标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move toward cultural inclusivity, Jamaica College (JC) has revised its hair grooming policy, a decision lauded by the advocacy organization Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF). The change is seen as a significant stride in dismantling discriminatory practices rooted in Jamaica’s colonial history.

In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has introduced the Host School Initiative to ensure uninterrupted education for students from severely impacted schools. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, the Portfolio Minister, announced the initiative during a Senate session on November 21, emphasizing its temporary nature and the importance of maintaining students’ ties to their original institutions. The initiative allows students from non-operational schools to continue their education in host schools for a defined period, supported by regional coordination, psychosocial services, and accountability measures. Morris Dixon highlighted the enthusiastic response from principals of both public and private schools, who have volunteered to accommodate displaced students, showcasing Jamaica’s collective commitment to its youth. Parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s regional offices to secure spots in participating schools, including Kingston Technical High School, St Andrew Technical High School, Campion College, and Ardenne High. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure educational continuity, with other models such as rotational schedules, temporary sites, and remote learning through printed kits and radio broadcasts being implemented based on the severity of infrastructure damage and available resources.

Dena ‘DJ Brownin’ Morrison, a Rhode Island resident with deep ties to Jamaica, has become a beacon of hope for the island’s hurricane-affected communities. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, Morrison, who has long been involved in charity work in West Kingston and other areas, sprang into action. She mobilized her high school RESPECT students at Juanita Sanchez High School to launch the ‘Boxes of Hope’ initiative, aiming to bring joy and essential supplies to teenagers impacted by the disaster. Her ultimate dream? To one day call Jamaica her permanent home.

Furthering her commitment, Morrison has partnered with Dynamite Promotion to host the ‘Thanksgiving Reggae Explosion’ on November 26 at Kulture Nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island. The event will feature Jamaican reggae artist Chuck Fenda, alongside DJ Matik, DJ Gambit, and Dynamite Sounds. A portion of the proceeds will directly support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.

Morrison emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, ‘This is more than a concert—it’s an act of collective healing.’ She outlined multiple avenues for relief, including Give Back Jamaica for school support, JA Patty’s relief fund for displaced elderly individuals, and a personal partnership with Chuck Fenda to collect, ship, and distribute supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to the concert, which will be sent directly to Jamaica.

Drawing inspiration from Jamaican wisdom, Morrison shared, ‘Every mickle mek a muckle. Every small offering becomes part of something greater.’ Her efforts are bolstered by collaborations with organizations like Give Back Jamaica, led by Hopeton Brown, and vlogger DJSlick44, who ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable communities.

Morrison’s passion for Jamaica extends beyond charity. She has cultivated meaningful relationships with Jamaican cultural icons, including Major Mackerel, Dennis Walks, and Chuck Fenda, who has become a mentor in her burgeoning career as a reggae promoter. As an educator, Morrison integrates her advocacy for ethnic studies and Black Lives Matter into her curriculum, earning recognition from the Secretary of State.

Her dedication to mentorship and community building continues to inspire. ‘I am grateful for the guidance of DJ Goldfinger, DJ Daney, and Mark Tenn, who have helped me grow as a DJ and promoter,’ she said. Morrison also mentors Jamaican adults in the U.S. and supports Jamaican students in her classroom, helping them navigate new paths while celebrating their cultural heritage.

In a tragic incident that has shaken Trinidad and Tobago, local government councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead at their home in Siparia, southern Trinidad, on Sunday. Authorities have recovered a handwritten note, a bottle of herbicide, two cellphones, and an Apple iPad from the scene. Autopsies are scheduled for this week to determine the cause of death. Initial examinations revealed no visible signs of violence on the bodies of the 36-year-old UNC member and her 45-year-old husband, who leave behind one child. The couple’s bodies were discovered by a relative who, upon receiving no response, entered the home and found them unresponsive on a bed. The incident has prompted widespread mourning and renewed calls to address domestic violence, particularly as the world prepares to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Tuesday. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles emphasized that grief and domestic violence transcend political affiliations, urging compassion and collective action. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted the importance of supporting those facing personal struggles and encouraged individuals to seek help without fear. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo paid tribute to Councillor Victor’s legacy of service and compassion, which continues to inspire the community.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. As of Sunday, approximately 74% of affected customers have had their power reinstated, according to a media briefing held in Negril. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, highlighted the challenges posed by the Category 5 hurricane, which brought winds of 185 miles per hour to a grid designed for a Category 3 storm. Initially, over 540,000 customers were left without service, but efforts have now restored power to around 360,000, leaving fewer than 180,000 still in the dark. Key areas such as Hanover and Negril were re-energized three days ahead of schedule, with critical facilities like the Royalton Negril, Riu, Margaritaville, and the Negril town center now operational. JPS aims to restore power to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital by the second week of December. In Trelawny, power has been restored to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, the National Water Commission Martha Brae Treatment Plant, the Cruise Pier, and several hotels. Montego Bay in St James has also seen progress, with the Sangster International Airport, the University of the West Indies Western Campus, and hotels like Sandals and Riu now receiving electricity. St Mary and Portland have achieved 86% and 83% restoration rates, respectively, while St Ann, Clarendon, and Manchester are on track for 75% restoration by mid-December. However, St Ann remains particularly challenging due to severe damage to the transmission network.