标签： Jamaica

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.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, the Baulk Wesleyan Holiness Church in Baulk Heights, Westmoreland, has emerged as a symbol of resilience and hope. Despite not being an official government shelter, the church opened its doors to displaced families, providing refuge and support during the crisis. Reverend Jerome Chisholm emphasized the church’s role as a sanctuary for the community, stating, ‘The community knows that in case their roof goes, or they are flooded out, they can shelter in the church.’ At the peak of the disaster, the church housed up to 20 individuals, offering both physical and spiritual comfort. Although the church itself suffered significant damage, including the destruction of its rear section and several doors and windows, the congregation remained steadfast, continuing to hold services and uplift the community. Reverend Chisholm highlighted the importance of maintaining hope, even in the face of ongoing hardship. The church’s efforts were bolstered by a collaborative relief mission led by gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards, radio personality Wesley ‘Burgerman’ Burger, and the Jamaica Observer Media Group. On Saturday, hundreds of residents from Baulk Heights and the surrounding Burnt Savanna community received essential supplies, including warm meals, potable water, clothing, tarpaulins, and medical aid. Edwards, who spearheaded the initiative, described the experience as overwhelming yet deeply rewarding. ‘When they got their packages, they were still there because there was nothing else to go home to — no roof — so they were just like the best place to be is right there…and there was some hope of something coming,’ he shared. Natalie Chin Samuda, deputy managing director of Jamaica Observer Media Group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve approximately 700 individuals, calling the mission a humbling experience. ‘We know there is so much more to do, but knowing we could do our small part made our hearts full when we left Baulk,’ she said. The collective efforts of the church, volunteers, and partners have provided a glimmer of hope to a community grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

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.