标签： Jamaica

LONDON, United Kingdom – Prince Andrew, the beleaguered younger brother of King Charles III, is under increasing scrutiny over his living arrangements and royal titles. Reports suggest that discussions are underway between the prince and the monarch regarding his potential departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor Castle estate. This development follows renewed public outrage sparked by allegations from Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, who detailed her claims of sexual encounters with Andrew in her recently published memoir. The prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing but settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for millions of dollars. Meanwhile, British lawmakers are pushing for a parliamentary debate to strip Andrew of his Duke of York title, a move that would be unprecedented in modern times. Although such a motion would not be legally binding, it would intensify pressure on the royal family and government to address the issue. Adding to the controversy, reports reveal that Andrew has not paid rent for two decades on his Royal Lodge home, a privilege stemming from a 2003 agreement with the Crown Estate. Speculation is rife that Andrew may agree to vacate the property if offered financial compensation and an alternative residence. The situation has also reportedly influenced Prince William’s plans to relocate his family to a nearby residence, with expectations that Andrew will leave beforehand. The Liberal Democrat party has joined calls for parliamentary action, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration with the monarchy.

As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus who are staying on-site during the storm have been equipped with essential supplies. On Sunday, a collaborative effort by the Bellbaten Foundation, Fyahman Entertainment, The UWI Mona Guild, and Romeich Entertainment ensured that students received critical items such as canned meats, fish, toiletries, snacks, and bottled water. A representative from the UWI Mona Guild emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, ‘We partnered to ensure that students who cannot return home are fully supported during this challenging period. We visited all campus halls to distribute the products.’ Students were seen posing with trays of Ramen, cup noodles, and cases of bottled water as the nation braces for the hurricane, which is predicted to bring intense rainfall, storm surges, and landslides. The collective effort highlights the community’s commitment to safeguarding students during this natural disaster.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a dramatic reversal of sentiment, residents of Savanna-la-Mar have transitioned from a defiant stance to a state of urgent preparedness as Hurricane Melissa looms closer. Initially, many locals confidently declared their intention to remain in their homes despite the impending storm. However, by Saturday afternoon, a palpable sense of urgency had taken hold, with families hastily packing their belongings and preparing to evacuate to safer locations.

Carey Levy, a local resident, encapsulated the growing anxiety, stating, ‘We not staying. We know it ago bad. Later tonight we a push out.’ This shift in attitude underscores the escalating threat posed by the hurricane, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and potentially devastating winds.

Marcine Campbell-Kerr, the Disaster Coordinator for Westmoreland, emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures. She urged residents to stock up on essential supplies, particularly those with medical conditions like diabetes, and to seek refuge in designated shelters. ‘We know that residents may be in the shelters for more than 24 hours, so we are encouraging them to carry enough food supplies. Even if it’s perishable items, bring them,’ she advised.

Local authorities have been working tirelessly to ensure that shelters are well-equipped to accommodate evacuees. Campbell-Kerr confirmed that shelters have been on standby since October 23, with two residents already checking into the Godfrey Stewart shelter. As dark clouds gather and the threat of severe weather intensifies, the once-casual atmosphere in Savanna-la-Mar has been replaced by a mood of cautious readiness.

With the community bracing for a potentially long and challenging night, officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and prioritizing safety. Residents are being urged to heed all warnings, stay alert, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the impending storm.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Electrical engineer Shavalo Porter has issued a stark warning to consumers about the pitfalls of purchasing inadequate generators for home use. According to Porter, many of the smaller, cheaper models flooding the market are virtually ineffective for household needs. ‘Anything under 3000 watts hardly makes sense,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘If your generator can’t even power a refrigerator, it’s a waste of money. Trust me.’

While some believe that small generators can sustain basic appliances, the reality is that most household devices—refrigerators, washing machines, and even water pumps—require significant wattage to function properly. For instance, a refrigerator alone may need between 1,200 to 2000 watts during startup, rendering a 1000-watt generator insufficient or entirely useless. The required wattage, however, varies depending on the appliance’s specifications.

For those seeking reliable backup power, Porter recommends investing in a generator rated at 3000 watts or higher. These models typically cost between $120,000 and $180,000, depending on the brand, fuel type, and features. There are three main types of generators available: diesel-powered, gasoline-powered, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) generators. Diesel models are known for their durability and efficiency but tend to be noisier. Gasoline-powered generators are more common and easier to fuel, while LNG generators are cleaner but less widely available.

Porter also emphasized that owning a powerful generator is only half the battle; proper usage is equally critical. One often-overlooked hazard is the use of inadequate extension cords, or ‘drop cords.’ ‘Many people use small, cheap cords that heat up quickly,’ he cautioned. ‘This can cause backfeeding or even start a fire. Avoid thin Chinese extension cords and invest in a durable, heavy-duty one rated for high power.’

Solar generators, while environmentally appealing, may not be practical during Jamaica’s rainy and stormy seasons. ‘The sun hardly comes out during these times,’ Porter noted. ‘So what will charge it?’

For those preparing for hurricane season or prolonged blackouts, the advice is clear: choose a generator that meets your household’s actual needs, use appropriate cords, and understand the fuel and maintenance requirements. Cutting corners on backup power can lead to far greater costs than the initial savings. Several appliance stores have reported that their generator stocks, ranging from 1000 watts and up, were sold out by Friday.

Roxanne McPherson, a local resident, shared her experience: ‘I couldn’t stand the heat during and after Hurricane Beryl. So I decided, wherever I must find the money, I will find it. I only need my fan running, my phone, and my daughter’s tablet charged. I have canned food, so I’m not too concerned about the refrigerator.’

In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, 59 skilled linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday. Their mission: to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in swiftly restoring electricity services should Tropical Storm Melissa cause significant damage to the island’s power infrastructure. This deployment brings the total number of professionals—comprising Jamaicans, Vincentians, and North Americans—to approximately 650, all trained in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage electrical and telecommunications lines. The majority of the newly arrived team hails from the U.S.-based Sovereign Line Group. Roger Campbell, a general foreman with the group, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are just here to bring the power back on, whatever happens.’ Caleb Young, another general foreman, emphasized the importance of arriving early, noting that pre-storm deployment ensures readiness to act immediately after the storm passes. Jeff Files, also a general foreman, described the decision to assist Jamaica as a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting the collaborative effort between Sovereign Line Group and JPS. Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, JPS’s director of people operations, underscored the strategic planning behind the initiative, which was informed by lessons learned from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. The linesmen, who work under challenging conditions to restore power, are critical to ensuring reliable electricity delivery in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In a significant operation on Saturday morning, the Manchester Police successfully confiscated a firearm in the Scott Town district of Greenvale, located in the central parish of Jamaica. The incident unfolded around 10:15 am when law enforcement officers, acting on credible intelligence, arrived at a specific area in Greenvale. There, they discovered an abandoned Honda Accord motor car. Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, the police uncovered a Ruger semi-automatic rifle concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Despite the successful seizure, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The Manchester Police have not released further details regarding the investigation or the potential suspects involved. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety in the region.