leniency, vowing to compensate for the stolen items. Christie himself claimed that his actions were driven by a desire to fund his mother’s impending eye surgery. However, Judge Fairclough-Hylton expressed skepticism, noting that despite Christie’s claims, the surgery had not been paid for. Christie countered that the procedure was postponed due to his mother’s elevated blood pressure. The case was referred to mediation, where Christie agreed to reimburse the complainant. The judge granted bail set at $150,000 with up to three sureties and scheduled the next hearing for January 14, 2026.