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  • Belizean Line Workers Help Restore Jamaica’s Power

    Belizean Line Workers Help Restore Jamaica’s Power

    In a powerful demonstration of regional cooperation, a specialized team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has successfully completed a month-long mission assisting Jamaica’s power restoration efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. The seven-member crew, deployed on November 12th, 2025, returned home this week after making significant contributions to rebuilding Jamaica’s electrical infrastructure.

    Led by Line Supervisor Tyrone Reynolds, the technical specialists included Kareem Lopez, Perr Tillett, Ethan Alvarado, Bladimir Alvarez, Adolfo Oliva, and Kendale August. They operated primarily in Westmoreland Savannah’s Lamar area, described as Jamaica’s most severely impacted region, where electrical systems suffered near-total destruction.

    Working under the CARILEC framework (Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation), the Belizean professionals collaborated with utility crews from across the Caribbean. Their coordinated efforts produced measurable results: Jamaica’s power restoration rate jumped from 67% to 84% during their deployment period.

    BEL’s Manager of Distribution Operations Ashton Webster expressed profound pride in his team’s performance. “Words cannot express how I feel in terms of what they represented,” Webster stated. “They’ve represented Belize, BEL, and our country’s capabilities. This experience demonstrated that once properly trained, Belizean technicians can perform at exceptional levels.”

    The mission provided both technical and cultural exchange opportunities, though team members were reportedly stunned by the unprecedented scale of damage from Hurricane Melissa, which exceeded their experiences with Category 1 and 2 storms in Belize.

    BEL has granted the returning crew vacation time to reunite with families after their extended absence, along with symbolic gestures of appreciation for their sacrifice during the holiday season.

  • Bartlett commends united response behind swift post-hurricane repatriation of 25,000 tourists

    Bartlett commends united response behind swift post-hurricane repatriation of 25,000 tourists

    JAMAICA – The Jamaican government has successfully executed one of the most rapid large-scale tourist evacuations in Caribbean history, safely repatriating 25,000 visitors within just seven days following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett revealed the extraordinary achievement during a December 13th tourism partners’ meeting at Iberostar Hotel in St James, highlighting the operation as a testament to the island nation’s crisis management capabilities.

    The meticulously coordinated effort involved seamless collaboration between hotel operators, transportation providers, airport staff, and security personnel, working in concert to ensure stranded tourists were efficiently returned to their home countries. Minister Bartlett emphasized that this unprecedented response delivered a powerful message to the international community regarding Jamaica’s preparedness and operational competence during emergencies.

    Within merely 24 hours after the hurricane’s passage, the tourism ministry established a specialized Recovery Task Force chaired by John Byles, bringing together both public and private sector stakeholders. This coalition included senior ministry officials, tourism agencies, Jamaica Tourist Board leadership, Tourism Enhancement Fund representatives, Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), and the Port Authority of Jamaica, all unified under the singular objective of accelerating the tourism sector’s recovery above all other industries.

    Minister Bartlett underscored tourism’s critical role as the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, noting its unique capacity for immediate economic impact through what he termed ‘immediate convertibility’ – the direct flow of tourism earnings into local communities the moment transportation vessels arrive. This characteristic, he explained, positions tourism as the primary driver of national economic recovery following crises through its extensive network of interconnected industries and business models.

    The minister further acknowledged utility providers Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and National Water Commission (NWC) for their exceptional efforts in restoring full electricity and water services to all major tourism destinations including Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Kingston, enabling the sector’s swift reactivation.

  • Cash assistance programme launched to support 50,000 Jamaicans post Melissa

    Cash assistance programme launched to support 50,000 Jamaicans post Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A significant humanitarian initiative commenced on Tuesday as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), activated a comprehensive cash assistance program for citizens devastated by October’s Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. This strategic intervention represents a pivotal transition from immediate emergency relief toward sustained recovery and community resilience building.

    The newly launched program is designed to support approximately 50,000 individuals across severely affected regions, expanding beyond the initial emergency phase that distributed food packs to 123,000 vulnerable residents in St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland. The initiative will now extend its coverage to include the parish of Hanover, utilizing the Jamaica Household Damage, Impact and Needs Assessment (JHDINA) tool to identify eligible households.

