As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of Burger Gully in Mountain View, St. Andrew, are taking proactive measures to mitigate potential flooding. On Friday, locals were seen stacking sandbags along the gully to reinforce their defenses against the impending storm. Among them is Hyacinth Thomas, a long-time resident who vividly recalls the devastation caused by severe flooding 26 years ago. ‘My house was washed away when the gully burst. We lost two houses and received no compensation. Now, with the gully dug out, even a little rain makes us anxious,’ Thomas shared. She added that recent rainfall has heightened her fears, prompting her to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Another resident, Rennie, echoed her concerns, stating that he has already raised his furniture and packed essentials, ready to move to a nearby shelter or his sister’s home on Windward Road. The community’s collective efforts underscore the urgency of the situation as they brace for the storm’s impact.
博客
-
Resilient Beryl victims share hope ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
As Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to escalate into a major hurricane, Jamaica braces for potential devastation, drawing on the resilience forged in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Last July, Beryl wreaked havoc across the island, causing over $56 billion in damages to agriculture, housing, and tourism. Despite the destruction, communities along the south coast are rebuilding with determination, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people.
One poignant example of this resilience is the Lee family of Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. Their home and church were severely damaged during Beryl, with the roof torn away as they sought shelter under their bed. A viral video captured the family singing ‘Goodness of God’ amidst the chaos, a testament to their faith and fortitude. Nearly a year later, the Lees are still working to restore their home and church, relying on community support and donations. Pastor Tommy Lee expressed gratitude for the progress made, though challenges like manpower shortages persist.
Similarly, Munro College, a historic institution, faced extensive damage during Beryl. The chapel, built in 1912, suffered significant structural harm, but the stained glass windows remained intact. Thanks to contributions from alumni, corporate Jamaica, and the National Education Trust, the school has largely recovered, welcoming students back by June 2025.
The fishing community in Treasure Beach also endured severe losses, with lobster traps destroyed just as the season began. Fishermen like Jason Gordon and Donald Moxam faced financial setbacks but have since rebuilt their livelihoods with support from organizations like The Breds Foundation and National Commercial Bank.
Farmers, too, have struggled to recover. Linetth Whitely of Corby, St. Elizabeth, lost crops worth thousands of dollars but has persevered, replanting and fertilizing her fields despite ongoing challenges. Her story mirrors the broader narrative of Jamaica’s recovery—marked by hardship but driven by hope and community solidarity.
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Jamaica stands as a testament to the power of resilience. While scars from Beryl remain, the island’s ability to rebuild stronger offers a beacon of hope in the face of nature’s fury.
-
Capleton’s ‘Heights of Fire’ to ignite flames with high powered collaboration
Renowned dancehall artist Capleton, often referred to as King Shango and King of Fire, is preparing to release his 21st studio album, titled ‘Heights of Fire.’ In a recent interview with Observer Online, Capleton revealed that the album will feature exciting collaborations with Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, and the late Dennis Brown. He emphasized that this project, his first in many years, is a heartfelt tribute to his loyal fanbase. Capleton expressed his enthusiasm for the album, promising it will meet the high expectations his supporters have come to anticipate. The artist, born Clifton Bailey, is currently riding high after a successful performance at the Sharkies Seafood Festival in St Ann, which coincided with Heroes Day. He described the event as a special experience, highlighting the positive energy and engagement with the audience. Capleton also shared his joy from performing in Costa Rica, a country he holds dear due to its warm reception and vibrant fanbase. His next major appearance will be at the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Fest in St Elizabeth, where he is set to headline the second concert night on November 8. Capleton promised an electrifying performance, recalling the energetic and culturally passionate audience in St Elizabeth.
-
WATCH: Manchester residents call for answers in Jayden Smith’s disappearance
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber crowd, predominantly dressed in black, took to the streets of Mandeville on Friday in a unified call for answers regarding the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Jayden Smith. The young boy vanished exactly one month ago, leaving his family and community in distress.
-
#EyeOnMelissa: Gov’t doubles constituency disaster preparedness allocation to $400m
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to bolster national readiness, the Jamaican Government has doubled its allocation for constituency-level disaster preparedness from $200 million to $400 million. This significant increase comes as the nation braces for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend. The decision, announced by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Morgan, follows a directive from Prime Minister Andrew Holness to enhance flood mitigation and preparedness efforts. According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, the storm, currently stationary to the southeast of the island, is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 200–350 millimetres (eight–14 inches), particularly in eastern parishes, raising concerns of widespread flooding and landslides. Morgan emphasized that the additional funding will enable constituencies to scale up readiness activities, safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure. The funds are being distributed through the National Works Agency (NWA) to constituencies across the island, empowering Members of Parliament and local teams to undertake urgent pre-impact works in vulnerable areas. These activities include drain cleaning, de-bushing, and clearing blocked roadways. Morgan urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and adhere to official guidance, stating, ‘Preparedness saves lives. We are acting decisively to ensure Jamaica is ready.’
