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In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, William Knibb Memorial High School in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is devising a shift system to resume educational activities. The hurricane inflicted substantial damage to the school’s infrastructure, with seven buildings affected, six of which suffered severe roof losses. Principal Linvern Wright, in an interview with JIS News, emphasized that the school’s immediate focus is on ensuring student safety, restoring essential utilities, and finding a feasible way to bring students back to classrooms.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Delroy ‘Jockey’ Walker, a 21-year-old apprentice jockey from Carol Crescent in Newlands, Portmore, has been charged with several serious offences following an armed robbery incident last month. The charges against Walker include robbery with aggravation, possession of a prohibited weapon, using a prohibited weapon to commit a scheduled offence, and assault at common law. The incident took place early in the morning on October 15, when a teenage girl was waiting at a bus stop along Bridgeport Road. Walker allegedly approached her, displayed a firearm, and demanded her belongings, including her cell phone and $32,000, before fleeing on foot. The victim reported the robbery to the Portmore Police, leading to an investigation. Walker was later identified in an identification parade and taken into custody. Authorities are currently arranging a court date for the case.

Under a drizzling, dusky sky, a woman stood with her hands on her head, gazing at the remnants of what might have been her home on Cooke Street in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland’s capital. The scene was hauntingly quiet, with roofless houses, shattered windows, and clothes hanging precariously on makeshift wires. Residents sat or stood in their yards, their faces etched with bewilderment, as the community grappled with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This devastation was part of a broader crisis in Westmoreland, where approximately 80% of homes were destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter or hope for a swift recovery. The hurricane’s impact was exacerbated by the region’s crumbling infrastructure, including poor roads and limited modern facilities. Amid this despair, Dr. Patricia Smith, a Jamaican-American philanthropist, spearheaded a relief mission to deliver essential supplies such as rice, canned food, chicken, and drinking water. Supported by the Sweet P Home Care, the Dr. Patricia V Smith Foundation, the Acts of Miracles Foundation, and the Secret Hearts Spiritual Church of Jesus Christ International, Dr. Smith’s efforts focused on the most vulnerable. She emphasized the urgent need for aid in outlying communities like Water Works, Georges Plain, and Little London, which had received less attention from donors. Inspector Hartley of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Resort Areas Division confirmed the scale of destruction, while Chief Apostle Dr. Ray Anthony Foster praised Dr. Smith’s leadership in initiating a long-term rebuilding effort. The relief groups also provided cooked meals at central locations, with Dr. Smith feeding over 100 people in Savanna-la-Mar. She called on organizations like the World Central Kitchen to prioritize Westmoreland. Preliminary estimates place the hurricane’s damage between US$6 billion and US$7 billion, equivalent to 28-32% of Jamaica’s GDP for fiscal year 2024/2025. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the community’s resilience and the collective efforts of local and international organizations offer a glimmer of hope for recovery.

In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Discovery Bauxite has emerged as a vital lifeline for communities across St. Ann and neighboring parishes in Jamaica. With the National Water Commission (NWC) struggling to maintain supplies due to storm-related disruptions, the company’s water wells in Discovery Bay have become a crucial resource for residents, schools, agencies, and relief organizations. Water trucks, some traveling from as far as Montego Bay, have been loading at the facility to support relief efforts, including the World Central Kitchen team, which is preparing thousands of meals daily for distribution in the hardest-hit areas. The company’s open water standpipe near its public clinic in Jacks Lodge district has also seen heavy use, drawing residents from both its operating areas and beyond. Gratitude has poured in from individuals and organizations benefiting from the service. Pauline White, a small business operator from Farm Town, described the support as ‘a lifeline during a period when access to NWC supplies are down.’ Private truck operator Linburgh Gayle echoed this sentiment, noting the daily demand for water from schools, churches, families, and individuals in need. Discovery Bauxite has acknowledged the widespread hardship caused by the hurricane, pledging to continue its relief efforts as long as its pumps can handle the additional load. The company emphasized its commitment to assisting hundreds of people who travel from local communities and nearby parishes to access water, stating, ‘We are grateful for the opportunity to be of assistance in this time of national need.’

The Jamaica Police Federation has voiced profound shock, grief, and anger following the brutal murder of two police officers on Waltham Park Road in St. Andrew last week. The victims, Constable Jemarey Gordon from CTOC and Constable Charles Stewart of the St. Catherine North Division, were fatally shot during a confrontation with several men just before 8 pm.

In a statement released over the weekend, the federation described the incident as a devastating blow not only to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) but also to the nation, highlighting the pervasive threat to public safety. The tragedy underscores the perilous conditions under which law enforcement officers operate daily.

Acting Chairman Constable Koy Marriott urged all officers to remain vigilant both on and off duty, emphasizing the federation’s unwavering support for those forced to defend themselves against ruthless criminals. He stressed that the JCF, despite grappling with recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, remains steadfast in its mission to protect the nation.

The federation called on the Jamaican government and society at large to unite against criminality, which it warned poses a direct threat to national stability. Marriott also demanded swift investigative action to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Additionally, the federation renewed its appeal for enhanced protective measures, increased resources, and stronger legislative support to safeguard police personnel who continue to confront increasingly audacious criminal networks. It extended heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen officers, vowing that their bravery and dedication to Jamaica would never be forgotten.

In a significant development, Marcarius “Macky” Monroe, the primary suspect, surrendered to authorities at the Hunts Bay Police Station on Friday. However, the investigation remains active, with police urging two other individuals of interest—Junior Brown, alias “Squidly,” and a 17-year-old—to come forward immediately.