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The highly anticipated Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF), originally slated for November 13–16, has been postponed in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread destruction across parts of the island. The festival, which was set to mark its 11th anniversary with the theme ‘Jamaican Food Reimagined,’ will now take a backseat as the nation prioritizes recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In a rare display of unity, Jamaica’s Government and Opposition have joined forces to address the reopening of schools following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon and Opposition Spokesperson Damion Crawford issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of resuming education safely and swiftly, while prioritizing the well-being of students, educators, and staff. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica last week, has left significant challenges in its wake, including infrastructure damage and emotional trauma. Both leaders stressed the need for a phased, school-led reopening process, guided by thorough assessments of infrastructure, access, and overall readiness. They also highlighted the critical role of expanding psychosocial support to help those affected cope with the aftermath. Minister Morris Dixon underscored the importance of balancing safety with the right to education, stating, “Safety is non-negotiable, but so is our children’s right to learn.” Crawford echoed this sentiment, calling for unity and a focus on minimizing further learning loss. The Ministry of Education has pledged to continue providing counselling services and support to those in need, urging anyone experiencing distress to seek assistance through their school or regional office. Both leaders expressed gratitude to school boards, principals, teachers, and parents for their dedication during this challenging period.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a heartwarming story of human kindness and community spirit has emerged from St James, Jamaica. Michelle Yarboough, a Washington DC resident, found herself stranded and traumatized after the storm. Seeking help, she approached a stranger to charge her phone, only to receive an outpouring of support that far exceeded her expectations.

Lavern Jenkins, a local resident, took Yarboough under her wing, offering her shelter and comfort. Yarboough was deeply moved by the Jenkins family’s generosity, witnessing firsthand how they rallied to support their community. ‘She let me stay with her. I have seen her help every single person in this community. Hands down, she’s a rod and staff. I don’t know what I would have done without her,’ Yarboough shared, her voice trembling with gratitude.

The Jenkins family, equipped with solar power and Starlink internet, opened their home to anyone in need. They set up extension cords on their veranda, allowing neighbors to charge their devices, and even provided power to a nearby household whose solar panels were damaged. Their selflessness became a beacon of hope in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Yarboough’s experience was transformative. She recounted how Jenkins reassured her when she feared others might exploit the family’s kindness. ‘Not only was I safe, but I also learned again what it is just to be unconditional, what it is just to give of yourself,’ she reflected. As Jenkins prepared to take her to the airport, Yarboough vowed to return to Irwin Meadows, inspired by the warmth and resilience she encountered.

This story, captured by Charmaine N Clarke, highlights the enduring power of community and compassion in times of crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Guardsman Group has initiated a multifaceted relief campaign aimed at aiding affected communities across Jamaica. The company has begun installing Starlink satellite internet systems in its offices located in the hardest-hit parishes, offering free internet access to its staff, their families, and nearby residents. This initiative is designed to restore communication lines severed by the storm, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and share vital updates.

Kenneth Benjamin, executive chairman of Guardsman Group, emphasized the humanitarian focus of these efforts. ‘Our priority is people,’ he stated. ‘This isn’t about operations; it’s about giving families hope. If we can help someone tell their loved ones they’re safe or find out if their loved ones are okay, that’s what matters.’

Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged southern and western Jamaica, left widespread destruction in its wake, isolating communities and crippling communication networks. In addition to the internet access initiative, Guardsman has launched a donation drive to provide essential supplies such as food, water, blankets, clothing, and baby items to affected families. Donations can be made at any Guardsman office across the island.

Furthermore, the company is organizing a company-wide blood drive among its employees to support hospitals and communities treating those injured or in need of emergency care. Benjamin highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming adversity, saying, ‘As a nation, we’ve faced hardship before and always found strength in unity. This is not just about Guardsman; it is about Jamaica. We are part of this country’s fabric, and when our people hurt, we hurt with them. Together, we will rebuild.’

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—In a bold move to address gender-based violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for the nationwide criminalization of sexual harassment. This comes after she was subjected to an unsettling incident on Tuesday, where a man groped and attempted to kiss her while she was walking to an event near the presidential palace. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment when the man, appearing intoxicated, approached Sheinbaum from behind, placing his arm around her shoulder and inappropriately touching her hip and chest while trying to kiss her neck. A member of the presidential security team intervened and removed the man from the scene. Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, later filed a formal complaint with the police after learning that the individual continued to harass other women. Authorities confirmed the man’s arrest. At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum emphasized the need for systemic change, stating, ‘If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?’ She announced that her administration would review whether sexual harassment is classified as a criminal offense across all 32 federal districts, as current laws vary. Additionally, a nationwide campaign will be launched to combat such behavior. Sheinbaum also reflected on her own experiences of harassment in her youth, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. Despite the incident, she maintained composure, even agreeing to take a photo with the man before realizing the full extent of his actions upon reviewing the footage. The event has sparked widespread criticism of the president’s security protocols and broader societal attitudes that normalize violations of women’s personal space. According to UN Women, approximately 70% of Mexican women aged 15 and over have experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lifetime.

In a fortunate turn of events, residents of Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, expressed relief on Wednesday morning after discovering that an elderly, physically challenged woman was not present in her home at 3 Queen Street when it was engulfed by flames. The fire, which erupted around 8:00 am, completely destroyed the structure, leaving firefighters to battle the blaze of unknown origin. Remarkably, the woman had been relocated prior to the incident as a precautionary measure ahead of Hurricane Melissa, a decision that potentially saved her life. While the estimated cost of the damage remains undetermined, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders in the region. Firefighters, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force, continue to clear roads blocked by debris in the aftermath of the powerful hurricane, highlighting the dual threats of natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies.