博客

Jamaica’s Freemasons celebrated a remarkable milestone during their third annual National Blood Drive last Saturday, collecting over 65 pints of blood from more than 90 donors. The event, deemed the most successful in its history, also saw the fraternal organization contribute $140,000 to the National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank). This generous donation will fund the purchase of an air conditioning unit and standing fans to enhance the facility’s operations. Despite the overwhelming turnout, logistical challenges, including staff shortages, prevented over 15 latecomers from donating after 2:00 pm. Organizers explained that processing these additional donors would have extended the event beyond its scheduled 3:00 pm closure. Workers remained fully engaged from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm without breaks, ensuring the smooth execution of the drive. Those who qualified but were unable to donate were encouraged to return on November 17, 2025, to complete their contributions.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, principals from numerous Corporate Area schools gathered at Belmont Academy in Westmoreland on Saturday to assist in the institution’s recovery efforts following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The hurricane left approximately 70% of the school’s infrastructure in ruins, leaving Principal Rayon Simpson in disbelief. “I was amazed by the devastation, especially since this is a relatively new campus,” Simpson remarked. “We lost everything made of zinc.” Despite the challenges, Simpson expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from schools and communities across Jamaica. “Since Thursday, we’ve received visits from high schools and community members offering their help,” he told the Jamaica Observer. Among the contributors were Calabar High School, Tivoli Gardens High School, Waterford High School, St Andrew High for Girls, Eltham High School, and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Western Jamaica, particularly Westmoreland, bore the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, with the eye of the storm making landfall in the region. Marvin Johnson, Principal of Tivoli Gardens High School, emphasized the importance of unity in the recovery process. “We must build strong bonds among schools, especially those severely affected,” Johnson stated. He also highlighted Tivoli Gardens’ relief initiative, which has already provided aid to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and continues to collect more supplies. Calabar High School has also been actively involved, with students traveling to Trelawny to assist Westwood High School. Principal Sian Wilson described the partnership as a “sister school” bond, stressing the importance of national unity during this challenging time. “Words can’t describe the devastation we’ve seen,” Wilson said. “We must remain committed to helping for as long as possible.” Belmont Academy remains closed indefinitely, with Principal Simpson unable to provide a reopening timeline due to the widespread destruction and the ongoing struggles of displaced students and families. “Many students are homeless, and families are protecting what little they have left,” he explained. “We must be sensitive to their needs as we work toward recovery.”

CLARKS TOWN, Trelawny — The quiet town of Clarks Town in Trelawny, Jamaica, faced unprecedented devastation when Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck on October 28. Residents not only fought to save their homes but also their livelihoods, particularly their chickens, which are a crucial part of their daily lives. In Bottom Town, Leford Brodie recounted risking his life to rescue the few surviving birds. ‘The storm blew everything away,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘I had to run into the coop and grab what I could, throwing them to safety with some pallets.’ Brodie’s makeshift coop, hastily constructed from scrap boards, now sits beneath his house. He estimates losing around 45 chickens, including several young ones. His neighbor, Cynthia Forbes, faced a different struggle, moving her household items, including her mattress and dresser, into her chicken coop to protect them from the relentless rain. ‘I lost everything,’ she said softly. ‘Everything from the house is in the coop. I’m just trying to save what I can before more rain comes.’ Across Bottom Town and the adjoining Mack Hill, the scene was one of widespread destruction: roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and frantic searches for shelter. Annette Redwood described the chaos: ‘When the houses started falling apart, people were running everywhere to find shelter. My brother ran from one house to the next as roofs collapsed one after another.’ At the time of the Observer’s visit, Redwood noted that the community had yet to receive any outside assistance. ‘Nobody at all,’ she said. ‘We still need help, anything you can do.’ Rashema Edwards and her aunt Darna Steele, who share a yard with several relatives, lost large sections of their roofs when a tree branch crashed through the boards. ‘This storm is the first Category 5 I’ve experienced in my life,’ Edwards said. ‘I had to go out in the storm to place sandbags on the roof to keep the zinc sheets down.’ Her aunt added, ‘We’ve lost the verandah zinc and one room’s zinc. We have nowhere to sleep. The government alone can’t fix this.’ Edwards reflected on the broader impact: ‘Melissa disfigured Jamaica. Everything up there is flattened.’ For those wishing to help, donations can be sent to Rashema Edwards at NCB Falmouth Branch #444273135 or to Janet Lindo (wife of Leford Brodie) at Scotiabank Falmouth Branch #428000. Despite the losses, the community spirit remains strong. Pastor Henry from a local church in Bottom Town said, ‘Nearly every house has some kind of damage. Many have lost their roofs, some their homes, but the people are pulling together. I lost lots of shingles myself, but the sun is shining — and that is a promise of a better day.’ Even the town’s historical centerpiece, St Michael’s Anglican Church, built around 1843, sustained roof damage. Once the heart of this 3,000-strong community, it now stands as a symbol of both loss and endurance.