In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the House of Transformation Worship Centre in Portmore, Jamaica, has mobilized to assist the residents of Trelawny. Lead Pastor Keron Francis highlighted the church’s compassionate response to the widespread destruction observed across Jamaica. ‘Seeing the displacement and dire living conditions of our fellow citizens compelled us to act,’ Francis stated. The church swiftly organized a relief effort, gathering essential supplies from both local and international members. ‘We focused on providing the most basic necessities—food, water, clothing, and shelter—to those in need,’ he explained. The decision to aid Trelawny was influenced by reports indicating that the parish had received less attention compared to other severely affected areas like St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. ‘Social media and news reports revealed that Trelawny residents felt overlooked, so we decided to address their urgent needs,’ Francis added. The relief team, comprising 30 volunteers, including Dr Nastascia Wade-Saddler, provided medical care alongside distributing supplies. The church also collaborated with the Weeping Woman Foundation, led by Evangelist Shadae Graham-Clarke, to prepare and serve warm meals to the affected residents. ‘We wanted to ensure they received not just dry goods but also a comforting, hot meal,’ Francis noted. While the damage in Trelawny was less extensive than in western parishes, the church’s efforts underscored the vital role of faith-based organizations in crisis response. ‘The church is a beacon of light, and it’s our duty to show compassion and support in times of need,’ Francis emphasized. The initiative aimed to convey a message of love and solidarity to the affected communities, reinforcing the church’s commitment to humanitarian aid.
分类： society
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Frightening fire failures
The tragic death of a government minister and her two children in a fire nearly a year ago remains shrouded in unanswered questions, exposing glaring deficiencies in the nation’s emergency response system. This issue was further underscored by the recent fire station debacle in Sangre Grande on November 7. While a neighbor’s quick actions prevented loss of life in a mini-mart blaze at Vega de Oropouche, the incident left 15 people homeless, including seven children, and destroyed significant property. The delayed and inadequate response from the Ojoe Road fire station, which was found shuttered and understaffed, highlights systemic failures. Reports indicate that the station’s sole fire truck was under maintenance, forcing reliance on distant resources from the Arima Fire Station, itself criticized following a 2024 tragedy. The Sangre Grande station serves a vast and growing area, including Valencia, Toco, Matelot, Manzanilla, and Mayaro, straining its limited resources. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has acknowledged the system as ‘a mess,’ with millions in grant funding and international resources potentially on the horizon. However, immediate action is crucial. Authorities must rethink the division of emergency services, enforce stricter building codes, and invest in long-term improvements to prevent future disasters. The recent near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the high cost of inaction.
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Couples Resorts, Issa Trust Foundation launch disaster relief fund
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Couples Resorts has taken significant steps to support both its team members and the broader communities where it operates. Despite the resorts escaping major damage and preparing to reopen soon, many employees and their families have faced severe personal losses. To address this, the Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts, established the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund. The fund has already raised over $350,000, including a $100,000 cash donation from Couples Resorts itself. Contributions from friends, guests, and partners have been instrumental in this effort. Abe Issa, deputy chairman of Couples Resorts, emphasized the company’s deep connection to the Jamaican community, stating, ‘When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply.’ The relief fund aims to help affected individuals rebuild homes, replace essential items, and restore stability. Immediate efforts include distributing care packages with food and water and providing temporary housing for over 100 employees who lost their homes. Diane Pollard, president and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation, highlighted the overwhelming compassion shown by donors and stressed the ongoing need for support. Paul Issa, chairman of the foundation, expressed gratitude to contributors and construction crews offering their services, urging continued momentum in the recovery efforts.
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Pepsi and Red Stripe unite for Westmoreland relief effort
In a heartwarming display of corporate solidarity, a coalition of Jamaican companies, spearheaded by Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Red Stripe, brought much-needed relief to the storm-ravaged communities of Westmoreland Eastern on Friday. The initiative, which also saw participation from Celebration Brands, Restaurants of Jamaica, and Vantage One, provided essential supplies including warm meals, bottled water, and care packages to residents of Whitehouse, Belmont, Bluefield, Retirement, and Aldair.
