In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.
分类： society
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St James residents urged to avoid unsafe routes
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has issued a stern warning to residents of St James, urging them to avoid unsafe routes and adhere to the guidance of emergency personnel. Speaking at a follow-up meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held at the St James Municipal Corporation on Monday, Vernon emphasized that most roadways in the parish are now accessible, with the exception of Spring Mount and the route to Cambridge via Montpelier and Seven Rivers. ‘We strongly advise against attempting to cross Seven Rivers. The water levels remain high, and it is unsafe until authorities give the all-clear,’ he stated. To mitigate the challenges, work is underway at John’s Hall to establish an alternative route for communities typically accessed via Lottery. Vernon highlighted the coordinated efforts of key stakeholders, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Works Agency, and public health officials, in the ongoing recovery process. The focus remains on restoration, clean-up, and monitoring to restore normalcy. The mayor also praised residents for their cooperation and assured them of the government’s commitment to rebuilding their communities. The EOC continues to meet regularly to assess progress and provide updates on critical sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, and public health.
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Assemblyman wants one month paternity leave for fathers
In a groundbreaking debate held by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Eddison Thomas, the stand-in representative for Mt St George/Goodwood, passionately called for the establishment of a one-month paternity leave policy for fathers. The debate, which took place on November 10, was part of the THA’s first Men’s Debate to commemorate International Men’s Day, observed on November 19. Thomas emphasized the need for Tobago to lead the way in recognizing the importance of paternity leave until it is enshrined in law. He also highlighted the broader issue of mental health challenges faced by men in Tobago, urging the THA to implement a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to address these concerns. Thomas shared his personal experience of being denied paternity leave when his wife gave birth, underscoring the disparity between maternity and paternity benefits. He pointed out that while mothers receive 14 weeks of maternity leave, fathers are only recommended three days of leave. Thomas also criticized the National Insurance Board (NIB) for not providing paternity benefits, despite raising contributions to the National Insurance System (NIS) from January 1, 2026. He called on the NIB to extend a one-time paternity benefit of $3,750 to fathers and advised the THA to establish a men’s group to advocate for gender-related programmes.
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Electricity to be restored in Westmoreland, Hanover within two weeks — JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has pledged to restore electricity to the severely affected regions of Westmoreland and Hanover within the next two weeks. JPS CEO Hugh Grant announced this timeline during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that the company is not merely repairing but redesigning and rebuilding its infrastructure to withstand future challenges.
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Seville donates $500,000 to support farmers after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica’s 100-meter world champion, Oblique Seville, has made a significant contribution of $500,000 to the United Way Jamaica Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund. This initiative aims to provide critical support to farming communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Seville’s donation aligns with a broader effort by private sector donors, including a $1.5 million pledge from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), launched at their office on Tuesday. Additionally, United Way International, the parent organization, has contributed $21 million to bolster the fund. The Restoration Fund is designed to deliver immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance to disaster-stricken areas, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector. Seville, 24, whose parents are farmers, expressed his deep connection to agriculture, stating, ‘Agriculture is what I am brought up on. For me with my parents and everything, it is actually what built me, and I see how hard it is to do agriculture. Sometimes farmers do give back, so for me to give back is something special.’ Dressed elegantly in a black suit and white shirt, Seville emphasized the importance of nutrition for athletes and his gratitude for the opportunity to support his country.
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Portland farmers grateful despite losses from devastating hurricane
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, farmers in Portland, Jamaica, are counting their blessings despite significant agricultural losses. While the storm wreaked havoc on their crops, many are relieved that the damage was not more severe. Among those affected are Dennis and Oral Brown, a father-and-son farming duo from Orange Bay, who have been working tirelessly to salvage what remains of their harvest. Their farm, which primarily grows coconuts, plantains, jackfruit, and avocados, suffered extensive damage, with many trees uprooted and produce spoiled. The Browns managed to gather approximately 500 coconuts, falling short of their 1,000-coconut target, and are now pricing them at $10,000 per 100 units. Plantains are being sold at $800 per dozen. Despite the financial setback, Dennis expressed gratitude for their safety, stating, ‘We still giving thanks for life.’ Meanwhile, Prince Dias, a veteran fruit vendor operating on the border of Portland and St Mary, shared similar challenges. His banana and plantain crops were completely destroyed, leaving him without produce to sell. Dias, who has been in the business for 15 years, estimates it will take up to a year to recover fully. Both the Browns and Dias are focusing on alternative sources of income, such as raising livestock, and remain hopeful for the future. While the road to recovery will be arduous, the resilience and gratitude of these farmers shine through in the face of adversity.
