分类： society

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s beekeeping industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island’s western region on October 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, particularly for local beekeepers like Duhjae Jennings and Hyacinth Wellington. Their apiaries, essential for honey production and bee colony maintenance, have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed structures, destroyed forage, and long-term setbacks in honey production.

In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, three men lost their lives following a police-involved shooting along Mandela Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica. The event reportedly occurred shortly after 12:00 pm, when the men were traveling in a Honda Fit motor car. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, the incident has sparked concerns and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The community awaits clarity on the events that led to this fatal encounter.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.

In a heartfelt celebration of selfless service, Dr. Kirk Morgan and Tennielle Campbell-Williamson were honored for their unwavering dedication to community development and nation-building at the CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Awards. The ceremony, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, Jamaica, recognized their extraordinary efforts to uplift and empower others without seeking personal gain.

Dr. Morgan, a senior mathematics lecturer at The University of the West Indies, secured the top award for his 15-year commitment to providing free Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mathematics classes to underserved communities. His work, initially based at Papine High School and later through the National Housing Trust, has been driven by a profound mission: to use education as a tool for liberation and transformation. ‘I am elated,’ Morgan shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘This recognition is unfamiliar territory for me, but it motivates me to continue my work.’

Campbell-Williamson, the runner-up, has spent over 17 years as an evangelist, youth mentor, and personal ministries leader, guiding young people through life’s challenges. Her advocacy for mental wellness, gender-based violence prevention, and community healing has left an indelible mark. Beyond her church, she has mentored young boys through the Denbigh Primary football club, instilling values of discipline, resilience, and purpose. ‘I never expected this recognition,’ she said. ‘My focus has always been on impacting lives.’

The awards, which included a total of US$7,500 in prizes, are part of CIBC Caribbean’s initiative to celebrate individuals who quietly but significantly improve the lives of others. Annique Dawkins, Head of Country for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, emphasized the importance of honoring such contributions: ‘Today, we shine a light on those who remind us of the best of who we are as Jamaicans.’

Despite a lower number of nominations this year, organizers remain optimistic about the program’s future. Renee Whitehorne, Marketing Manager for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, noted that the initiative, which began in 2003 and resumed this year after a pause, is expected to attract more participants in 2026, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We anticipate seeing more acts of kindness and nominations,’ she said.

The selection process involved a public call for nominations, reviewed by a panel of judges, including retired Court of Appeal President Justice Seymour Panton. ‘The submissions demonstrated significant community involvement in critical areas,’ Panton remarked. ‘It’s inspiring to see so many individuals making life better for others.’

For both honorees, the recognition serves as a powerful motivator. ‘It made me realize that what I was doing was not in vain,’ Morgan reflected. Campbell-Williamson echoed this sentiment, vowing to continue her impactful work. Their stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of selfless service and the enduring spirit of community upliftment.

The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.

Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.

Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.

The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.