Bianca Fakhourie, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica’s corporate affairs representative, emphasized the collective effort required for the island’s recovery. ‘Pepsi is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring a bit of relief and hope to communities that have lost so much. It’s part of our corporate responsibility to Jamaica,’ she stated. Fakhourie also highlighted the resilience of the affected communities, vowing continued support in the ongoing recovery efforts.
The care packages distributed by Red Stripe included Malta beverages and essential items like toilet paper, toothpaste, and non-perishables. Pepsi contributed 500 cases of Crystal Punch water, benefiting nearly 1,000 individuals or approximately 400 families. Additionally, temporary charging stations and Internet connectivity were set up, enabling residents to reconnect with loved ones.
Local Member of Parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell and his executive assistant Shamil Brown were instrumental in coordinating the distribution. Campbell praised the corporate entities for their timely intervention, stating, ‘Today has been significant in reducing the misery index within the communities.’
Residents, including Wellesley Batson of Retirement, expressed profound gratitude for the support. Despite previous relief efforts, many had yet to receive assistance due to the overwhelming scale of need. ‘I am more than glad,’ Batson remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many others who found a glimmer of hope in the midst of devastation.
Diane Ashton-Smith, Red Stripe’s head of corporate affairs, underscored the long road to recovery ahead. ‘Every little bit is going to count. We’re going to have to clear houses, build houses, and rebuild. Whatever we can do to help these communities, every mickle will make a muckle,’ she asserted. The coalition remains committed to assessing needs and identifying further ways to support the affected communities in the challenging recovery period ahead.
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Steel Workers Union appeals Industrial Court’s Desalcott covid19 ruling
The Steel Workers Union (SWU) has escalated its legal battle against the Desalination Company (Desalcott) by appealing the Industrial Court’s dismissal of their complaint regarding actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court’s September 26 ruling, delivered by Vice President Hubert Soverall and Essential Services Division Chairman Larry Achong, concluded that Desalcott did not violate any laws by enforcing pandemic-related measures. However, court member Gregory Rousseau dissented, arguing that the company unlawfully locked out workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and breached the Industrial Relations Act by implementing a unilateral “rotation” policy that sent employees home without pay. Rousseau’s dissenting ruling, issued on November 5, ordered Desalcott to reinstate affected workers by November 10 and compensate them for lost wages and benefits dating back to June 17, 2021. The company was also fined $20,000 for the industrial relations offense. The case originated from a July 2021 union complaint after unvaccinated employees were instructed to stay home indefinitely. Rousseau criticized Desalcott for failing to consult workers before imposing the policy and later replacing their positions, effectively terminating their employment without notice or cause. He emphasized that no law authorized employers to place workers on unpaid leave, highlighting the government’s failure to address industrial relations issues arising from the pandemic. In contrast, Soverall and Achong’s majority ruling defended Desalcott’s actions, stating the company acted in compliance with existing laws and government directives, prioritizing public health and worker safety. They acknowledged the challenges posed by rapidly changing regulations and the company’s efforts to act in good faith. The case underscores the complexities of balancing public health mandates with workers’ rights during unprecedented crises.
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Allianz Memorial Van Damme donates US$100k to Usain Bolt Foundation for hurricane relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant gesture of solidarity, the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, the prestigious Brussels athletics event and host of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League final, has pledged a generous donation of US$100,000 to the Usain Bolt Foundation. This contribution aims to support recovery efforts in Jamaica, which has been grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm, which made landfall last month, wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, causing widespread destruction to over 100,000 homes. Among the hardest-hit areas were Trelawny, the hometown of sprint icon Usain Bolt, and William Knibb High School, where Bolt’s legendary career first took flight. In response to the crisis, the Usain Bolt Foundation has been at the forefront of relief and reconstruction initiatives. The foundation, which is committed to empowering young Jamaicans through education, cultural enrichment, and sports, has consistently invested in the nation’s future. Earlier this year, it provided financial and material support to six rural high schools to help them prepare for the 2025 ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. This latest donation underscores the global athletics community’s commitment to aiding Jamaica in its time of need.
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Chinese business community mobilises over $100m in hurricane relief for western Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on western Jamaica, the Chinese business community has spearheaded a massive relief effort, mobilizing over $100 million in emergency supplies. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left widespread devastation, particularly in the southern regions of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James. Leading the charge, LCH Developments, in collaboration with its construction partner Brothers Concepts & Solutions Limited, swiftly deployed heavy machinery to clear blocked roads, ensuring critical access for aid distribution.
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Redefining justice with prison plan
The Port of Spain Prison has long been labeled as a ‘university of crime,’ but a groundbreaking new initiative seeks to redefine its role in society. The recently unveiled prison plan envisions transforming correctional facilities into campuses for human development, where inmates can access rehabilitative and restorative programs. This transformative approach aims to reduce recidivism, lower prison populations, and foster societal reintegration. Central to this plan is the empowerment of prison officers, who will evolve into professional human development agents, gaining greater respect and job satisfaction in their roles. The initiative emphasizes maintaining family ties, equipping inmates with income-earning skills, and facilitating job placements post-release. Education, school policing, and efforts to curb narco-trafficking are also prioritized to redirect young people away from illegal activities and into legal networks. Drawing inspiration from the Abdullah Report (1980) and the Penal Reform and Prison Transformation Reports in Trinidad and Tobago (2003), this project aspires to redefine justice based on the lived experiences of those most affected by the system. Catherine Ali, in her letter to the editor, highlights the potential for this initiative to create a ripple effect across the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, and globally. Thousands eagerly anticipate the launch of this creative justice project, which could mark a historic first in defining justice from the perspective of the marginalized.
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High certainty that blood found in Maitland apartment was Donaldson’s – expert
In a dramatic turn of events at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, a seven-member jury was presented with compelling forensic evidence on Tuesday. The court heard that blood samples discovered in Constable Noel Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew had a 99.9999% probability of belonging to his missing girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, a prominent social media influencer. Maitland is currently on trial for murder and obstructing the lawful burial of a corpse, stemming from Donaldson’s disappearance on July 12, 2022. She was last seen at the apartment complex where Maitland resided. A senior forensic science officer, testifying as a key witness, revealed that blood samples were collected from three items within Maitland’s apartment and subjected to DNA analysis. The results overwhelmingly indicated a match with Donaldson’s DNA. The case has drawn significant public attention, with further details expected to be disclosed in the Wednesday Observer.
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NPTA tells parents: Keep child in school until transfer is final
The Trinidad and Tobago National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NPTA) has called on parents seeking school transfers for their children to adhere to the established procedures, despite the lengthy and bureaucratic nature of the process. NPTA President Walter Stewart expressed empathy for parents frustrated by the system, which has disrupted students’ education. This issue was spotlighted in a recent Newsday article, which detailed the case of a 14-year-old Arima teenager who had been out of school for two years due to transfer delays. The girl had been bullied by classmates in 2023, and her mother withdrew her from school after officials allegedly failed to intervene. Stewart emphasized that such cases are not isolated, citing another instance in September where a parent waited weeks for a transfer response. He urged parents to ensure their children remain in school while awaiting transfers, warning of potential legal consequences if they do not. Stewart advised parents to follow the proper channels, starting with the school supervisor, and escalating the matter to the Ministry of Education if necessary. He attributed delays to the manual processing of applications, which must physically move from district offices to the Ministry in Port of Spain. Stewart expressed hope that the Ministry’s ongoing digitization efforts would expedite the process. Addressing the persistent issue of bullying, Stewart cautioned parents against taking matters into their own hands, as such actions often exacerbate the situation. He recommended addressing concerns with school principals and following the chain of command. While acknowledging that the presence of police officers in schools has had some positive impact, Stewart stressed the need for stricter implementation of national discipline policies and codes of conduct to reduce violence and disorder. Meanwhile, former president of the TT Association of Psychologists, Kelly Mc Farlane, urged parents to remain attentive to their children’s emotional well-being. She highlighted that many bullying victims may conceal their experiences due to fear of parental reactions. Mc Farlane advised parents to listen to their children, validate their feelings, and collaborate with school officials to address bullying effectively. She also emphasized the importance of providing psychological support to both victims and bullies to tackle the root causes of such behavior.