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When Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica on October 28, Joel Immortal, a renowned dancer, choreographer, and instructor, was thousands of miles away, showcasing Jamaican culture in Russia. Witnessing the devastation through social media left him deeply affected, though he was relieved to learn his family remained unharmed. ‘The hurricane incident was very shocking for me. I was sad because I knew my people back home had to face something dangerous. I was thrown off balance because I was in another country, and I could not stay focused because I was worrying about my family. Thankfully they were safe,’ Joel Immortal shared with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. Upon returning to Jamaica nearly two weeks later, Joel Immortal immediately immersed himself in relief efforts, collaborating with businessman and music executive Romeich Major of Major Marketing. ‘When I returned, I saw a lot of the devastation first-hand. I was helping Romeich, and we were distributing things and helping the places that got really badly affected by the hurricane. It was devastating to see how bad the place was and the after-effect with everything. Houses were on the ground and covered by water. Cars were destroyed, and people lost a lot. I could not believe this is really Jamaica with all of this happening. It was a sad moment, but I am happy that I am helping to make things better because I believe better days are coming,’ he recounted. Joel Immortal, who won the Red Bull Dance Your Style Street Dance competition in 2022, also reflected on his time in Russia, where he performed in multiple cities. ‘I got booked for multiple shows over there. I was moving from city to city, and every place had a different vibe because dancehall over there is very big, and the people are very passionate about it. For me to be there is a dream come true for them because they get to learn [how to dance] from the source,’ he said. This marked his fifth trip to Russia, each visit reaffirming the mutual inspiration between him and his audience. ‘What I enjoyed most was the love and the support and the passion from the people. It showed me that dancehall really reaches far and that my work is making an impact,’ he added. Despite his recent three-week stint in Russia, Joel Immortal is already preparing for a two-month European tour starting in February 2024, which could extend to nearly three months depending on bookings. ‘What I am looking forward to the most is the energy and the support from people in different countries. It feels amazing to see dancehall growing and to know that I am helping to reach new places and new people every time,’ he expressed. At 28, Joel Immortal has established himself as a trailblazer in the dance world. Born Joel Pennant in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, he attended Central High School in Clarendon and has since founded the Russian Squad dance group, joined Active Immortal, and created Dancehall Family Tree (DFT), a collective uniting dancers. ‘We want to set a new generation with this, and this is why we are connected to share our platform together from different teams and individual teams amongst the DFT unity,’ he proudly stated. Joel Immortal’s journey has been marked by determination and passion. ‘My journey has been amazing… Many things surprised me, but I always believed they would happen because of my work and my determination. I want to make my family, my friends, and my culture proud, and I want to change the world through dance. I want to make my work stay immortal just like my name, Joel Immortal, because dancing is life,’ he declared. Recently, he ventured into music with his debut single, ‘Thumbs Up,’ featuring artiste and media personality Sanjay.

The tight-knit community of Vineyard Town, St Andrew, was engulfed in sorrow on Thursday as residents grappled with the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe. The young boy was struck by a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Fourth Avenue early that morning, shortly after accompanying his younger sister to school. The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, leaving friends and neighbors in mourning. Described as a cheerful and helpful child, Shamaire was remembered fondly by those who knew him. ‘He was always playful and full of life, never causing any trouble,’ shared one resident, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident. Another neighbor recalled how Shamaire would visit his yard daily to play with his grandsons, highlighting the boy’s vibrant spirit. Shamaire’s mother, Theresa Hopkins, bravely spoke to the Jamaica Observer despite her overwhelming grief. She shared her son’s dreams of becoming a professional footballer and his academic excellence at Mountain View Primary School. Hopkins expressed her anguish and directed her anger toward the bus driver, Shamaire’s father, and other family members. Meanwhile, residents defended the bus driver, noting her typically cautious driving habits. The JUTC issued a statement expressing deep regret and extending condolences to the family. The company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation, including a breathalyser test for the driver and a thorough examination of the bus. The community was urged to remain calm and empathetic during this difficult time.

Former Jamaican Olympian Sanjay Ayre, through his non-profit organization Premier Health Foundation, has spearheaded a significant relief initiative in western Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Ayre, a celebrated athlete who represented Jamaica in the 400m and won accolades including World Indoor gold and Olympic silver, personally visited affected communities to deliver essential supplies. The relief efforts spanned multiple locations, including St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz, shelters in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, and Petersfield Primary School and Lighthouse Church. Ayre’s foundation distributed food packages, multipurpose storm radios, Starlink devices, care packages, and other critical equipment. Reflecting on the disaster, Ayre expressed deep empathy for the victims, emphasizing his connection to Jamaica as both a native and a former national representative. He highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and the importance of collective action in rebuilding efforts. Ayre also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, particularly Sergeant Reid and his team, who ensured the safety of the relief mission. The initiative was further bolstered by contributions from dancehall veterans Goofy and Pinchers, as well as numerous donors. Ayre’s emotional visit to St Elizabeth Technical High School, where student-athletes had lost homes, underscored the profound impact of the hurricane. He stressed that beyond material aid, the reassurance of solidarity and remembrance was equally vital. Ayre’s efforts reflect his enduring commitment to Jamaica, a nation that shaped his journey from athlete to humanitarian.