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.
分类： society
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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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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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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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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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OPR to probe Tobago’s $18m ambulance scandal
The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) is under intense scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in its $18 million ambulance procurement. Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Kelvon Morris, and Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) leader Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus have both called for urgent investigations into the matter. The controversy centers around 12 ambulances purchased in 2023 from Biomedical Technologies Ltd (BMT), which are reportedly non-functional despite each costing approximately $1.5 million. Morris has accused officials of ignoring cheaper, reliable options in favor of a supplier with no prior experience in ambulance provision, suggesting potential corruption. The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) has launched an investigation, appointing three officers to examine the procurement process. Morris has also demanded the resignation of TRHA board members and THA Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, Dr. Faith Brebnor, citing a failure to protect public funds. The situation has left Tobago with an unreliable emergency response system, forcing the island to lease ambulances from Trinidad at an additional cost of $7 million. Tsoiafatt Angus described the ambulances as ‘refurbished panel vans’ that required extensive modifications, yet remained unfit for purpose. The scandal has drawn widespread criticism, with both Morris and Angus emphasizing the dire impact on Tobago’s residents, who face prolonged waits for emergency services.
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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.
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Starving and trapped
Conservation biologist Damion Whyte from The University of the West Indies has expressed deep concern over Jamaicans capturing native birds that have ventured into human-populated areas in search of food and water following Hurricane Melissa. Whyte highlighted social media posts showing individuals offering these birds for sale as pets, a clear violation of Jamaica’s Wildlife Protection Act.
In a social media statement, Whyte emphasized the illegality of capturing and selling these birds, stating, ‘I don’t feel sorry for you if the law catches up on you… because these birds are going through a lot — no water and can’t find food — and all you are thinking of is to put them in cages.’ He explained that the hurricane’s devastation has forced birds into unfamiliar territories, making them vulnerable to predators, including humans.
Whyte, who has been assisting with hurricane relief efforts, observed birds feeding on fallen fruits in residential yards, a behavior unusual for these wild species. He lamented that some individuals are exploiting the birds’ vulnerability by caging them, often leading to their death. A TikTok video surfaced showing a man boasting about capturing four parrots, claiming to have ‘rescued’ them. The video has sparked outrage among conservationists.
Whyte also revealed that some individuals have been selling parrots for prices ranging from $24,000 to $28,000 each, with reports of many birds dying in captivity. He urged the public to report such activities to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) or the police.
To support the birds’ recovery, Whyte advised homeowners to place fallen fruits in areas inaccessible to predators like cats and mongooses. He also recommended using granulated sugar in bird feeders, avoiding syrup or brown sugar, and cleaning feeders regularly. NEPA has issued similar guidance, reminding the public that capturing or caging native birds is illegal and urging them to report injured birds for professional assistance.
Whyte concluded with a plea: ‘Let the birds be. I hope the authorities take action against the people, especially those on social media who are showing how they catch the birds.’
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Moonilal: Technology can reduce LPG tank accidents
In response to a series of tragic LPG cylinder explosions that have claimed four lives since April, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has emphasized the urgent need for technological advancements and stricter regulatory oversight to mitigate such risks. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce of TT (AmCham TT) Health, Safety, Security & Environment conference on November 11, Moonilal declared that these incidents ‘must come to an end.’ He has directed the ministry to collaborate with the National Petroleum (NP) and other regulators to investigate the recent accidents and implement tighter controls. The findings from these investigations are expected to significantly improve safety practices in the use of LPG. Moonilal also announced that NP’s subsidiary operations will undergo a comprehensive review, and draft LPG regulations and licenses are in the final stages of preparation. NP has been instructed to ensure that all cylinders supplied by its subsidiary, Natpet, are thoroughly inspected for leaks or defects. Additionally, the TT Bureau of Standards is set to reconvene and advance draft national LPG standards for public comment. The minister highlighted the availability of various safety technologies, such as LPG monitoring systems that detect leaks, shut off gas supply, and provide immediate alarms, as well as blast-proof technology that can be integrated into cylinders to reduce explosion risks. NP has publicly pledged its cooperation with authorities and is currently reviewing its standards and internal processes. Moonilal questioned the underutilization of such technologies and affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing legislative, technical, and enforcement measures to address the issue.
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Messy menace
Jamaica is grappling with a severe garbage collection crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) struggles to address the overwhelming backlog. NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon, in an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the agency is facing its most significant challenge since its inception in 2002. Despite relentless efforts, residents are urged to brace for further delays in waste collection services over the coming weeks.