American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, alongside renowned business mogul and television producer Mona Scott-Young, has arrived in Jamaica to deliver essential relief packages to communities devastated by recent hurricanes. The duo shared their journey on social media as they touched down on the island on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Jamaican people during this challenging time. Their mission involved transporting critical supplies via private jets, underscoring the urgency and humanitarian nature of their efforts. Scott-Young highlighted the importance of connectivity, bringing Starlink devices to help locals communicate with their families. Both celebrities expressed their deep affection for Jamaica, with Gibson stating, ‘We’re not only here to give but to give with all of this love attached.’ Their initiative follows similar relief efforts by international stars like Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Walt Disney World, and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, showcasing a united front in aiding hurricane recovery.
分类： society
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Coralisle Group mobilises regional resources for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across Jamaica’s western region, Coralisle Group Ltd, a prominent insurance provider in the Caribbean, has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative. The Bermuda-based holding company has mobilized its dedicated claims and logistics teams in Jamaica, bolstered by on-the-ground support from staff in Barbados and Trinidad, as well as specialized assistance from partners in Miami. Employees from other regions are also contributing remotely to expedite the processing of insurance claims.
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Government officials, dignitaries lay wreaths at Remembrance Day ceremony
President Christine Kangaloo presided over the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Port of Spain on November 9, honoring the soldiers of Trinidad and Tobago who perished in World Wars I and II, as well as other conflicts. The solemn event, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, featured the traditional laying of wreaths at the cenotaph, a monument dedicated to the nation’s fallen heroes. President Kangaloo was the first to place a wreath, followed by Attorney General John Jeremie, who represented an absent Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Other dignitaries, including Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, and Chief of Defence Staff Captain Don Polo, also paid their respects. Diplomats from Australia, Colombia, Germany, Jamaica, Korea, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Turkiye, Canada, China, Ghana, Argentina, and the European Union delegation participated in the ceremony, alongside Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne. The event, marked by a brief prayer and no formal speeches, was notably subdued, with fewer spectators than in previous years. The cenotaph, crafted from Portland stone and bronze, bears the names of TT nationals who died in both World Wars and features symbolic sculptures representing courage, sacrifice, and victory. Originally unveiled in the 1920s, the monument has been the centerpiece of TT’s Remembrance Day observances for nearly a century.
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Digicel aids Jamaica with hardware supplies, care packages
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Digicel Group has spearheaded a comprehensive humanitarian campaign to aid recovery efforts across the island’s most devastated regions. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, claimed 32 lives, decimated homes, and crippled critical infrastructure, leaving countless families in dire need.
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USF deploys mobile Wi-Fi station in Hanover to support hurricane recovery
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Universal Service Fund (USF) launched a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, on November 7. This initiative aims to restore critical connectivity for residents who have been cut off from communication since the hurricane struck on October 28. The USF’s community Wi-Fi infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the storm, prompting the agency to adopt Starlink Wi-Fi technology to bridge the digital gap in affected areas.
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‘Darri Boss’ shot dead outside bar
In a shocking incident on the evening of November 8, 30-year-old Darrina “Darri Boss” Dow was fatally shot outside Strood’s Bar in Tunapuna. According to police reports, Dow was engaged in a card game with friends when a white AD Wagon pulled up around 10:30 pm. A masked assailant, clad in black, emerged from the vehicle and opened fire, striking Dow four times in the back. The gunman swiftly returned to the car, which then sped away from the scene. A harrowing video of the attack has since surfaced on social media, capturing the tragic moment.
Witnesses recounted that Dow’s father and a bystander rushed her to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival at 11:25 pm. The following day, Newsday visited the scene, finding the bar closed and the outdoor area still wet, with visible water slicks. Residents in the neighborhood remained reticent, revealing only that Dow had rented an apartment a few houses away from the bar but was not originally from the area. A visit to her apartment complex revealed closed gates and no signs of occupancy.
Crime scene investigators from the North Central Division and officers from the Region II Homicide Bureau have processed the scene, and police investigations are ongoing. Efforts to reach the area’s MP and Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, for comment were unsuccessful.
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All major Junkanoo groups will participate in upcoming parades
In a significant development for Bahamian culture, all major Junkanoo A-groups will participate in the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades on Bay Street, dispelling weeks of uncertainty. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday by the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). The Shell Saxon Superstars, Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis, and Music Makers have all confirmed their involvement, marking a resolution to the recent tensions between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP).
The dispute arose when the government transferred oversight of the parades to the NJC and initiated an audit of the JCNP, raising concerns about transparency, consultation, and funding. This led to fears that the A-groups might boycott the events. However, the NJC’s intervention has restored unity within the Junkanoo community. NJC Chairman Andrew Pinder described the resolution as “a defining moment,” emphasizing the importance of fairness and collaboration in preserving this cherished tradition.
Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg reiterated that the audit aimed to enhance accountability and public trust, ensuring the parades remain a national priority. NJC Co-Chair Kishlaine Smith highlighted plans to expand Junkanoo’s reach, including bolstering Family Island parades and supporting Junior Junkanoo initiatives. Meanwhile, Bahamas Junkanoo Festival Co-Chair Anthony Bostwick announced a 15-day national celebration, transforming Junkanoo into a broader cultural experience featuring Bahamian music, art, fashion, and cuisine.
Leaders of the six major A-groups expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming parades, pledging to deliver unforgettable performances. Parade Management Team leader Douglas Hanna assured that preparations are nearly complete, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and adherence to existing rules. The resolution ensures that Junkanoo, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of Bahamian identity.
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Young professional proposes SCRZs to combat relief traffic
As recovery operations persist in Jamaica’s southwestern parishes, a young professional has proposed the establishment of Standardised Community Relief Zones (SCRZs) to address logistical challenges in aid distribution. Daineroy Allen, a management consultant and compliance specialist, highlighted the inefficiencies caused by traffic gridlock and last-mile distribution issues during relief efforts. While acknowledging the use of air support to expedite aid delivery, Allen emphasized the need for a functional ground strategy to complement these efforts. His SCRZ initiative aims to create consistent, predictable relief hubs in each affected parish, ensuring smoother coordination for both local residents and international aid organizations. Allen, who also serves as COO of Narro Ventures in Canada, has submitted his proposal to key government agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie. Although he has yet to receive feedback, Allen remains optimistic about the plan’s potential to bring order, speed, and safety to the relief process. He believes that standardisation will enable faster training, quicker deployment of national resources, and seamless integration of international aid teams. Allen also urged young professionals to contribute their expertise to enhance recovery efforts, stressing the importance of transitioning from emergency delivery to a structured, localized system. He envisions a phased implementation of SCRZs, leveraging existing relief groups to ensure long-term community stabilization.
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Works minister touts Troy Bridge’s resilience after Hurricane Melissa
The Troy Bridge in Southern Trelawny, currently under construction, has emerged as a symbol of resilience after withstanding the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Despite catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds, the bridge remained structurally intact, earning praise for its robust design and engineering.
During a site visit on Friday, Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, highlighted the bridge’s performance as a model of resilience-focused construction. ‘The Troy Bridge endured immense water pressure during Hurricane Melissa, yet it stands as strong as it did before the storm. This exemplifies how we should build for resilience,’ Morgan stated.
He emphasized that while the surrounding area experienced severe erosion and geographical changes due to the hurricane, the bridge remained steadfast. This, he noted, underscores the quality of its design, engineering, and execution. ‘We are constructing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. The landscape around the Troy Bridge has transformed, but the bridge itself remains firm and strong. We take immense pride in the design, engineering, and implementation of this project,’ Morgan added.
The $231 million Troy Bridge project is now 80% complete. Upon completion, it will reconnect communities in Trelawny, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, which were isolated after the collapse of the original 19th-century bridge during Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021. The new bridge not only promises to restore vital connectivity but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the face of climate challenges.
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Moruga murder victim’s mother: People ‘desperately wicked, prone to evil’
The peaceful village of Moruga was plunged into grief as Marvin Hamilton, a 45-year-old heavy-equipment driver and father of three, was brutally murdered in his car over the weekend. The tragic incident occurred just days after Hamilton celebrated his 45th birthday, leaving his family and community in shock. His 83-year-old mother, Inez Hamilton, expressed her profound sorrow and faith, stating she is leaving everything in the hands of the Lord. Hamilton’s death marks another tragic chapter for the family, following the natural passing of his father, Dolton, in August last year. Dolton was the grandfather of Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, who mourned her uncle’s untimely death in a heartfelt Facebook post, questioning the senseless violence that claimed his life. Hamilton was described as a quiet, hardworking man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother recalled his daily check-ins and the phone he bought her to stay connected. The community echoed these sentiments, remembering him as a kind and non-confrontational individual. The circumstances of his death suggest an attempted car-jacking, with Hamilton found in the driver’s seat of his locked Nissan B14. This incident adds to a series of violent crimes in St Mary’s Village, including the murders of Josiah Carthy, Seon Carthy, Drupatee Chance, Enrico Guerra, Anika Guerra, Oba Gill, Brandon Seenath, Nigel Chance, and Surita Deosaran over the past few years. Investigations into Hamilton’s murder are ongoing, as the community grapples with the loss and seeks justice.