标签： Jamaica

The St James Municipal Corporation in Jamaica has issued a definitive ultimatum to organizations responsible for adopted bus stop shelters, demanding immediate removal of structurally compromised signage damaged during Hurricane Melissa one month ago. Municipal authorities have determined that numerous signs perched atop these public transit structures now pose potential safety hazards due to their deteriorated condition.

Mayor Richard Vernon formally announced through Observer Online that all damaged infrastructure must be either fully restored or completely removed by December 3, 2025. The Corporation explicitly warned that any neglected signage or bus stop facilities remaining beyond this deadline will be subject to municipal-led removal operations.

The municipal leadership emphasized that this directive stems from safety considerations rather than punitive intentions. Mayor Vernon clarified that the primary objective involves ensuring public safety while simultaneously preserving the aesthetic integrity of Montego Bay’s urban landscape. This initiative represents part of broader ongoing efforts between city officials and corporate partners to restore municipal infrastructure to its pre-hurricane condition.

Vernon articulated the city’s position stating, “This directive is not intended as punishment, but as a necessary measure to ensure that Montego Bay reflects the dignity, safety, and vibrancy its residents and visitors deserve.” The mayor further encouraged collaborative action, adding, “We therefore urge all partners to act forthwith, so that together we can safeguard the integrity of our public spaces and advance the restoration of our city.”

Dr. Patricia Smith, a 69-year-old successful entrepreneur and founder of Sweet P Home Care Inc. in the United States, is spearheading a movement to reshape public perception of Revivalism. Contrary to the common narrative that views the spiritual practice with skepticism, Smith credits the church with providing the foundational support that propelled her from childhood adversity to professional success.

Born into challenging circumstances and abandoned by her parents early in life, Smith found sanctuary in a Revival church in Spanish Town, Jamaica. She describes the institution not merely as a place of worship but as a critical lifeline during her most vulnerable years. “When I was hungry, I would look to that church,” Smith recalled, noting that their regular thanksgiving tables provided her only reliable source of nourishment during periods of food insecurity.

The church’s role extended beyond material support, offering spiritual guidance that continues to influence her life. Smith attributes her ongoing resilience to the mentorship of Apostle Ray Anthony Foster, leader of the Sacred Heart Spiritual Church of Jesus Christ. She emphasizes the practical value of his prophetic guidance in business decisions and personal matters, noting that his accurate insights have attracted over 300 members to the congregation, including non-members seeking spiritual counsel.

Apostle Foster provided theological context for Revivalist practices, explaining they represent a blend of Christian traditions with African heritage elements. He clarified misconceptions about rituals such as coconut breaking (a symbolic cleansing practice similar to spiritual bathing) and ancestral acknowledgment (which involves remembrance rather than worship). Foster strongly distinguished Revivalism from Obeah, emphasizing that while Obeah involves harmful intentions and manipulation, Revivalism focuses on biblical foundations and positive spiritual development.

Both Smith and Foster acknowledge the persistent challenges in public understanding, particularly regarding the conflation of Revivalism with other spiritual practices like Kumina or Obeah. Foster noted that even basic elements like lighting candles or burning incense are not part of their worship, further distinguishing their practices from common misconceptions.

Smith’s recent $10 million donation to Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency demonstrates her ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable children, mirroring the support she received from the Revival church community in her youth.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation across Jamaica, local business leader Janelle Pantry-Coke transformed her company’s milestone celebration into a powerful humanitarian initiative. The Creative Director of Spaces Ltd, drawing upon her extensive background with the Rotary Club of Jamaica, reconceptualized what would have been a conventional 18th anniversary event into a ‘Rebuilding with Heart’ mission.

The November 23rd brunch and auction at Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen became the launchpad for the Spaces Hurricane Relief Programme, strategically shifting from celebrating aesthetic design to addressing urgent community needs. Pantry-Coke emotionally addressed attendees, explaining how the hurricane had reshaped priorities: ‘Our theme captures the very essence of what we do – and who we are. We’ve witnessed heartbreak across Jamaica – homes lost, families displaced, livelihoods interrupted.’

The comprehensive relief program focuses on providing practical household support, with an explicit goal of supplying 100 complete mattress and bedding sets to help families reestablish fundamental comfort. The initiative expands to collecting linens, towels, and essential household supplies to restore normalcy for displaced residents.

The auction component, led by Fabian Brown, generated significant support through donated artworks from prominent Jamaican artists Kianne Patrice Hutchinson and Carla Newsam, alongside exclusive experiences from major sponsors including ATL, Sandals, Flow, and other corporate partners. Reverend Jim Parkes set the moral tone with a biblical reading emphasizing support for the vulnerable.

The event attracted cross-sector support from legal, banking, energy, and telecommunications professionals, demonstrating widespread community solidarity. Notable attendees included Scotiabank executives Marcette McLeggon and Rohan Hoilett, Flow executives Darron Turnquest and Nyree Coke, and Port Authority marketing executive Kim Stiff, among other prominent figures.

The celebration also marked the launch of Spaces Edit Magazine’s anniversary issue, though this achievement was repositioned within the context of post-disaster recovery, symbolizing how beauty and purpose can coexist during challenging times.

Dutch attorney R Bouwman, representing concert promoter Nicardo ‘Papa’ Blake, has issued a public appeal against victim-blaming in the high-profile assault case involving reggae artist Jah Cure. The legal representative expressed bewilderment at public sympathy shifting toward the perpetrator despite clear evidence and judicial outcomes.

The case stems from an October 2021 incident in Amsterdam’s Dam Square where Jah Cure (legally named Siccature Alcock) stabbed Blake during a dispute over unpaid performance fees. Security footage captured the altercation, though not with absolute clarity according to court documents.

Initial proceedings resulted in conviction, but prosecutors appealed for a more severe charge. In October 2025, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal overturned the original verdict, convicting Alcock of attempted murder and increasing his sentence to eight years and four months imprisonment. The court also ordered €9,452.49 in damages for material and non-material losses suffered by Blake.

Medical reports detailed extensive injuries including stomach perforations and retroperitoneal damage requiring multiple surgeries. Blake bears permanent scarring from sternum to lower abdomen and continues experiencing medical complications years after the attack.

Despite publicly forgiving his attacker, Blake maintains vivid memories of the incident he describes as a ‘daylight ambush.’ He recounted how the singer lured him to the location under false pretenses of resolving their business dispute peacefully.

The financial compensation awarded falls short of covering Blake’s complete medical expenses according to his attorney. Bouwman indicated potential civil proceedings might follow depending on developments in the ongoing legal process, as Alcock has appealed the latest ruling to the Netherlands Court of Appeal.

Bouwman emphasized the psychological toll on his client, who seeks closure rather than reconciliation. The attorney criticized segments of the reggae community for blaming the victim and excusing the perpetrator’s actions based on celebrity status rather than judicial facts.