博客

Members of Jamaica’s Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee expressed deep skepticism on Wednesday over the National Water Commission’s (NWC) optimistic recovery figures following Hurricane Melissa. Despite NWC’s claim that 75% of its systems had been restored islandwide, MPs highlighted the stark disparity between these numbers and the ongoing water shortages in severely affected western parishes. Acting NWC Vice President of Operations, Dr. Phillipa Campbell-Francis, explained the complexity of the recovery process, citing 1,000 water systems dependent on electricity, many of which remain damaged or inoperable. However, MPs like James Robertson of St Thomas Western and Heroy Clarke of St James Central argued that the NWC’s data failed to reflect the dire reality on the ground, where communities still lacked piped water weeks after the storm. Clarke criticized the inefficiency of water trucking operations, noting that logistical delays left many areas underserved. MPs also questioned the methodology behind the NWC’s figures, with Richard Azan of Clarendon North Western quipping that the numbers seemed “drone-generated.” NWC officials acknowledged challenges, including power outages, siltation, and pipeline leaks, but assured that efforts were underway to restore full service. Despite support from Global Support and Development, which provided emergency water supplies, parishes like Westmoreland and St Elizabeth remain far from full recovery. The committee urged the NWC to provide clearer data and realistic timelines to address the crisis effectively.

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, its devastation extended beyond physical damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving thousands of families grappling with food insecurity. In response, World Central Kitchen (WCK), a global non-profit founded by Spanish-American chef José Andrés, swiftly scaled up its relief efforts to provide hot meals to those most affected by the disaster. Known for its rapid response to crises worldwide, WCK collaborates with local chefs, farmers, and communities to deliver comfort through familiar flavors during times of need.

Chef Oli, WCK’s Emergency Response Director, arrived in Jamaica with extensive experience from disaster zones across the globe. “We began preparations before the hurricane made landfall,” he explained. “We coordinated with restaurant partners from previous relief efforts, ensured they had adequate supplies, and started cooking for families who had evacuated inland. As soon as conditions allowed, we resumed operations.”

The relief efforts were bolstered by local and international support. The Westmoreland Police Division assisted in offloading over 2,500 hot meals from a relief helicopter, while Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton personally thanked WCK volunteers for their dedication. Even retired sprint legend Usain Bolt visited the WCK operations hub to express his gratitude to the team.

WCK’s operations in Jamaica are a testament to its mission of providing immediate food relief in the aftermath of disasters. With the help of local volunteers like Micheala Atkinson, who proudly displayed a “Free WCK Meals” sign, the organization ensures that affected communities receive daily hot meals. Chef José Andrés himself visited the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital to coordinate ongoing relief efforts, underscoring WCK’s commitment to supporting Jamaica during this challenging time.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) has established a robust presence in Jamaica, tirelessly preparing and distributing thousands of meals daily to those in need. Two expansive field kitchens have been set up—one at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and another in Negril—where local chefs and volunteers craft comforting dishes such as stewed chicken, rice, and peas. These meals are then delivered to shelters and communities grappling with the storm’s devastation.

As Jamaica struggles to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Digicel’s CEO Stephen Murad has raised alarms over a surge in vandalism and theft that is severely impeding the restoration of critical telecommunications infrastructure. Speaking before the Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, Murad detailed how criminals are cutting fibre cables and stealing fuel from generators, undoing the company’s painstaking efforts to reconnect communities.