标签： Jamaica

Residents and commuters in St. Mary, Jamaica, are facing significant travel disruptions following a major landslide that has completely blocked the Broadgate main road. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has officially declared the roadway impassable and is strongly advising the public to avoid the area entirely until further notice.

In response to the incident, which was likely triggered by recent heavy rainfall in the region, law enforcement has implemented an immediate traffic diversion plan. Motorists are being urgently directed to utilize the Richmond main road as the primary alternative route to navigate around the affected zone. Authorities have emphasized the critical importance of exercising extreme caution while traveling through the parish, as unstable ground conditions may persist and present additional hazards.

Emergency response teams and infrastructure crews have been deployed to assess the structural integrity of the area and initiate clearance operations. However, the full scope of the damage and the timeline for complete restoration of access remain under evaluation. The National Works Agency is coordinating with local police to manage the situation and provide real-time updates to the public as the remediation efforts progress. Officials have committed to issuing subsequent advisories as new information becomes available regarding the road’s status and the anticipated reopening.

Jamaica has commenced its 2026 seasonal agricultural program with the inaugural departure of 182 workers to Canada, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s overseas employment initiatives. The send-off ceremony, held at Kingston’s Overseas Employment Centre, was presided over by Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr., who emphasized the program’s transformative impact on Jamaican families and national economic resilience.

Minister Charles characterized the event as more than a mere departure, describing it as ‘a continuation of a proud legacy built on discipline, integrity, and hard work.’ Official statistics reveal that since January 1, 2025, over 15,000 Jamaicans have secured overseas employment in Canada and the United States, exceeding previous annual figures.

The current cohort includes 97 workers who departed Tuesday with an additional 85 scheduled for Wednesday travel. These agricultural specialists will be dispersed across multiple Canadian provinces—Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland—where they will dedicate eight months to greenhouse operations and fruit and vegetable cultivation.

A noteworthy 90% of the group consists of returning workers, indicating strong employer satisfaction and the program’s sustained success. The ceremony was attended by Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman, alongside senior ministry officials and media representatives.

Minister Charles highlighted the program’s particular importance following Hurricane Melissa, which has compromised housing and livelihoods throughout Jamaica. ‘Overseas employment provides stability, dignity, and a pathway for families to rebuild during this recovery period,’ he affirmed.

As Jamaica approaches the 60th anniversary of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme in 2026, the government reaffirmed its commitment to both preserving the program’s integrity and implementing modernizations for future sustainability. Workers were urged to maintain health and safety protocols, support fellow team members, and uphold Jamaica’s reputation for excellence.

The Sandals Foundation has initiated a significant educational restoration program across multiple Jamaican parishes severely impacted by recent hurricane activity. In Westmoreland’s Whitehouse community, Culloden Infant School has received two modular classrooms as part of this comprehensive recovery effort, marking a pivotal step toward normalizing education for affected students.

The foundation’s multi-faceted approach extends beyond physical infrastructure, incorporating psychological support, nutritional assistance, and environmental management. Six pre-fabricated modular units have been strategically deployed to create temporary learning spaces while permanent reconstruction planning progresses.

Executive Director Heidi Clarke emphasized the urgency of educational restoration: ‘Creating safe temporary spaces represents just one component of our holistic recovery mission. We’re simultaneously addressing emotional trauma through psychosocial support programs while ensuring basic needs through daily meal provisions and water security measures.’

The foundation has mobilized an international coalition including Team Rubicon for debris removal and structural repairs, Mercy Chefs for nutritional support, and Sesame Workshop for educational resources. Local partnerships with Rhino Jamaica and Ex-o-Pest have facilitated pest management and infrastructure repairs.

At Kings Primary School, temporary roofing installations have already enabled the resumption of classes for critical PEP examination students. Michelle Whittingham, Principal of Culloden Infant, highlighted the psychological component’s importance: ‘These interventions restore routine and build emotional resilience when children’s sense of security is most vulnerable.’

The ongoing initiative currently supports thirteen educational institutions across Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and St. James parishes. The foundation maintains collaborative planning with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and National Education Trust to coordinate long-term reconstruction timelines.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — A 38-year-old man has received an 11-month prison sentence for physically assaulting his 80-year-old grandmother in a disturbing case that highlights elder abuse and family violence. The sentencing proceeded despite the prosecution’s recommendation for a suspended sentence, after the elderly victim expressed resignation to the court’s decision while characterizing her grandson as “rough and rude.”

The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, when Jamel Douglas arrived at his grandmother’s residence while she was conversing with a friend on her porch. Despite Jacobs’ request for privacy, Douglas became aggressive, jumping on a table and ultimately physically assaulting his grandmother. During the altercation, he seized her cellular phone, squeezing her finger painfully and smashing the device valued at EC$270.

In court, Douglas pleaded guilty to both assault causing actual bodily harm and property damage charges. Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre initially advocated for a suspended sentence, but Chief Magistrate Colin John sought the victim’s perspective before sentencing.

The elderly victim, Kerhen Jacobs, expressed pragmatic acceptance of whatever sentence the court deemed appropriate, noting her grandson’s unpredictable behavior and history of aggression toward her. “Whatever the court decides, I can’t go against it, and I won’t go against it,” Jacobs stated during the proceedings.

Douglas attempted to mitigate his sentence by citing a history of mental illness, though he acknowledged his last episode occurred over five years prior. He also claimed unfair treatment from family members. The magistrate noted Douglas’s missed opportunity to offer a genuine apology during proceedings, though he eventually apologized while still making excuses for his actions.

Chief Magistrate John emphasized the sanctity of home and an elderly person’s right to peace and security: “Your grandmother should be allowed to enjoy her home in comfort without disturbance by you. You are a big man; you are 38 years old, and you should not be going there to harass your grandmother.”

In addition to the prison term, Douglas was ordered to compensate his grandmother EC$270 for the destroyed phone within two months of his release, facing an additional six-month imprisonment if he fails to make restitution.