    Brian Bogart, WFP’s Caribbean Multi-Country Office representative, emphasized the transformative nature of cash-based assistance: ‘For families who have lost everything, cash transfers provide more than mere relief—they restore autonomy. This approach empowers households to make their own decisions regarding food and essential needs, directly placing resources into the hands of affected communities while supporting their dignity and independence.’

    The economic implications of this cash infusion are substantial. As commercial establishments and small businesses gradually reopen throughout western Jamaica, the assistance is anticipated to stimulate local economic recovery by boosting demand, supporting vendors, and accelerating the return to normalcy.

    Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., expressed profound commitment to the initiative: ‘Having witnessed firsthand the challenges confronting our citizens post-Melissa, I am deeply inspired by their resilience. Providing timely support to our most vulnerable isn’t just ministerial duty—it’s a personal responsibility. Our partnership with WFP enables us to deliver compassionate, dignified assistance with remarkable efficiency.’

    Beyond immediate cash transfers, WFP is implementing long-term recovery strategies including farmland and fisheries restoration projects to revive incomes, improve nutrition, and stabilize markets. Additionally, through its disaster risk financing partnership with the Jamaican government, WFP has facilitated a $1.9 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) to be distributed through national social protection systems.

    This comprehensive recovery effort has been made possible through substantial contributions from multiple international donors including the governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Central Emergency Response Fund, and private entities such as the XO Fund, Bank of America, and Flex/Twilio Inc., supplemented by WFP’s Immediate Response Account resources.

  • Dr Carla Barnett Urges Unity and Resilience in CARICOM End-of-Year Message

    Dr Carla Barnett Urges Unity and Resilience in CARICOM End-of-Year Message

    In her annual year-end message, Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), presented a comprehensive assessment of the region’s turbulent year marked by both severe challenges and significant achievements. The address highlighted how recent natural disasters have starkly revealed regional vulnerabilities while simultaneously reinforcing the critical importance of regional unity.

    The Caribbean faced unprecedented devastation in 2025 as Hurricane Melissa inflicted catastrophic damage across Jamaica and Haiti, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Beryl’s destructive path through multiple Member States in 2024. These consecutive disasters resulted in substantial loss of life and infrastructure, necessitating extensive recovery efforts that will demand considerable time and resources. Compounding these natural calamities, the region confronted complex geopolitical tensions that threatened export revenues, regional stability, and national sovereignty.

    Despite these formidable obstacles, CARICOM nations demonstrated characteristic resilience through coordinated emergency response efforts and innovative approaches to safeguard economic stability and livelihoods. The community mobilized rapidly to address critical needs in hurricane-affected areas while implementing creative strategies to protect business continuity.

    Significant progress was achieved in advancing regional integration through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. Four Member States—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—initiated full free movement of citizens among their territories, establishing foundations for enhanced economic collaboration and strengthened people-to-people connections.

    The development of a comprehensive CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy reached advanced stages, creating frameworks for expanded productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification. Agricultural initiatives under the ’25 by 2025+’ strategy generated production growth despite substantial setbacks from hurricane damage and climate-related events that severely impacted farming communities.

    Cultural achievements flourished with CARIFESTA XV in Barbados celebrating the region’s artistic talent and vibrant cultural diversity. Democratic traditions were strengthened through peaceful general elections conducted in seven Member States and five Associate Members throughout the year.

    Human capital development received focused attention with particular emphasis on enhancing inclusivity and expanding participation opportunities for youth and women in economic activities, decision-making processes, and regional affairs. Future preparedness efforts include examining artificial intelligence implications for regional business practices while expanding physical and digital connectivity to drive economic development.

    Dr. Barnett acknowledged the substantial contributions of Caribbean citizens, CARICOM Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, labor movements, and the CARICOM diaspora. Their collective engagement has been instrumental in advancing regional welfare and development objectives.

    The Secretary-General expressed confidence in the Community’s capacity to address ongoing challenges with clarity and determination, citing outcomes from the Conference of Heads of Government meetings in Barbados and Jamaica that demonstrated strategic focus on trade, regional security, foreign policy coordination, reparations, governance, human development, and climate change.

    Dr. Barnett concluded by inviting all stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient, prosperous, and united ‘Community for All’ while extending wishes for peace and progress during the festive season and coming year.

  • STATEMENT: End of year message from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

    STATEMENT: End of year message from Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout 2025 while confronting unprecedented natural disasters and geopolitical pressures. The region faced catastrophic impacts from Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted severe damage across Jamaica and Haiti following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl in 2024. These climate events resulted in significant loss of life and property, necessitating extensive recovery efforts that will demand substantial resources and time.

