博客

In a significant humanitarian effort, the Miami Heat NBA team, in collaboration with the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, has contributed $1 million to support recovery initiatives in Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This donation, channeled through Direct Relief, a renowned humanitarian aid organization, aims to provide essential medical and emergency supplies to those affected by the devastating storm.

The parish of St Elizabeth has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with extensive infrastructural damage reported across the region. Essential facilities, including hospitals and police stations, have been significantly affected, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government, provided a preliminary assessment during a press briefing with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management on Tuesday evening. He described the situation as dire, with St Elizabeth ‘under water’ and sections of Clarendon also experiencing severe conditions. The Santa Cruz infirmary was flooded, forcing the relocation of 50 residents to another section of the facility. The local fire brigade station in Santa Cruz was also inundated. Rescue operations faced immense challenges, particularly in Black River, where several families were trapped in their homes. McKenzie highlighted the difficulty of reaching those in need due to waist-high floodwaters and flying debris. While no fatalities were confirmed at the time, at least three families were stranded, including a firefighter who had gone to assist others. Black River Hospital suffered roof damage and a power outage, leading to the evacuation of 75 patients. The Black River police station also sustained structural damage. Superintendent Colridge Minto noted that many parish roads were impassable, with several families seeking refuge at the police station. Authorities remain hopeful but are bracing for further challenges as recovery efforts continue.

The Jamaica National Group has mobilized its ISupportJamaica Fund to assist in the anticipated recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which is projected to be the most severe storm in Jamaica’s history. In a recent press release, the financial institution emphasized that meteorologists predict Melissa’s impact will surpass that of Hurricane Charlie in 1951 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, two of the country’s most devastating hurricanes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds across Jamaica, most residents sought refuge indoors or in shelters. However, the neighborhoods of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town defied the storm’s fury, continuing a unique local tradition known as the ‘ackee war.’ Despite the hazardous weather, scores of young people gathered outdoors to engage in the spirited game, showcasing resilience and community spirit. ‘The storm can’t stop us. We are water ourselves. We’re out here playing ackee war and enjoying ourselves—no violence,’ one resident proudly declared. ‘Every storm, we’re out here, just love and love alone.’ The friendly competition pitted Arnett Gardens against Trench Town residents, highlighting a tradition that thrives even in the face of adversity. This event underscores the deep-rooted cultural practices and unity within these west Kingston communities, offering a glimpse into how they turn challenges into moments of joy and camaraderie.