KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Pamella’s Sunrise Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s guidance counseling unit and the Jamaica Poets Nomadic College and School Tour, has redirected its efforts to provide psychotherapeutic and trauma-informed interventions for educators. Originally scheduled for December, the foundation’s ‘Make the Children Laugh’ event, aimed at alleviating emotional pain in children, has been postponed to prioritize hurricane recovery and restoration efforts.
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UCC begins roll out of relief supplies to students and staff impacted by Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has initiated its post-hurricane relief operations, commencing with the distribution of essential supplies to its Montego Bay campus in St. James. This effort, spearheaded by the UCC Foundation (UCCF), aims to support students and staff affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC, emphasized the institution’s solidarity with those impacted by the disaster. ‘Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our students and staff as we work together to rebuild and recover,’ he stated. The relief packages, which include bottled water, non-perishable food, toiletries, sanitary products, and clothing, are part of a broader strategy to sustain student engagement and repair damaged infrastructure.
The UCCF has also announced plans to expand its relief missions to other regional campuses across Jamaica in the coming days. Gyles reiterated the university’s commitment to providing meaningful support during this challenging time, extending thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
Initial reports reveal that numerous staff and students have suffered significant losses, including damage to homes and personal belongings. The UCC’s relief efforts underscore its dedication to fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of the hurricane.
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Melissa triggers 100% payout of US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is poised to receive a full payout of US$150 million under its catastrophe insurance coverage, facilitated by a World Bank-backed catastrophe bond issued in 2024. This financial support underscores the effectiveness of Jamaica’s disaster risk management strategy and the critical role of catastrophe bonds in mitigating the economic impact of natural disasters.
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ODPEM head pledges modern, efficient disaster-relief system
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities. The initiative centers on the implementation of a cutting-edge logistics system designed to streamline the tracking, management, and distribution of relief supplies across the island, particularly as the nation continues its recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
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Digicel service disrupted in St Mary, St Ann and Trelawny due to electrical fire on utility lines
Residents and businesses in St Mary, St Ann, and Trelawny, Jamaica, are currently grappling with significant telecommunications disruptions following an electrical fire that severely damaged utility lines. Digicel, a leading telecommunications provider in the region, confirmed the outage in a statement released early Friday morning. The company attributed the service interruption to the extensive damage caused by the fire, which has compromised its infrastructure.
Digicel assured customers that its technical teams are on high alert and prepared to commence repairs immediately. However, they emphasized that safety protocols must be strictly followed, and clearance from relevant authorities is required before any restoration work can begin. The company is collaborating closely with the utility provider to expedite the resolution process and minimize the impact on affected users.
In its statement, Digicel expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to its customers for their understanding and patience during this challenging period. The company remains committed to restoring full service as swiftly as possible while prioritizing the safety of its personnel and the public.
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Carnival in the City launches on November 7
The National Carnival Commission (NCC) is set to kick off Carnival 2026 with a vibrant launch event at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on November 7. Titled ‘Yuh Go Love Dis,’ the event aims to foster greater inclusivity and accessibility, bringing the festivities directly to the people. NCC CEO Keiba Jacob Mottley emphasized the commission’s commitment to making Carnival a shared experience for all, stating, ‘The mandate of the NCC is to ensure everyone has access to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival because it belongs to all of us.’ The day-long event, running from 9 am to 6 pm, will feature live performances, traditional Carnival characters, and addresses by Minister of Culture Michelle Benjamin and NCC Chairman Peter Kanhai. Highlights include a lunchtime performance by reigning Panorama Champions Republic Bank Exodus and a children’s zone with cultural exhibitions and activities. The NCC has also partnered with the Port of Spain City Corporation and local police to ensure safety and smooth operations. Additionally, the event will support local commerce by hosting craft vendors throughout the day. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate Carnival and measure its economic impact, with the government collaborating with the Inter-American Development Bank on a study to assess its contribution to GDP. Stakeholders, including TUCO president Ainsley King, have praised the launch as a step in the right direction, emphasizing its potential to engage new audiences and celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage.
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US travel woes mount as govt shutdown prompts flight cuts
The United States is grappling with significant disruptions in air travel as a directive to reduce flights at 40 major airports took effect on Friday. This measure, aimed at addressing air traffic safety concerns, comes amid a prolonged government shutdown that has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and airport security staff without pay. The Trump administration has mandated a four percent reduction in flights, which is expected to escalate to 10 percent by next week. Major hubs such as Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles are among those affected. Over 800 flights were canceled on Friday alone, with American Airlines reporting 220 daily cancellations, Delta Airlines cutting 170 flights, and Southwest Airlines canceling approximately 100 flights. Travelers are experiencing extensive delays, with some airports reporting average wait times exceeding two hours. Authorities emphasize that the reductions are a proactive measure to prevent potential safety hazards. ‘We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself,’ stated FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
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Meaning behind Mamdani
The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor on November 4 signifies a transformative moment in American politics and a beacon of inspiration in the global arena. At just 34 years old, Mamdani’s triumph is historic: he will become the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and the youngest in over a century. His victory, securing 50% of the vote against Andrew Cuomo’s 42% and Curtis Sliwa’s 7%, underscores a significant shift in a traditionally Democratic stronghold, where past mayors like Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio enjoyed far more decisive wins.
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Volunteerism alive and well in Caroni Central
In an era where many communities rely on systemic solutions to address local issues, Caroni Central stands out as a beacon of grassroots activism and volunteerism. Spearheaded by MP Dr. David Lee and Councillor Anil Baliram, a dynamic team of volunteers has taken charge of transforming neglected public spaces and tackling overgrown vegetation, a long-standing problem in the area. With Cepep and URP services temporarily suspended, the leaders adopted a hands-on approach, rallying residents to maintain high-risk zones such as roadsides, recreational grounds, and open lots. This initiative not only ensures cleaner and safer communities but also fosters trust between citizens and their representatives. A particularly inspiring aspect of this effort is the active participation of young people, who are learning the value of civic pride and responsibility through direct involvement. This model of community engagement promotes teamwork, environmental respect, and a shared sense of purpose, leaving a lasting impact beyond the immediate results. As the work progresses, Caroni Central is witnessing the growth of something far more significant than well-kept spaces—a revitalized community spirit that underscores the essence of true governance.
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Is Studley Park up to the task?
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine recently celebrated the granting of an export licence to the Studley Park Quarry in Tobago, marking a significant milestone for the island’s economic autonomy. The licence, issued on November 4 at the Tobago House of Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, has been hailed as a tangible step towards reducing Tobago’s reliance on external economic support. However, questions linger about the quarry’s ability to capitalize on this opportunity and generate meaningful foreign exchange earnings. Critics argue that outdated equipment and low productivity could hinder the quarry’s ability to meet export demands consistently. Additionally, the regional market for construction materials is highly competitive, with established players dominating in terms of product quality, pricing, shipping reliability, and marketing reach. Without urgent modernization and strategic improvements, the licence may remain a symbolic gesture rather than a catalyst for economic growth. The success of this initiative now rests on the Tobago House of Assembly’s ability to address these challenges and transform potential into tangible results.