    Despite these challenges, CARICOM member states have made significant strides in regional integration. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated full free movement of persons among themselves, marking a crucial advancement in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework. This development promises to stimulate economic activity and enhance people-to-people connections throughout the region.

    The community has also progressed substantially in developing a comprehensive Industrial Policy and Strategy, establishing foundations for strengthened productive capacity, innovation, and economic diversification. Agricultural initiatives under the 25 by 2025+ strategy showed production growth, though hurricane-related climate events created substantial setbacks for farming communities.

    Cultural achievements flourished with CARIFESTA XV in Barbados celebrating the region’s vibrant artistic traditions, while democratic processes were upheld through peaceful general elections in seven Member States and five Associate Members. The community has maintained focus on human capital development, particularly supporting increased participation of youth and women in economic activities and decision-making processes.

    Looking forward, CARICOM is examining artificial intelligence implications for regional business practices while working to expand physical and digital connectivity. Disaster resilience building and enhancing food security programs remain critical priorities. The outcomes from the 2025 Conference of Heads of Government meetings in Barbados and Jamaica demonstrate strategic commitment to addressing trade, regional security, reparations, governance, and climate change challenges.

    CARICOM leadership acknowledges the contributions of regional citizens, Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and the diaspora community. As the new year approaches, the community moves forward with renewed determination to achieve its vision of a resilient, prosperous, and united ‘Community for All’.

  • Palestinian NGOs urge world action on Gaza crisis

    Palestinian NGOs urge world action on Gaza crisis

    A coalition of humanitarian organizations has issued a dire warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip, home to over two million residents. The network’s statement highlights an escalating humanitarian catastrophe, intensified by border closures imposed by the Israeli military that severely restrict the entry of essential supplies including food, medical resources, and fuel.

    The statement reveals a tragic consequence of these restrictions: approximately 1,200 Palestinian fatalities have occurred due to the inability to evacuate critically ill patients for specialized medical treatment. The healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is reportedly on the verge of collapse amid widespread disease outbreaks that have been aggravated by seasonal cold weather and rainfall.

    Medical professionals within the enclave are observing alarming increases in skin and respiratory infections, particularly among displaced populations living in overcrowded temporary shelters. The network further emphasized the deteriorating health of chronic disease patients, especially elderly individuals, who face severe medication and supply shortages.

    In response to these developments, the NGO coalition has called upon the international community to exert pressure on Israel to reopen border crossings for humanitarian access. Additionally, the statement demands legal accountability for Israeli leadership through international prosecution and sanctions for alleged crimes committed in occupied territories.

  • Palestine condemns new Israeli settlements in the West Bank

    Palestine condemns new Israeli settlements in the West Bank

    In a significant escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli authorities have approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in Palestinian territories, drawing sharp condemnation from Palestinian leadership and human rights organizations. Muayyad Shaban, head of a prominent Palestinian organization, characterized the move as a dangerous expansionist policy that threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state.

    Shaban issued a statement condemning what he described as “a systematic policy led by the settler government” under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He warned that the settlement approvals represent “a new attack on Palestinian territory” and demonstrate Israel’s true intentions to consolidate a system of annexation and apartheid through what he termed the “complete Judaization” of Palestinian land.

    The Palestinian official emphasized that this legalization of settlements constitutes “another step in the race to annihilate Palestinian geography in favor of the colonial settlement project” and represents a blatant challenge to international law. According to Shaban, Israeli authorities are implementing a strategic vision aimed at eliminating the possibility of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state through systematic settlement expansion.

    Finance Minister Smotrich, known for his hardline anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab positions, described the approval of these settlements as historic. The move comes amid already heightened tensions in the region, with over 750,000 Jewish settlers currently residing in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, distributed among approximately 180 settlements and 256 outposts according to official figures.

    The international community has consistently rejected Israel’s expansionist policy in the occupied territories, which are considered integral to any future Palestinian state under numerous United Nations resolutions and international agreements. Shaban called for urgent international action to halt what he characterized as a dangerous escalation that threatens prospects for peace and stability in the region.

