In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica last Tuesday, the community of Brompton in St Elizabeth remains in dire straits. Over the weekend, the resilience of the youngest residents was on full display as children took to the streets, pleading for assistance from passing motorists. Armed with handmade placards bearing messages such as ‘We need food and water, anything helps,’ these young survivors highlighted the urgent needs of their devastated neighborhood. Brompton, among the hardest-hit areas, has been left in ruins by the storm’s ferocity. Despite the overwhelming destruction, a glimmer of hope emerged as compassionate drivers halted to distribute vital supplies, including food, bottled water, and soap, offering a small but significant reprieve to the struggling community.
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Original Thriller to stage three shows in Toronto and Montreal
In 1984, Original Thriller, then a rising star in the dancehall music scene, first set foot in Canada. Now, 41 years later, he has become a Canadian citizen and remains a steadfast ambassador for the genre as both an artist and a show promoter. This weekend (November 7, 8, and 9), his Thriller Music, in collaboration with Kings of Kings Productions, is set to host three major shows in Toronto and Montreal. The events will feature a lineup of dancehall legends, including Icho Candy, Errol Dunkley, Professor Nuts, Shalom, Iley Dread, and Thriller U. In an interview with Observer Online, Original Thriller emphasized the importance of showcasing early dancehall acts like Icho Candy, whose 1982 anthem ‘Captain Selassie-I’ remains iconic. ‘People still love these artists and their songs. These shows bring out the older crowd—it’s like doing them a favor,’ he remarked. Born Devon Chambers in Trench Town, Original Thriller’s musical journey began under the influence of roots reggae legends like Dennis Brown and Horace Andy. His debut track, ‘Mountain Top,’ was recorded for producer Joe Gibbs in the late 1970s. Throughout the 1980s, he released several hits, including ‘Over Me,’ ‘Love Line,’ ‘Can’t Cross The Border,’ and ‘Tickle Me,’ produced by industry giants like George Phang, Joseph Hoo Kim, and Sly and Robbie. Original Thriller’s foray into show promotion began in 2005 with a Toronto event featuring General Trees and Peter Metro. Since then, he has brought numerous Jamaican artists to Toronto, home to Canada’s largest Jamaican community. Sunday’s show in Montreal marks his first production venture in the city, further cementing his legacy in the dancehall scene.
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#MelissaAftermath: JPS conducting detailed damage assessments
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Leroy Reid, Director of Customer Solutions at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), has announced that the company is undertaking comprehensive damage assessments across the island following the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on the electricity grid. Speaking after an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting at the St James Municipal Corporation on Friday, Reid highlighted the significant damage sustained by both the transmission and distribution networks.
JPS teams, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), are conducting aerial and ground patrols to evaluate the extent of the destruction. Reid emphasized the need for patience, stating, ‘The damage assessment will take some time. Once completed, we will develop a restoration strategy and communicate timelines.’
In preparation for the hurricane season, JPS secured additional manpower, including approximately 70 overseas line workers from the Caribbean and beyond, to bolster restoration efforts. Reid also mentioned plans to bring in more resources, such as skilled personnel and equipment, via air or sea.
Addressing concerns about marooned communities where JPS infrastructure may block roadways, Reid assured that these issues would be prioritized at the Incident Command Centre. However, he cautioned against dispersing resources too widely, which could hinder emergency response efficiency.
Reid urged Jamaicans to exercise caution during post-hurricane recovery, reminding them of the compromised public health infrastructure. ‘Stop, think, and assess before you act. Your families need you to be well,’ he implored.
Reiterating JPS’s commitment to swift and safe restoration, Reid concluded, ‘Be safe, be patient. We are working as quickly as we can to restore Jamaica. Thank you for your support.’
— JIS
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Government orders swift clean-up of rubble in hurricane-ravaged towns
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has ramped up clean-up efforts across several severely impacted towns. The initiative aims to swiftly remove rubble and debris, restore accessibility, and mitigate potential health hazards in the affected regions.
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French vessel delivers humanitarian aid to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant display of international solidarity, France has extended its support to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. A French naval vessel docked at the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited on Monday, delivering a comprehensive shipment of humanitarian aid. This initiative was coordinated under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and executed by the French Armed Forces in the West Indies, headquartered in Martinique. The aid package, a collaborative effort involving French, European Union, and United Nations partners, includes vital resources such as water treatment and production equipment, storage tanks, energy-generation units, camping and sleeping gear, and hygiene supplies. These provisions aim to restore basic living conditions and bolster ongoing relief efforts in the most severely impacted regions. The operation underscores the importance of international cooperation, with the European Union, the United Nations, and the French Red Cross working in unison to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of assistance.
