标签： Jamaica

In western Jamaica, where communities rarely capture national attention, a special holiday transformation occurred this Christmas through the concerted efforts of young creatives and volunteers. The Off the Grid Foundation masterminded the heartfelt initiative known as the Joy Drive, which prioritized genuine human connection over transactional gift-giving.

Nicolette Richardson, the foundation’s communications director, explained their philosophy: “We aimed to create normalcy—something that truly feels like Christmas. Whether through a gift, a cold drink, or a sweet treat, we wanted people to relax and feel seen.”

The operation involved meticulous preparation during the days preceding Christmas. Volunteers gathered to wrap presents, sort toys, and prepare handwritten cards destined for children across St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. By December 23rd, distribution teams were actively engaging with communities in Holland Village and Slipe, ensuring all gifts reached their recipients before Christmas morning.

At the initiative’s core stands Adiel ‘King Diel’ Thomas, the foundation’s executive director and a multifaceted Jamaican artist. His extensive background in music—from reggae and R&B to gospel and theater—informs his community philosophy. “When they ask for food, we give food. When they need clothes, we get clothes. For Christmas, they shouldn’t have to ask,” Thomas stated while organizing toys.

The Joy Drive drew inspiration from a poignant moment involving a young boy named Aiden, who had previously requested a bicycle during a community visit. Thomas shared: “I posted his sincere request online, and within days, someone funded the bicycle. The joy wasn’t just his—it touched everyone witnessing that moment.”

Recording artist Chris Malachi, volunteer and creator of the resonant track “Brighter Days,” reflected on the broader context: “This hurricane season revealed the profound unity and love Jamaicans possess. These children will indeed see brighter days.”

The initiative benefited from extensive collaborative support, including contributions from Sora Media, Island Kings, Kelkar’s Catering, St Andrew Prep, Ultra Baked, PepsiCo, and the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights, which donated 126 gifts. Particularly moving were the handwritten letters from Maverley Primary School students, offering compassion and hope to unseen peers.

One letter from fifth-grader Marisha encapsulated the spirit: “I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you build a new house and your school. I can buy you a house.”

For Richardson, such moments highlighted the initiative’s essence: “We learned that listening matters most. This wasn’t about grand gestures but care, intention, and love.” Additional volunteers including Nakayla Flowers, Natalie Brady, and Shania Brown contributed to the wrapping and distribution, collectively ensuring a brighter Christmas for western Jamaica’s children.

In the heart of Annotto Bay, St Mary, a remarkable initiative led by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Errol “Exudous” Green has brought unprecedented Christmas joy to community children. For over fifteen years, Green has redefined holiday celebrations through his generous community outreach programs across St Mary and Portland.

Drawing from his own childhood experiences of economic hardship, Green developed a profound commitment to creating magical Christmas experiences for underprivileged youth. “My childhood admiration for Christmas festivities—the decorations, gifts, and communal joy—inspired me to reverse roles as an adult,” Green explained. “Instead of receiving gifts, I now find greater fulfillment in giving them.”

This year’s celebration holds particular significance as communities continue recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Recognizing the need for heightened cheer, Green transformed his residential property into an elaborate winter wonderland featuring spectacular lighting displays, festive decorations, and interactive attractions.

Despite initial logistical challenges that required adapting original plans for kindergarten visits, Green innovatively organized neighborhood-based groupings. Daily, over one hundred children enjoy complimentary ice cream, popcorn, snow cones, cakes, and beverages while exploring the enchanting setup.

Extending his generosity beyond private property, Green enhanced community infrastructure by decorating the historic Mother Forde bridge with an illuminated Christmas tree and dazzling backdrop. “This visible symbol of hope brightens the entire townscape,” Green remarked, highlighting his commitment to widespread festive ambiance.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Local resident Ian Malcolm, who visited with his family, praised Green’s initiative: “This generosity fosters communal harmony and demonstrates extraordinary compassion. Mr. Green’s actions truly reflect the spirit of Christmas.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Hanover Municipal Corporation has ignited both celebration and criticism with its holiday decorations. Mayor Sheridan Samuels delivered a passionate defense of the corporation’s efforts during Tuesday’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Bustamante Square, Lucea.

