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KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support its members affected by Hurricane Melissa, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has introduced a three-month moratorium on loan payments. This initiative underscores the credit union’s dedication to its foundational principle of ‘People Helping People.’

Xavier Allen, CEO of FHC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to its members during challenging times. ‘Our members are our priority. This moratorium offers much-needed relief, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,’ he stated.

Eligible members can defer their loan payments for up to three months by contacting their branch representative, completing a moratorium request form, and providing a brief description of the hurricane’s impact, along with any supporting documentation.

In addition to the moratorium, FHC, in collaboration with its subsidiary, FHC Investments, has launched a donation drive. The initiative encourages staff, members, and the public to contribute non-perishable food items and essential supplies to aid national relief efforts. Drop boxes have been strategically placed across FHC branches to facilitate donations.

FHC is also contributing to the Credit Unions of Jamaica’s relief efforts, providing both financial and material support. On November 8 and 9, FHC team members will deliver care packages to severely affected communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, and St James.

Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager of Marketing Communications and Member Experience, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the credit union’s ethos. ‘This effort embodies our core belief in community support and reaffirms our role as a reliable financial partner in all circumstances,’ she said.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has issued a call to action for individuals planning to donate substantial quantities of relief supplies. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborating with registered local charities to ensure a streamlined and effective distribution process. Chief Information Officer André Williams clarified that while individuals are allowed to import a ‘reasonable quantity’ of approved relief items, larger shipments, such as 100 pairs of shoes, will be categorized as commercial quantities and require proper coordination with charitable organizations. Williams highlighted that these donations are intended for direct distribution to those in need, not for resale. He pointed out that registered charities, such as Food For the Poor, are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT), making them ideal partners for large-scale donations. The government has extended the duty- and tax-free period for relief supplies until December 31, ensuring that all shipments arriving before this date will benefit from the exemptions. Williams also advised donors of school supplies to work with the National Education Trust (NET), a government agency dedicated to improving Jamaica’s education sector. For healthcare-related donations, he recommended coordinating with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation. Williams reassured donors that despite potential logistical challenges during the busy holiday season, all eligible shipments will qualify for the tax relief if they arrive by the extended deadline.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Victoria Brown Hanley, a 20-year-old student at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. The young woman was found deceased in her dormitory room on October 16, with an autopsy confirming strangulation as the cause of death. Police are currently awaiting toxicology reports, which are expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise. According to initial reports, Brown Hanley was alone in her room on the fourth floor of George Alleyne Hall after her roommate departed shortly after 1:00 am. Upon returning around 6:00 am, the roommate discovered Brown Hanley lying face-down with a scarf tightly wound around her neck. The roommate immediately removed the scarf and alerted campus security. Officers from the Mona Police Post responded to the scene and confirmed the student’s death. Brown Hanley, who hailed from Mandeville, Manchester, is remembered as a bright and promising individual, leaving the university community in shock and mourning.

BRASILIA, Brazil — Muhammad Ibrahim, the newly elected Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), has outlined his vision for the next five years, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, and innovation to address the pressing challenges faced by farmers and nations across the Americas. Elected with an overwhelming majority by the ministers of agriculture attending the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) meeting in Brasilia, Ibrahim, a seasoned Guyanese agronomist with 35 years of international management experience, will officially assume his role on January 15, 2026, succeeding Argentinian Manuel Otero.

In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed his gratitude and commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity across all regions of the hemisphere. He highlighted the critical juncture at which IICA finds itself, grappling with fragmented agrifood systems, agricultural trade complexities, rising food demand, environmental threats, and the vulnerability of family farming sectors. ‘IICA is well-positioned to collaborate with its partners and member states to transform agriculture into a driving force for prosperity,’ he asserted.

Ibrahim’s strategy includes bolstering IICA’s technical capacities in science, technology, and innovation, leveraging modern tools to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. He stressed the importance of fostering investments to modernize agrifood systems and improve the economic viability of small-scale farmers. With a robust academic background, including an MSc from CATIE in Costa Rica and a PhD from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, Ibrahim brings a wealth of expertise in forging partnerships and mobilizing resources to drive impactful change.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on western Jamaica, a coalition of organizations and individuals has stepped forward to provide much-needed relief to the affected communities. The Aubyn Foundation, Ramsay’s Help Desk, former Miss Universe Jamaica Rachel Silveria, Changan Jamaica, and other supporters joined forces to deliver essential supplies to the residents of Westmoreland. On November 1, the team visited Bethel Town, one of the areas hardest hit by the Category Five hurricane, to distribute food, clothing, and other necessities. Aubyn Henry, chairman of the Aubyn Foundation, highlighted the importance of firsthand assessment and community solidarity during such crises. ‘We brought essentials to help families begin rebuilding their homes and lives. Around 120 community members received support, offering some relief during this challenging time,’ Henry stated. He emphasized the foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and ongoing support for those in need. Henry also extended a message of encouragement to all Jamaicans, praising their resilience and courage. ‘To all Jamaicans, we feel with you and we stand with you. Your resilience and courage inspire us every day. Together, we will rebuild our communities, restore hope, and come out stronger than ever,’ he said.

Bernard St Aubyn Henry, executive chairman of Great Bay Joint Venture Company, has highlighted the proactive measures that safeguarded Treasure Bay Estates in St Elizabeth during Hurricane Melissa. The estate, designed with coastal risks in mind, features elevated lots, reinforced infrastructure, and advanced drainage systems to mitigate storm impacts. Henry emphasized that while no coastal property is entirely risk-free, Treasure Bay Estates combines resilience with lifestyle and investment potential, particularly on Jamaica’s less-developed south coast.

Treasure Bay Estates was conceived to address the demand for high-quality, sustainable coastal living on Jamaica’s south coast. With 130 residential lots averaging a quarter acre each, prices start at approximately US$90,000. If all lots sell at an average of US$100,000, the total land sales value would reach around US$13 million. The estate offers hurricane-resistant architectural plans, 24/7 security, and a range of amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, and easy beach access.

Henry also reflected on the community’s resilience during the hurricane, noting how residents of Great Bay and surrounding areas came together to support one another. This spirit of unity reinforced the estate’s commitment to creating value not only in infrastructure but also in fostering a strong community ethos. Treasure Bay Estates stands as a testament to thoughtful planning and the enduring promise of coastal living.