分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rising dancehall sensation Jay-A Gullyside, alongside his 1Nato team, embarked on a humanitarian mission in St Elizabeth over the weekend, distributing over 85 care packages to elderly residents and those left homeless and destitute by the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The artiste, visibly moved by the widespread destruction, described the scenes as heart-wrenching. ‘It was an emotional experience for me…the devastation…just to see it up close. We saw decaying bodies in communities around Black River, dead animals, and the overwhelming stench was unbearable,’ Jay-A recounted. The team ventured beyond Treasure Beach, providing aid in Southfield and focusing on areas severely affected beyond Black River, including Billy’s Bay and Jack Sprat. Jay-A painted a grim picture of the aftermath: downed trees, demolished homes, and communities isolated by stagnant, foul-smelling waters. ‘Some people lost everything. I saw mothers begging for diapers. These are proud people, farmers, and fishermen who are used to self-sufficiency, now reduced to begging. It’s heart-breaking,’ he shared. One particularly poignant moment involved a Rastafarian man who lost his boat and saw his parents’ graves washed away. ‘All he could say was, ‘Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life.’ It was very touching,’ Jay-A recalled. The mission was cut short in Goshen, where floodwaters forced the team to retreat. ‘Goshen is still in bad shape. We encountered water and had to turn back. People are still trapped in their homes,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Jay-A spent time comforting residents, listening to their harrowing survival stories, and offering hope. ‘I’m not rich, but I hope the little I gave can inspire others to help. I love my country, Jamaica,’ he said. Jay-A, known for his collaborations with dancehall icons like Mavado and Dexta Daps, demonstrated that his commitment to his community extends beyond music.

In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica last Tuesday, the community of Brompton in St Elizabeth remains in dire straits. Over the weekend, the resilience of the youngest residents was on full display as children took to the streets, pleading for assistance from passing motorists. Armed with handmade placards bearing messages such as ‘We need food and water, anything helps,’ these young survivors highlighted the urgent needs of their devastated neighborhood. Brompton, among the hardest-hit areas, has been left in ruins by the storm’s ferocity. Despite the overwhelming destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged as compassionate drivers halted to distribute vital supplies, including food, bottled water, and soap, offering a small but significant reprieve to the struggling community.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has successfully distributed more than 30,000 food packages to affected households across the island. This extensive relief effort was carried out in collaboration with all 14 parishes and involved key partners such as the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Food for the Poor, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, private sector entities, and various faith-based and community organizations.

Of the total packages, 22,156 were directly distributed by the ministry, while contributions from the private sector and other partners accounted for an additional 8,500. Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of partnership and unity in disaster response. ‘Through partnership, foresight, and unity, we have demonstrated that effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness but on compassion and collaboration,’ he stated.

The ministry remains committed to coordinating with parish offices and humanitarian partners to ensure that isolated communities are reached and that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive support.

A family in the John’s Hall community of St James, Jamaica, faces the imminent loss of their home after a portion of its foundation was eroded by floodwaters linked to Hurricane Melissa. The house, owned by Lincoln James, a former principal of Howard Cooke Primary School, has been severely compromised, rendering it unsafe for habitation. James revealed that the family has relocated to another dwelling on the property, avoiding the unstable structure. He described the interior as feeling like ‘going downhill,’ highlighting the extent of the damage. The family’s belongings, including furniture, remain inside, with only a few essential items salvaged. James’s car is also precariously positioned against the house, prompting him to seek assistance from his insurance provider. James attributed the disaster to a shift in the water channel caused by a landslide and a mango tree that obstructed the natural flow. The family was unaware of the damage until James’s son noticed the issue, forcing them to evacuate hastily. The incident underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.