KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Sagicor Group Jamaica, through its philanthropic arm, the Sagicor Foundation, has pledged approximately J$200 million in relief funding. This comprehensive support package includes J$40 million allocated specifically for Sagicor employees affected by the storm. To date, 224 employees residing in the hardest-hit parishes have been identified for targeted assistance. As part of its immediate response, the company has distributed “family boxes” to over 670 individuals, including team members and their families, across 48 communities in five parishes. Volunteers from Sagicor’s subsidiaries were mobilized to assist with the packaging and distribution of these essential supplies. Additionally, the company is offering grants for immediate needs and interest-free loans to support long-term rebuilding efforts for affected employees. These local initiatives are bolstered by Sagicor Financial Company (SFC), the group’s parent company, which has pledged matching donations from employees in other Sagicor territories to aid long-term recovery. Sagicor is also exploring further ways to assist clients severely impacted by the hurricane, helping them regain stability and normalcy during this challenging period. Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, personally visited Black River, St Elizabeth, to oversee relief distribution and assess the damage. “The devastation in Black River is heartbreaking, and we are committed to supporting our team members, clients, and the broader community in rebuilding their lives,” Zacca stated. He emphasized Sagicor’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica, reaffirming the company’s dedication to recovery efforts. The Sagicor Foundation will continue to coordinate relief initiatives as recovery progresses across the island.
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IRIE AC remembers Hurricane Gilbert
In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert, a Category Three storm, wreaked havoc on Jamaica, leaving hundreds of thousands, including IRIE AC, grappling with its aftermath. Reflecting on the devastation, IRIE AC recounted, “Gilbert was the most catastrophic hurricane I’ve experienced. The flooding, the roofs torn off like planes—it’s unforgettable, even decades later.” Now residing in the United States, he expressed deep empathy for those affected by the recent Hurricane Melissa, emphasizing the resilience of Jamaicans. “We can rebuild as long as there’s life,” he affirmed. IRIE AC has also been actively raising awareness through his platforms and is willing to support recovery efforts through benefit concerts. Currently, he is promoting two new singles: a rendition of John Legend’s ‘This Time’ and a cover of 38 Special’s ‘Second Chance,’ both produced by King Mars Production. Describing his music as a fusion of reggae, pop, and R&B, IRIE AC is determined to carve a niche in the international music scene. His journey to music was delayed by a 20-year stint in the US Marines, where he served as a master sergeant. Despite the challenges, he never abandoned his passion, writing songs and performing at military events. After retiring in 2016, he launched his recording career, releasing five albums and numerous singles. Confident in his trajectory, IRIE AC believes his breakthrough on the global stage is imminent.
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THA, NTA sign MOU on workforce competitiveness
In a significant move to bolster Tobago’s workforce, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the National Training Agency (NTA) have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at equipping the island’s current and future workforce with globally competitive skills. The agreement was signed on November 6 at the Victor Bruce Financial Complex in Scarborough, Tobago, in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including NTA chairman Chandar Gupta Supersad, parliamentary secretary Hansen Narinesingh, and THA Secretary Petal Ann Roberts. The initiative, known as the Tobago Training Needs Assessment project, is set to conclude by October and is designed to identify skill gaps, prioritize economic sectors, and align training programs with labor market demands. Narinesingh emphasized the project’s importance in addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and shifting global labor markets. He highlighted the need for purposeful skills, adaptability, and innovation to ensure Tobago’s workforce remains competitive. Roberts underscored the initiative’s role in preparing Tobagonians for future job markets, aligning training with economic opportunities, and fostering equitable development across Trinidad and Tobago. Supersad described the assessment as timely, stressing its potential to create responsive training programs and national occupational standards tailored to Tobago’s needs. The project aims to empower Tobagonians, particularly youth, by connecting them to meaningful training and real-world opportunities, ultimately driving economic growth and development on the island.