The center of controversy revolves around a newly purchased artificial Christmas tree positioned prominently before the Municipal Corporation building. Mayor Samuels directly addressed circulating criticisms about the tree’s appearance and scale, asserting that detractors demonstrate a lack of parish pride. ‘Those who cannot recognize beauty should reconsider their criticisms,’ Samuels stated before gathered residents.

The original tree, planted over 35 years ago by the late James Lawrence and traditionally used for celebrations, sustained significant damage during October’s hurricane. Facing severe financial constraints, the corporation contemplated how to utilize the damaged tree with limited resources before finding an alternative solution.

Financial challenges resulting from hurricane recovery efforts nearly prevented this year’s celebrations until private donors intervened significantly. Omar McFarlane of the Jamaica Football Federation contributed $500,000 specifically for purchasing the replacement tree after learning about the municipality’s predicament.

Additional support came from multiple organizations including Sandals Foundation, which provided gifts and toys for children, and the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, which supplied snacks for the event. The collective efforts ensured the continuation of both the annual Christmas treat for children and the tree lighting ceremony despite the parish’s recovery challenges.

Mayor Samuels extended particular gratitude to all contributors while challenging critics to document and share the town’s beauty rather than diminish the restoration efforts. The ceremony proceeded as planned, symbolizing community resilience and seasonal spirit amid ongoing recovery operations.

In a strategic move to address the profound psychological aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government is harnessing the influential role of the Church to deliver essential mental health support to devastated communities. Beyond spiritual guidance, the initiative recognizes churches as critical hubs for psychological counseling and community resilience.

The comprehensive recovery package includes a substantial financial commitment of J$75 million dedicated to the restoration of damaged church buildings. Furthermore, the administration has arranged for the National Housing Trust (NHT) to extend specialized loan facilities to support the reconstruction of these vital structures.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie articulated the dual-purpose strategy during a public event on Tuesday. He emphasized that pastors and church leaders frequently serve as primary counselors, offering not only spiritual solace but also crucial psychological assurance during times of extreme crisis. This makes them indispensable partners in the national effort to rebuild mental fortitude alongside physical infrastructure.

Minister McKenzie acknowledged that while the initial funding is a starting point, the government remains open to expanding its support as recovery efforts progress. He highlighted the Church’s official position on the National Disaster Committee, underscoring its formal role in national planning and its deep-seated cultural significance to the Jamaican people.

The damage assessment has revealed a particularly tragic loss: numerous destroyed churches were historical landmarks over a century old, representing not just religious sites but invaluable national heritage. The government’s plan therefore includes targeted efforts to manage the cleanup and reconstruction of these culturally significant facilities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a separate address, reinforced this commitment. He announced the administration’s parallel initiative to resolve land ownership issues for churches operating without formal titles, thereby strengthening their legal standing and facilitating their rebuilding process. Holness unequivocally stated that faith-based institutions are integral partners and will not be excluded from the national reconstruction and relief agenda.

In his annual Christmas Day message broadcast nationally from Westminster Abbey, Britain’s King Charles III delivered a poignant call for global unity and compassion during a period of international discord. The 77-year-old monarch emphasized the profound significance of shared human values that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.

The sovereign expressed particular admiration for acts of extraordinary bravery demonstrated by individuals during violent incidents worldwide, specifically referencing the recent tragedy at Bondi Beach in Australia where a Jewish event was targeted. “Spontaneous bravery has been displayed by individuals and communities who instinctively place themselves in harm’s way to defend others,” remarked the King, whose words were accompanied by visual footage from the Bondi incident.

Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, Charles highlighted the enduring relevance of wartime courage and communal solidarity, noting that these historical lessons carry “a timeless message for us all” that continues to shape national character.

