标签： Jamaica

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the flood-prone parish of Westmoreland is grappling with significant challenges in disaster preparedness. Illegal electrical connections, unauthorized water pipes, and informal settlements are obstructing critical drain-cleaning efforts, exacerbating the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities. Abigail Malcolm, Caretaker of the Cornwall Mountain Division, highlighted the difficulties faced during drain cleaning in the Petersfield Division, where illegal wires and improperly placed structures hindered the work of heavy machinery. In other areas, illegal water pipes and homes built too close to drains have further complicated the process, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to flood damage. Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz, has raised concerns about the parish’s garbage management crisis, noting that garbage trucks assigned to Westmoreland and Hanover were reportedly reassigned to St James. Vaz questioned the prioritization of resources, emphasizing the urgent need for the National Solid Waste Agency to address the backlog and ensure equitable service delivery. The closure of the Frome Sugar Factory has also worsened the situation, as the factory’s annual drain-cleaning practices previously mitigated flooding in Petersfield. With heavy rainfall now causing heightened fears of property damage, local authorities are calling for increased awareness campaigns, enforcement of regulations, and resource allocation to address these long-standing issues and protect the community’s safety and livelihoods.

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.

In Greater Portmore, St Catherine, a modest hut-like structure beneath a tree near the Monza Housing Scheme has become the unlikely home of 40-year-old Kirk Walker. Since 2022, Walker has endured harsh living conditions after being compelled to leave the Monza scheme, where he previously resided. Despite the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to bring torrential rains and fierce winds to Jamaica, Walker remains steadfast in his decision to stay put. On Saturday, he expressed no urgency to seek refuge in a shelter, instead choosing to face the storm head-on. Having survived Hurricane Beryl in the same location last year, Walker is confident in his ability to withstand Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall early next week. While he hopes for assistance to secure a more permanent and suitable residence in the future, his immediate focus is on weathering the impending storm.

The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.