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Multiple countries call for mercury dental fillings ban by 2030
GENEVA, Switzerland – A coalition of nations, spearheaded by the United States, has intensified calls for a global prohibition on mercury-based dental amalgams by 2030. This appeal was made during a pivotal gathering of signatories to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a treaty aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of this toxic metal on human health and the environment. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a compelling video address to the Geneva conference, underscored the paradox of mercury’s continued use in dental fillings despite its recognized hazards in other applications. ‘It’s inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in health care — and safe alternatives exist,’ Kennedy asserted. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified mercury as one of the top ten chemicals posing significant public health risks, labeling it as ‘toxic to human health.’ While some nations have already outlawed mercury in dental amalgam, a material used for over 175 years to treat dental caries, a group of African countries is advocating for a more comprehensive ban, including the production, import, and export of mercury-based dental products by 2030. They have proposed a draft amendment to the Minamata Convention, which will be scrutinized during this week’s conference. Burkina Faso’s representative highlighted the infrastructural deficiencies in less affluent countries for managing mercury waste. However, the proposal faces opposition from countries like Britain, Iran, and India. Britain’s delegate argued that 2030 is ‘too soon’ for such a ban, emphasizing the need to consider the cost and durability of alternative materials before phasing out mercury use.
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US mobilises aid and private sector support for Bahamas after Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the United States has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to aiding The Bahamas, deploying a comprehensive array of government and private sector resources to bolster relief and recovery initiatives across the southern and central islands. Kimberly Furnish, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Nassau, emphasized the unwavering dedication of American agencies and partners, who have been actively involved in saving lives, safeguarding property, and facilitating recovery efforts, even amidst a US government shutdown.
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House in peril after landslide in John’s Hall
A family in the John’s Hall community of St James, Jamaica, faces the imminent loss of their home after a portion of its foundation was eroded by floodwaters linked to Hurricane Melissa. The house, owned by Lincoln James, a former principal of Howard Cooke Primary School, has been severely compromised, rendering it unsafe for habitation. James revealed that the family has relocated to another dwelling on the property, avoiding the unstable structure. He described the interior as feeling like ‘going downhill,’ highlighting the extent of the damage. The family’s belongings, including furniture, remain inside, with only a few essential items salvaged. James’s car is also precariously positioned against the house, prompting him to seek assistance from his insurance provider. James attributed the disaster to a shift in the water channel caused by a landslide and a mango tree that obstructed the natural flow. The family was unaware of the damage until James’s son noticed the issue, forcing them to evacuate hastily. The incident underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
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Ansa McAL sells Standard Distributors to Term Finance
In a significant business move, Ansa McAL, a prominent conglomerate in Trinidad and Tobago, has sold its long-standing retail subsidiary, Standard Distributors, to Term Finance (TT). The deal, announced on November 3, includes Standard’s Barbados-based arm, Standard Distribution and Sales Barbados. The transaction is set to finalize by December 31, pending regulatory approvals. Term Finance plans to transform Standard into a dedicated credit provider and e-commerce platform, leveraging its 80-year legacy in hire-purchase services. The new entity, rebranded as Standard Credit, aims to offer innovative financial solutions while maintaining the trust of its loyal customer base. Standard’s retail outlets ceased operations on November 1, marking the end of an era for the iconic brand. Customers with active hire-purchase agreements will continue to receive support, with payments accepted at existing branches and through various digital channels. Ansa McAL has assured affected employees of redeployment opportunities or enhanced separation packages, alongside access to financial counselling and job fairs. The sale reflects Ansa McAL’s strategy to streamline operations while supporting Term Finance’s regional expansion. Founded in 1945, Standard Distributors joined the Ansa McAL Group in 1967, becoming a cornerstone of Caribbean retail. The transition underscores the evolving retail landscape, with a shift toward digital financial services.
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PM to address special THA sitting
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to deliver a pivotal address at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in Scarborough on November 4, focusing on Tobago’s longstanding quest for autonomy and other critical issues facing the island. The special sitting, commencing at 2 pm, marks her first official appearance before the THA since her UNC-led coalition secured victory in the April 28 general election, winning 26 seats compared to the PNM’s 13 and the Tobago People’s Party’s two. This visit also signifies her inaugural official trip to Tobago post-election. Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, including Attorney General John Jeremie, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, among others, Persad-Bissessar aims to strengthen governance, foster inter-island collaboration, and accelerate shared development goals. The invitation, extended by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine under Act 40 of 1996, underscores the government’s commitment to national outreach and partnership with Tobago’s business and institutional stakeholders. The event is expected to drive inclusive growth and reinforce national progress.