  • Dominican Republic and Egypt sign agreement to strengthen civil aviation training

    Dominican Republic and Egypt sign agreement to strengthen civil aviation training

    In a significant move to advance global aviation standards, the Dominican Republic and Egypt have formalized a collaborative framework through a signed letter of intent. This agreement, established between the Higher Academy of Aeronautical Sciences (ASCA) of the Dominican Republic and the Egyptian Aviation Academy, aims to bolster academic and technical cooperation in the field of international civil aviation.

    The partnership is designed to enhance training programs and capacity-building initiatives within the aeronautical sector. Its primary objective is to support the safe, orderly, and sustainable expansion of civil aviation operations in both regions. The signing ceremony took place during an official institutional visit to Egypt, underscoring the commitment of both nations to fostering international dialogue.

    Leading the Dominican delegation was Igor Rodríguez Durán, Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), alongside Deputy Director General Paola Aimée Plá Puello. Their participation extended to a broader dialogue session between civil aviation authorities from Latin America and Africa. The Egyptian representation included Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, and Amr El Sharkawy, Director General of Civil Aviation and head of the EGYPTAIR Training Academy.

    As part of the official agenda, Dominican officials conducted extensive technical tours of pivotal Egyptian aviation institutions. These visits included the Civil Aviation Authority, key airport and air navigation service providers, and EGYPTAIR’s comprehensive training, maintenance, and engineering facilities. The exchanges emphasized practical knowledge transfer and the reinforcement of bilateral ties, setting a precedent for future international aviation collaborations.

  • Southwestern Colombia shaken by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake

    Southwestern Colombia shaken by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake

    A significant seismic event rattled multiple regions of Colombia on Thursday morning, initiating a sequence of tremors across the nation’s central and southwestern territories. According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the initial earthquake, registering a notable magnitude, struck with an epicenter depth of 34 kilometers at precisely 9:05 a.m. local time.

    The tremors were perceptibly felt across a wide geographical expanse, including the urban centers of Garzon, Armenia, Ibague, Cali, Popayan, and Florencia, alongside numerous other municipalities. Local media outlets documented the widespread nature of the event, which prompted momentary alarm among residents.

    Subsequent to the primary quake, the SGC seismic monitoring network detected two additional aftershocks. The first, a milder tremor measuring 3.1 in magnitude, was recorded at 9:36 a.m. with its epicenter located in San Jose del Palmar, within the northwestern department of Choco. A third seismic event, further diminished at a magnitude of 2.6, occurred at 10:10 a.m. near the municipality of Murindo in the Antioquia department.

    Despite the unsettling series of events, national authorities have provided preliminary assurances that no structural damage or personal injuries have been reported in the immediate aftermath. Emergency response teams remain on high alert, conducting standard preliminary assessments across the affected zones to verify the initial reports.

  • Jamaica leveraging international partnerships in rebuilding effort

    Jamaica leveraging international partnerships in rebuilding effort

    Jamaica is mobilizing international expertise and substantial financial resources to spearhead its monumental recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted a staggering $8.8 billion in damages. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, confirmed that architectural and engineering specialists are scheduled to arrive on the island by January to assist with national reconstruction planning and redesign.

    The government is actively pursuing grant funding between $5 million and $20 million from the recently launched $250 million Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD). During a December 18th tour of devastated communities in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, Minister Samuda led FRLD representatives through severely impacted areas including Black River, Parottee, Whitehouse, and Bluefields to demonstrate the catastrophic scale of destruction to homes, public buildings, and critical infrastructure.

    Minister Samuda emphasized the urgent need for transformational changes in Jamaica’s construction approach, stating: ‘We’ve been warning about genuine climate risks for years. Witnessing mangled steel and iron firsthand underscores that we must build fundamentally differently to manage future disaster potentials.’ He noted that despite FRLD support not solving all challenges, the government is pursuing every available funding avenue through the Climate Change Division and Planning Institute of Jamaica, including the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility.

    Executive Director of FRLD, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, expressed profound urgency after witnessing the devastation, confirming the fund’s commitment to supporting both infrastructure rebuilding and human recovery efforts for displaced families. ‘Jamaica isn’t waiting for the world to rebuild, and we’re honored to participate in their solution,’ Diong remarked.

    Local officials including Black River Mayor Richard Solomon acknowledged that while progress has been made, the situation remains overwhelming, with the tour bringing renewed hope that substantial additional support is forthcoming for long-term recovery efforts.