The religious dimension of the message gained particular resonance given Charles’s recent historic visit to the Vatican in October, where he became the first Church of England head to pray publicly with a pope since the Reformation 500 years prior. This gesture of interfaith unity was characterized by the monarch as a “historic moment of spiritual unity.”

Notably absent from the address were any references to the monarch’s personal health challenges or familial controversies, including his cancer treatment or the ongoing situation surrounding Prince Andrew’s royal status. Instead, the message featured appearances by Prince William and grandson George, while concluding with a performance by a Ukrainian choir formed in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion.

The royal family subsequently attended Christmas services at St Mary Magdalene Church on the King’s Sandringham estate, continuing their traditional holiday observances.

Amidst ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ) orchestrated a widespread humanitarian initiative during the Christmas season. Through its prominent brands KFC and Pizza Hut, the organization directed substantial resources toward delivering joy and normalcy to children in orphanages and schools across storm-impacted regions.

The comprehensive outreach program engaged over 100 children through multiple visits, creating meaningful experiences that emphasized community support and emotional recovery. The campaign commenced in western Jamaica, coinciding with Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness’s traditional Christmas treat events in areas severely affected by the October hurricane.

ROJ’s involvement represented a natural extension of existing relief work in western parishes, where both brands had been actively supporting staff and local communities since Hurricane Melissa struck. At Middle Quarters Primary School in St. Elizabeth, the initiative transformed into a vibrant celebration featuring games, face painting, and shared meals from KFC and Pizza Hut, creating an atmosphere of festive normalcy for children and parents alike.

The program extended to Top Hill Primary School, where KFC had maintained presence through previous donations following 2024’s Hurricane Beryl and the more recent Melissa. Despite the school’s incomplete operational recovery, the team organized a special Christmas treat complete with meals, amusement rides, and a practical charging station for parental devices. Additional meal donations supported Mayfield Primary School’s end-of-term festivities, broadening the initiative’s impact.

Kandine West, Marketing Officer for KFC Jamaica, explained the strategic rationale: “Our sustained presence in these communities through their most challenging moments made holiday participation essential. Christmas holds particular significance for children, and sharing this time represents emotional recovery support beyond practical assistance.”

While prioritizing western parishes, ROJ maintained its traditional commitments in other regions. In Kingston, Pizza Hut continued its annual visit to the Salvation Army’s Nest Children’s Home despite post-storm challenges. The team focused on quality interaction through conversation and play, providing consistent emotional support that staff noted was particularly valuable given the widespread uncertainty affecting children island-wide.

Captain Keith Haughton, administrator at the home, emphasized: “Continuous support carries profound meaning for these children during difficult times.”

The outreach expanded further to Garland Hall Memorial Children’s Home in Anchovy, St. James, with beverage partner Pepsi Jamaica contributing water and beverages. The event gained communal dimension as staff from Wakefield Primary and Infant School joined activities, reinforcing shared community bonds.

Levene Sheriff, Marketing Officer for Pizza Hut Jamaica, reflected on the program’s philosophy: “During periods of uncertainty, maintaining commitments to children becomes increasingly vital. These visits centered on presence and reassurance—demonstrating that they remain remembered and valued.”

Throughout all engagements, the unified focus remained creating spaces where children could experience warmth, familiarity, and unrestrained joy, whether in storm-recovering communities or through maintained traditions that allowed children to simply be children during the holiday season.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a heartfelt tribute to her nation’s resilience, renowned dancehall artist Spice has transformed her Christmas decorations into a symbolic homage to Jamaica following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The musical artist, known for her chart-topping single “Go Down Deh,” has consciously dedicated her seasonal celebrations to supporting national morale during recovery efforts.

The entertainer’s Instagram revelation showcased an artistically curated Christmas tree featuring distinctive Jamaican elements. Ornaments shaped like the island’s map highlighted all 14 parishes, accompanied by symbolic praying hands and ribbons inscribed with traditional Jamaican proverbs. Maintaining her signature silver-and-white aesthetic theme, Spice incorporated geographical representations of hard-hit areas including Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Port Antonio.

