博客

TREASURE BEACH, St Elizabeth — Jack Sprat, a beloved restaurant on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, is set to reopen today after extensive restoration efforts following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. This marks the second time in 16 months that the eatery has undergone major repairs, having previously been ravaged by Hurricane Beryl. Jason Henzell, the hotelier and owner of Jack Sprat, shared with the Jamaica Observer that the reopening is a testament to the resilience and determination of his staff and community. ‘We are reopening exactly two weeks after the hurricane. It won’t be perfect, but it’s better to open now and keep improving,’ Henzell said. The restaurant’s revival is seen as a beacon of hope for residents and visitors in the region, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Henzell emphasized the importance of Jack Sprat as a community hub, where people can gather, enjoy meals, and access essential services like Wi-Fi and phone charging. The restoration of Jakes Hotel, also owned by Henzell, is underway, with a phased reopening planned in the coming weeks. Henzell highlighted the broader recovery efforts in St Elizabeth, calling on businesses to transition from immediate relief to rebuilding livelihoods. He praised the outpouring of support from locals, international donors, and the Jamaican government, particularly commending Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his leadership. ‘Jamaicans are proud people, and their spirit keeps us going,’ Henzell added, reflecting on the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

The Maroon settlement of Accompong in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has been left in ruins following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Described as ‘wicked’ by residents, the hurricane obliterated nearly every farm and the majority of homes, leaving the community in dire need of assistance. Farmers like Andrew Rowe and Neville White recounted the devastation, with Rowe stating, ‘I lost my housetop, my farm with ginger, dasheen, yam, and all those things. The whole pepper field was wiped off the map.’ White added, ‘All ginger, plantain, banana, dasheen mash up.’ The storm’s ferocity was unparalleled, with Errol Williams comparing it unfavorably to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which had previously caused widespread damage across Jamaica. Williams described the terrifying experience of being inside his home as the hurricane tore through, with winds so strong they sounded like a crying baby. The aftermath has been equally challenging, with residents now battling an influx of mosquitoes, flies, bees, and unknown insects. The community is urgently calling for substantial aid to rebuild their homes and restore their farms, as they struggle to recover from the unprecedented destruction.

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.

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.’