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Downsound Entertainment, D’Yani and Marcy Chin bring hurricane relief to western Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of solidarity, Downsound Entertainment (DSE), renowned for organizing Reggae Sumfest and Freedom Street, collaborated with artists D’Yani, Marcy Chin, and YoungWildApache to deliver essential relief supplies to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative targeted areas severely impacted by the storm, including Santa Cruz and Middle Quarters in St. Elizabeth, as well as Dean’s Valley in Westmoreland. The relief effort aimed to provide immediate assistance to families struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster. The care packages distributed by the team included non-perishable food items, baby formula, diapers, bottled water, tarpaulin, comforters, and mini tents, addressing both short-term and long-term needs of those who lost homes or suffered significant property damage. Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jamaicans during times of crisis. “Music connects us, but community sustains us,” Bogdanovich stated. “Downsound has always believed in giving back, especially when our people are hurting. Witnessing the devastation first-hand was heart-breaking, yet it was also inspiring to see the resilience of Jamaicans. We’re proud to lend a hand and will continue supporting rebuilding efforts wherever we can.” The artists involved in the initiative shared their emotional experiences during the visit. D’Yani described the experience as heart-wrenching, expressing a newfound appreciation for life. “Seeing the devastation in person gave me a deeper sense of gratitude. The people were incredibly grateful and truly needed the help,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of DSE manager Dwight “Bub” James in coordinating the outreach. Marcy Chin found the journey eye-opening, particularly moved by the selflessness of a woman who, despite losing her own home, urged the team to assist her neighbor who had suffered a personal tragedy. YoungWildApache echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “Being on the ground and witnessing the impact of Hurricane Melissa first-hand was overwhelming. I’m just thankful we could bring a bit of hope to those in need,” he said. In addition to the immediate relief efforts, DSE is collaborating with key agencies to identify further ways to assist affected communities. A clean-up team has also been mobilized in St. James, underscoring Downsound Entertainment’s dedication to leveraging music and community action to uplift Jamaica.
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State agrees to disclose documents in police promotion lawsuits
The state has committed to releasing additional documents in multiple lawsuits filed by police officers challenging the 2023 corporal promotion exercise. This decision follows earlier disclosures in June, where individual merit list scores from the promotion process were made public. The lawsuits arose from a contentious promotion round in September 2023, which saw 861 constables promoted to corporal out of 2,342 candidates. The process was halted due to complaints about a ‘glitch’ in the Order of Merit List (OML), prompting internal audits and legal actions. In February, courts granted the constables permission to pursue a judicial review, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure fairness and public trust in the police promotion system. The officers argue that withholding scores fosters suspicion of favoritism and undermines morale. Over 100 officers have filed similar claims, with a decision expected in January 2026. Acting ASP Gideon Dickson, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, highlighted the officers’ frustration and demotivation in a February 2024 letter to then-Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher. Internal affidavits revealed data discrepancies between audit results and consultant reports, leading to a revised OML in January 2024. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin defended the refusal to release scores under the Freedom of Information Act’s exemption provision. The officers’ attorneys, Keron Ramkhalwhan, Shalini Sankar, and Annesia Gunnes, are seeking full disclosure of individual scores and related documents from the Promotion Advisory Board.
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Portland cookshop feels the pinch of Melissa
PORTLAND, Jamaica — While the northeastern parish of Portland escaped the most severe impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica over a week ago, local businesses are still grappling with the aftermath. Ricardo ‘Ric Boss’ Oharo, a chef at a local cookshop, shared his struggles with Observer Online during a visit by the news team on Friday. Oharo noted that business has slowed significantly since the hurricane, as many residents have been unable to work due to storm-related disruptions affecting their employers. This has led to reduced spending in the community. Additionally, Oharo highlighted the rising operational costs, particularly the increased price of fuel needed to power the shop’s generator. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that his establishment remains affordable for customers. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28 as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Many areas in Portland remain in darkness. Oharo expressed gratitude that Portland was spared major damage this time, recalling the severe impact of Hurricane Beryl in July last year. ‘We give God thanks still,’ he said. ‘Everything is intact, giving thanks!’
