标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread devastation, Great Huts Eco Resort in Portland, Jamaica, is transforming its serene cliffside location into a hub for community healing and personal renewal. Managing Director Vivene Wallace and Pilates instructor Iyla Cousins have unveiled ‘Resilient Rhythms,’ a biweekly wellness program set to run from November 22, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Originally conceived as part of a broader wellness initiative for Portland, the program has taken on new significance in the wake of the hurricane, focusing on physical and emotional recovery. Participants will engage in guided mat Pilates sessions, restorative flows, and group journaling, all designed to calm the nervous system, rebuild strength, and foster human connections. ‘Pilates empowers the body and refocuses the mind,’ Cousins remarked. ‘These sessions remind us that through movement and community, we can rebuild—inside and out.’ The classes will be held at Great Huts Eco Resort, offering stunning views of Boston Bay. Each session is priced at J$3,000 for locals and J$4,500 for visitors, with bundle rates available. Attendees will also enjoy curated wellness experiences, including access to local healers, nourishing refreshments, and the resort’s natural and artistic spaces. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring donation items for hurricane-affected communities in western Jamaica and St Ann, with incentives such as discounts on classes and accommodations. Local vendors with wellness products are invited to connect via @matandflow. For registration and updates, follow @matandflow and @great.huts on social media or contact via WhatsApp at 876-353-3388. Accommodation packages are available at www.greathuts.com, with 15% of proceeds supporting the Portland Rehabilitation Management Centre.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has initiated steps to assist the family of Matthew Small, a victim of a fatal police shooting in Ewarton, St Catherine, on December 13, 2024. This move follows a heartfelt plea published in the Jamaica Observer on November 8, 2025, titled “Please, I need to bury my grandson!” Small was one of two individuals who lost their lives during the incident, which occurred without eyewitnesses or the use of body-worn cameras by the involved police team. Since 2021, Indecom has been integrating social intervention referrals into its investigative processes through family liaison officers (FLOs). This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to affected families, addressing both the emotional and financial challenges they face. Commissioner Hugh Faulkner highlighted the importance of this dual approach, stating that it not only ensures independent and factual resolution of cases but also offers essential support services such as counselling and social assistance. Most referrals are directed to the Victim Services Branch of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Children’s Advocate, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Since the inception of this mechanism, Indecom’s FLOs have made over 160 referrals for counselling, 14 PATH referrals, 30 funeral grant referrals, and several others for education grants and compassionate housing. To date, Indecom has confirmed 11 successful funeral grant referrals, four PATH referrals, and a wheelchair donation from Food for the Poor. The commission underscores that while referrals do not guarantee assistance, they are a crucial first step in enhancing access to welfare support. Currently, two family liaison officers are coordinating this initiative across Indecom’s five regional teams.

In a significant move to prioritize education recovery, the Jamaican Ministry of Education has earmarked $500 million for cleanup and restoration efforts in schools devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, announced this initiative during the National Parenting Support Commission’s (NPSC) ‘Recovery Mission’ Launch at Tivoli Gardens High School on Wednesday.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tiana Shante Dinham has been awarded the prestigious title of Jamaica Rhodes Scholar for 2026. Selected from a competitive pool of eight finalists, Dinham’s achievement was announced following a rigorous evaluation by the 2026 Jamaica Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee on Thursday. A former student of Mount Alvernia High School in Hanover, Dinham is currently pursuing Geological and Earth Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her commitment to sustainability is evident through her initiative, RISE (Rainwater Initiative for Sustainability and Empowerment), which collaborates with the Hanover Health Department to fund and install water tanks in underserved communities. Recipients are also trained in water collection, treatment, and storage practices. Dinham plans to further her education with a master’s degree in water science, policy and management, and sustainability, enterprise, and the environment. In October 2026, she will join over 100 global scholars at the University of Oxford, undertaking fully funded postgraduate studies. Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most esteemed international scholarship program, fostering a community of leaders dedicated to global betterment. This year’s selection committee, chaired by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, included distinguished alumni and academics such as Mariame McIntosh Robinson, Professor Trevor Munroe, and Dr. Nadiya Figueroa. Notable Jamaican Rhodes Scholars include Norman Manley, Rex Nettleford, and current Minister of Finance Dr. Nigel Clarke.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has significantly escalated its humanitarian efforts to assist affected families. Coordinated relief operations are being conducted across the island, targeting communities severely impacted by flooding and infrastructure damage. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Members of Parliament, faith-based groups, and community organizations, has launched a comprehensive relief initiative to deliver essential supplies to vulnerable households. The JDF has executed 88 ground and air missions, ensuring that food, water, and emergency aid reach residents in remote areas where access has been obstructed by damaged roads and bridges. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, emphasized the importance of collective action and compassion, stating, ‘Our mission is simple — to ensure that no one is left behind.’ To date, the ministry has distributed 39,712 relief packages, which include food items, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, blankets, bottled water, cleaning supplies, mattresses, tabletop stoves, and solar lanterns. These supplies aim to provide safety, comfort, and dignity to those affected. Parish teams, supported by the JDF’s logistics operations, are verifying and delivering supplies to isolated communities. Additionally, the ministry is offering clean-up assistance, replenishing parish stocks, and distributing sanitation materials to aid families in rebuilding their lives. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to contact their nearest MLSS Parish Office, call the MLSS Contact Centre, or send a WhatsApp message with their location and household details. Minister Charles highlighted the broader goal of recovery, stating, ‘Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes — it’s about restoring hope.’ The MLSS remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, the Humanitarian Assistance Committee, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and private sector partners to ensure that aid continues to reach those in greatest need.