标签： Jamaica

Residents of Wakefield district in Trelawny, Jamaica, are facing severe isolation and hardship after heavy rains exacerbated the flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa. The community, already grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane, now finds itself nearly cut off from the outside world. Three main entrances are impassable for most vehicles, leaving residents reliant on large vans that charge exorbitant fees for transportation. Sharon Morris, a local resident, lamented the dire situation, stating that food supplies are scarce and shared among neighbors. Fayon Ellis, another resident, described how the flooding has trapped them, making it impossible to travel to nearby towns like Falmouth or Montego Bay. The Observer team, which visited the area, had to navigate makeshift routes to access the community, encountering significant flooding along the way. Leonie Clarke and her son Rodwayne highlighted the longstanding drainage issues that have worsened the flooding, with water unable to escape due to poorly designed infrastructure. While some residents use a makeshift bridge to move within the community, the roads ahead remain blocked. Rodwayne emphasized that the problem could be resolved with proper drainage work before the next rainy season. The lack of clean water has become a pressing concern, with residents fearing the health risks posed by contaminated water and the inability to access medical help in emergencies. Mae Allen expressed her desperation, suggesting that only a helicopter could rescue them. Despite relief efforts by organizations like World Central Kitchen and The Jamaica Guangdomg Association, essential supplies had not reached Wakefield by the time the Observer team departed.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, two families in St Elizabeth have been provided with new homes through the efforts of Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin. The initiative, part of the Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, saw the distribution of two prefabricated houses and essential supplies to Ashella Baker and Alludia Brown, both mothers whose homes were destroyed by the storm. The relief effort also included care packages for numerous other affected residents during a distribution event on November 13. Ashella Baker, a mother of six from Middle Quarters, expressed her gratitude, describing the arrival of the new home as a ‘miracle.’ Alludia Brown, a mother of two from Parottee, shared her relief and excitement at having a secure place for her family. The mission received support from Juici Patties, the Clarendon police, Clarendon Justices of the Peace, and other partners. Custos Chin emphasized the ongoing need for assistance, stating that two more houses will be gifted to families in need. Superintendent Coleridge Minto of the St Elizabeth Police Division praised the initiative, highlighting the comprehensive support provided, including water trucks, meals, and care packages. Senior Superintendent Shane McCalla of the Clarendon Police Division commended the collaborative effort and expressed hope for continued stakeholder involvement in the recovery process.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, several schools in the severely affected western regions of Jamaica are set to reopen next week. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon announced that a combination of shift systems and temporary tents will be employed to facilitate the return of students, particularly those preparing for critical exams. Cornwall College and Mount Alvernia High are among the institutions resuming operations, with the latter already welcoming back some of its exam-taking students on Wednesday. Morris Dixon emphasized the priority of ensuring that students preparing for CSEC, CAPE, and PEP exams can continue their education with minimal disruption. During a tour of schools in Trelawny and St James, the minister assessed the extensive damage caused by the hurricane and outlined plans for recovery. Temporary structures, including tents, will be utilized to supplement classroom space, while more semi-permanent solutions are also being considered. Morris Dixon acknowledged the significant challenges faced by schools in these parishes, with many classrooms destroyed or rendered unusable. She stressed the need for long-term resilience in school infrastructure, advocating for the adoption of slab roof construction methods to withstand future natural disasters. The minister also expressed gratitude to school leaders and community stakeholders for their tireless efforts in reopening schools despite the lack of basic utilities like water and electricity.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A violent confrontation between law enforcement and alleged gunmen has resulted in significant traffic disruptions in Linstead. The incident, which unfolded overnight on the Linstead Bypass, led to the deaths of four individuals. Witnesses reported that vehicles were immobilized near the Rosemount roundabout, causing gridlock in the area. Authorities have cordoned off a section of the road to facilitate an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigation. The scene was marked by numerous yellow police indicators, typically used to identify spent shell casings, while one of the vehicles involved bore multiple bullet holes. Preliminary reports suggest that the deceased were suspects in a prior shooting in Guys Hill, which claimed one life and left another injured. The community remains on edge as investigations continue.