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Homeless Williamsville family grateful for public support, seeks materials to rebuild
A family of ten from Williamsville, left homeless after a devastating fire destroyed their two-storey home on Pooran Street on November 4, is expressing profound gratitude for the outpouring of public support. Elaine Mohammed, the 53-year-old matriarch and a cancer survivor, shared her heartfelt appreciation for the community’s generosity in an interview with Newsday on November 7. The family has already received essential grocery items and clothing from kind-hearted individuals. ‘I am grateful to all the people who reached out to us. Even if it is only one brick, we would be thankful, because if 100 people give one brick, that’s 100 bricks,’ Mohammed said. Despite the challenges, the family remains hopeful of rebuilding their home. Mohammed, who is unable to work due to her age and health condition, emphasized her reliance on faith and community support. Her husband, Kamaludin, is set to retire next month at the age of 60. The family, including their young grandchildren, is currently staying in a cramped room at the back of the damaged house. The fire, which broke out on the first floor while the family was on the ground floor, left them with nothing. Mohammed, overwhelmed by the incident, experienced a spike in her blood sugar and blood pressure, requiring emergency medical attention. ‘I was stressed. I had to be taken to the hospital because of my sugar and blood pressure,’ she recalled. Despite her health scare, Mohammed discharged herself to be with her family. The prompt response of the Mon Repos Fire Station contained the flames, but the family lost everything. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Aniya Ali and councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the family to offer support. Those willing to assist can contact the family at 355-4449.
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WATCH: ‘I see darkness and then light’
ST JAMES, Jamaica – Delroy Dove, a tour guide from Johns Hall in St James, narrowly escaped death during the devastating Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that claimed two of his homes. Despite losing everything, Dove expresses gratitude for surviving the harrowing ordeal. One of the homes, a wooden three-bedroom structure, collapsed with Dove inside, leaving him with injuries to his head, back, and hand. Recounting the traumatic event, Dove described how the 185 mph winds shifted the house from its foundation, causing it to tumble downhill with him trapped inside. ‘I saw complete darkness and then light,’ he said, visibly shaken. Another caretaker, Devral, witnessed the house being lifted into the air but was unaware Dove was inside. The wooden house, which served as Dove’s temporary residence at Johns Hall Adventure Tours, was completely destroyed, along with all his belongings. Dove, now homeless after his permanent residence in Spring Mount was also destroyed, is living in an unfinished section of the property with minimal shelter. He is appealing for assistance to rebuild his life and secure a new home.
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Fyzabad family relocated amid hydrocarbon leak
Heritage Petroleum Co Ltd has taken swift action to address a hydrocarbon leak at a private residence in Massahood, Fyzabad, relocating a family as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred on November 7, prompted the company to dispatch its emergency response team to assess and manage the situation. Investigations by the company’s Incident Management Team (IMT) revealed a minor leak along a 12-inch trunk pipeline, partially located beneath an unauthorized, occupied structure. The pipeline has since been secured with plugs and clamps. In a statement, Heritage Petroleum emphasized that the family was relocated to a suitable and convenient alternate accommodation while cleanup and restoration efforts are underway. The IMT remains on-site, conducting air quality monitoring and additional assessments to ensure safety. Representatives from the company’s community relations team and the Fyzabad MP’s office visited the site to oversee the response. The Environmental Management Authority and the Ministry of Energy were also informed of the incident, with Heritage Petroleum committed to providing ongoing updates as necessary.
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Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Kezamdi and Mortimer to battle for reggae Grammy
The 68th Grammy Awards have unveiled their nominations, with Jamaican artists dominating the Best Reggae Album category. Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Keznamdi, and Mortimer have all earned nods for their exceptional contributions to the genre. Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home’ marks his second Grammy nomination, while Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul’ also secures his second recognition. Mortimer and Lila Ike are celebrating their first-ever Grammy nominations, with Mortimer’s ‘From Within’ and Lila Ike’s ‘Treasure Self Love’ project gaining widespread acclaim. Keznamdi’s ‘Blood & Fyah’ rounds out the impressive list of nominees. Interestingly, four of the five nominated albums were accurately predicted in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.