-
Dylan Carter into men’s 50m backstroke final in Toronto
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, has secured his spot in the men’s 50-meter backstroke final at the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. The third leg of the competition, held in Toronto, Canada, saw Carter deliver a strong performance during the morning session on October 24. Swimming in heat five, Carter clocked an impressive 23.15 seconds, earning him second place. Hungary’s Hubert Kos claimed the top spot in the heat with a time of 22.90 seconds, while American swimmer Jack Alexy finished third in 23.38 seconds. All three athletes will now compete in the final, scheduled for 6:33 PM on the same day, with Carter positioned in lane six. Kos enters the final as the fastest qualifier from the preliminary rounds, followed by Kacper Stokowski, who won heat four with a time of 23.02 seconds. Carter, whose time ranked fourth in the prelims, aims to improve his performance and secure his third medal of the competition. Earlier in the tournament, Carter clinched bronze in the 50m backstroke during the first leg in Indiana, where Kos took gold with a time of 22.65 seconds. Kos also dominated the second leg in Illinois, winning gold in 22.91 seconds, while Carter finished joint-fifth in 23.17 seconds. Beyond his backstroke success, Carter also earned a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle final during the second leg of this year’s Swimming World Cup.
-
Penal man acquitted of attempted murder, malicious damage
In a significant legal outcome, a 22-year-old man was acquitted of all charges, including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and malicious damage, following a retrial at the O’Meara Judicial Centre on October 6. The verdict was delivered by a nine-member jury after a thorough examination of the case, which originated from an alleged incident on July 9, 2023, near Zumba’s Bar on San Francique Road, Penal. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the privacy of those involved, was arrested on February 17, 2024, at his workplace. The retrial, presided over by Justice Sherene Murray-Bailey, began on September 10. The prosecution claimed that the accused physically assaulted a woman after a night out, resulting in multiple injuries, and damaged her cellphone. However, the defence argued that the accused had responded to a distress call from the woman and was subsequently attacked by two men accompanying her. Throughout the trial, inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony were highlighted, and the defence questioned the lack of corroborative evidence, such as CCTV footage or independent witness statements. The jury ultimately found the accused not guilty of all charges. The case was represented by Counsel Collin Elbourne and Janeil Chuck of the Public Defenders’ Department, while prosecutors Chenelle Moe and Roger Hinds appeared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This case also highlighted the effectiveness of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act (AJIPA), as the proceedings concluded within 20 months of the accused’s arrest.
-
Abaco hurricane shelter finally opens
After years of setbacks, Abaco’s highly anticipated multipurpose hurricane shelter has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step forward in the region’s disaster preparedness efforts. The facility, located in Central Pines, Marsh Harbour, was formally handed over to the public during a ceremony held yesterday. Designed to withstand Category Five hurricanes, the shelter spans over 12,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 600 people. Strategically situated on one of the highest points in Marsh Harbour, it minimizes flood risks and features essential amenities such as wheelchair ramps, bathrooms, and a medical room. Minister of State for Disaster Risk Preparedness Leon Lundy emphasized that the shelter was built in response to the vulnerabilities exposed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which left many families stranded on rooftops. He described the facility as both a tribute to those lost during the disaster and a beacon of resilience for the community. The project, initially estimated at $1.8 million, faced numerous delays and cost overruns, with the final price tag reaching $4.5 million. Funding was partially provided by international partners, including a $1 million donation from the Indian government. The shelter is the first of several planned facilities aimed at addressing shelter shortages in Abaco. During the ceremony, officials highlighted its dual purpose: serving as a safe haven during storms and a community hub for training, meetings, and youth programs in normal times. The government also approved a $17 million transfer to the Disaster Emergency Fund, signaling a renewed commitment to improving national disaster response. Attendees, including representatives from India, the United Nations, and China, praised The Bahamas for its dedication to climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
-
Empress Idama performs in Jamaica for first time in 20 years, promotes new songs
In a triumphant return to her homeland, Empress Idama, the New York-based roots singer, performed in Jamaica for the first time in over two decades. Her September appearances in St Elizabeth and Kingston marked a significant moment in her career, as she reconnected with her cultural roots and shared her latest musical offerings. The artiste is currently promoting her newest tracks, ‘Spirit’ and ‘Captive,’ produced by Ricardo Simpson and Sidney Mills, respectively. These songs reflect the social consciousness she cultivated during her childhood in Kingston, a legacy inspired by her grandfather, a devoted follower of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero and a Pan-African icon. Empress Idama performed at renowned events such as the Kingston Night Market and Rub A Dub Tuesdayz, captivating audiences with her powerful messages. Her last performance in Jamaica was in 2005 at a show headlined by Everton Blender and Sizzla at the University of the West Indies. With a career spanning 20 years, Empress Idama has remained a consistent figure in New York City’s live music scene, often opening for legendary acts like Sugar Minott, Junior Reid, Eek A Mouse, and Everton Blender. Through her music, she aims to raise awareness, inspire others, and advocate for the voiceless, using her art as a force for positive change.
-
Three Jamaicans to be conferred with UTech honorary degrees
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has announced plans to award honorary degrees to three distinguished individuals during its 2025 graduation ceremonies. American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, National Works Agency CEO Everton Hunter, and gospel artiste Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to culture, infrastructure, and humanitarian efforts.