“This Christmas carries profound significance for our nation,” Spice expressed in her social media statement. “Amid the holiday celebrations, I remain acutely aware of the challenges facing Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. This dedication represents my unwavering commitment to our people and our collective recovery journey.”

This festive gesture follows Spice’s substantial humanitarian contribution last month, when she provided building supplies to residents of Bethel Town in Westmoreland—one of the regions most severely impacted by the catastrophic weather event.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category Five storm on October 28, 2025, resulting in tragic loss of 45 lives and causing extensive damage through widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure. The western parishes—particularly St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, St. James, and Hanover—suffered the most severe impacts of the natural disaster.

In a heartwarming response to post-hurricane hardships, Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) transformed the holiday season for 59 state wards from western Jamaica through its annual ‘Make a Wish’ Christmas treat at Buzzers in Portmore, St Catherine. The event brought together children from multiple care institutions including Noah’s Ark Children’s Home, Montego Bay Community Home for Girls – Melody House, Garland Hall Memorial Home, and Mervis Braham Children’s Home, alongside participants from Foster Care and Family Reintegration programs.

The foundation’s initiative took on heightened significance following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on local communities. Each child received a personalized ‘Make a Wish’ card beforehand, requesting gifts ranging from electronic devices to essential clothing items. Heather Goldson, SVF’s executive director, emphasized that the program extended beyond material gifts: ‘This year has been particularly difficult for many families, especially those displaced by the hurricane. We wanted to bring Christmas cheer and reassurance to these children.’

Children enjoyed unlimited access to Buzzers’ entertainment facilities including arcade games, basketball courts, virtual reality experiences, and even a haunted house. The festivities featured interactive sessions led by Supreme Ventures draw operator Kerry Major, with care providers joining the friendly competitions. A winter-themed photo booth provided lasting mementos for each participant.

Annette Clemetson, house manager at Melody House, noted the profound psychological impact: ‘Being outside and surrounded by fun and laughter has lifted their spirits tremendously.’ The emotional climax arrived with a surprise gift-giving ceremony where children received exactly what they had wished for, with many embracing presents they had only dreamed of owning.

Child Protection and Family Services Agency representative Kristen Laing praised SVF’s community partnership, while SVG’s AVP Chloleen Daley-Muschett coordinated the meticulously planned event, describing it as ‘one of the most heart-warming projects of the year.’ The foundation’s efforts demonstrated how corporate social responsibility can restore hope and joy to vulnerable youth during challenging times.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a heartwarming Christmas tradition spanning twelve years, Kiwanis Division 23 East brought seasonal cheer to Victoria Jubilee Maternity Hospital by distributing gift baskets to 61 women who gave birth on December 25th. The initiative, known as the Baby Love Project, represents one of the organization’s most cherished annual community outreach programs.

The hospital’s nursing services director, Matron Elise Fairweather-Blackwood, provided detailed birth statistics for Christmas Day, noting that seven deliveries occurred after midnight. ‘The first baby arrived at 12:11 am—a boy—followed by a girl at 12:14 am, another girl at 4:07 am, and a fourth girl at 5:02 am,’ she reported.

While all mothers on the ward received standard gift packages, the first four infants born on Christmas morning were honored with special baskets. Matron Fairweather-Blackwood explained that two of the top-four mothers could not personally receive their gifts due to medical circumstances—one recovering from cesarean surgery and another requiring continued medical attention.

Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, attended the ceremony and praised the Kiwanis Club for their sustained philanthropic efforts. He reflected on the symbolic importance of newborn children as embodiments of future potential and societal renewal, while acknowledging the simultaneous challenges of parenthood. The Minister emphasized that such community support provides ‘an energetic start to the renewal process’ for families welcoming new members.

Audrey Brown, Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 23 East, revealed that the project has continued with renewed dedication despite recent challenges, including the passing of a member named Melissa. Each club within the division was instructed to contribute three baskets, though many exceeded expectations by donating six. Brown particularly highlighted the strong participation of male members, noting their contributions demonstrated ‘that we do have committed fathers’ within the organization.