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Think about the children
The adage ‘children learn what they live’ underscores the profound influence of early environmental exposure on their development. From birth to age five, children are highly impressionable, absorbing and mimicking the behaviors and language they observe. This formative period shapes their adult conduct, making it imperative for parents to model appropriate behavior. The 1979 calypso ‘Think About the Children’ by Merchant remains strikingly relevant today, as it highlights the societal decay marked by violence, intolerance, and disrespect. Merchant’s plea to parents Betty-Lou and Sam to foster a stable and nurturing home environment resonates deeply in our current context, where many children are exposed to harmful behaviors. He urged parents to prioritize their children’s welfare, warning that neglecting this responsibility would lead to a generation of maladjusted adults. Today, the prevalence of such neglect is evident, with teachers and the state increasingly tasked with mitigating the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on young minds. The societal reflection on this issue is crucial, as the undisciplined and violent behavior of children often mirrors the actions of adults, including leaders who engage in vitriolic political discourse. The normalization of aggression and hostility in public spheres, amplified by instant communication, sends a dangerous message to impressionable children. Teachers frequently report instances of children mimicking inappropriate adult behavior, underscoring the need for a societal moral overhaul. Addressing this issue requires collective responsibility, as schools alone cannot rectify a problem rooted in broader societal failures. To truly care for our children, we must reevaluate and elevate our moral standards, ensuring behaviors and attitudes that foster their proper upbringing and socialization.
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Small businesses in Portland struggle after Hurricane Melissa
Small business owners in Portland, Jamaica, are grappling with severe challenges following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28 with winds reaching 185 mph, left a trail of destruction, claiming over 40 lives and plunging nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers into darkness. While Portland was spared the worst of the storm, the economic fallout has been significant, particularly for local entrepreneurs.
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Steel Workers Union appeals Industrial Court’s Desalcott covid19 ruling
The Steel Workers Union (SWU) has lodged an appeal against the Industrial Court’s dismissal of their complaint against the Desalination Company (Desalcott) regarding actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a September 26 ruling, the court’s vice president, Hubert Soverall, and chairman of its Essential Services Division, Larry Achong, upheld Desalcott’s enforcement of pandemic-related measures, deeming it lawful. However, court member Gregory Rousseau dissented, arguing that Desalcott unlawfully locked out workers who refused the COVID-19 vaccine and breached Section 63 of the Industrial Relations Act by implementing a ‘rotation’ policy that sent employees home without pay. Rousseau ordered Desalcott to reinstate affected workers by November 10 and compensate them for lost wages and benefits dating back to June 17, 2021, while also imposing a $20,000 fine. The case originated from a July 2021 union complaint after unvaccinated employees were indefinitely sent home. Rousseau criticized Desalcott for failing to consult workers before making unilateral decisions and replacing their positions in October 2021, effectively terminating their employment without notice. He emphasized that no law authorized employers to place workers on unpaid leave, highlighting the lack of legislative clarity during the pandemic. In contrast, Soverall and Achong ruled that Desalcott acted in compliance with existing laws and government directives, prioritizing public health and worker safety. They acknowledged the challenges posed by rapidly evolving regulations and concluded that Desalcott’s actions were reasonable and consistent with good industrial relations practices. The case underscores the complexities of navigating employment laws during unprecedented public health crises.
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Agriculture sustains $29.5 billion in damage from Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican agricultural and fisheries sectors are reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has inflicted an estimated $29.5 billion in damages. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, revealed these staggering figures during a parliamentary address on Tuesday. The hurricane has ravaged approximately 41,390 hectares of farmland, directly affecting over 70,000 farmers and resulting in the loss of 1,251,410 animals, including poultry, cattle, and small ruminants.