The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica has refuted recent media claims regarding the appointment of a new consul-general to New York, following the passing of Alsion Marie Wilson. In an official statement released on Friday morning, the ministry addressed the reports, emphasizing the steps taken to ensure the seamless operation of the Consulate-General of Jamaica in New York. The ministry clarified that Mrs. Ariel Bowen, the acting Under-Secretary for Diaspora, Consular and Protocol and Consular Affairs, has been temporarily assigned as the Officer-in-Charge at the consulate. This interim measure aims to maintain operational continuity while the government prepares to initiate the formal process of appointing a permanent replacement for the late consul-general. Wilson, who had served diligently, passed away earlier this month after a prolonged battle with breast cancer at the age of 64. The ministry assured the public that the established procedures for such appointments would be followed at the appropriate time.
标签： Jamaica
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Labour ministry to launch disaster self-reporting form
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a proactive move to enhance disaster response, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security has unveiled a digital self-reporting form for households affected by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, announced by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., aims to bridge gaps in damage assessments by allowing residents to electronically report losses or damages via the ministry’s official website at https://www.mlss.gov.jm/. This tool is particularly designed for individuals who were not reached by on-ground assessment teams.
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Roach returns
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The West Indies cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, set to commence next month. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach, a stalwart of West Indies cricket, has been included in the lineup, a decision that aligns with expectations following his participation in a high-performance preparation camp organized by Cricket West Indies (CWI) earlier this month. Roach, the fifth-highest wicket-taker in West Indies Test history with 285 scalps, will spearhead the pace attack alongside Jayden Seales. The squad, however, will be without the injured Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, who are sidelined for the remainder of the year. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, marks the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the meticulous preparation undertaken to ensure the team is well-equipped for the challenging conditions in New Zealand. “New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side, which is why strong emphasis has been placed on targeted preparation,” Bascombe stated. The squad, which includes debutant Ojay Shields and recalled middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge, arrived in New Zealand on November 20, allowing ample time for acclimatization and a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Christchurch.
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Market Bag: Escallion buyers get slight reprieve as price falls to $800, but…
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers at Coronation Market are experiencing another week of unpredictable price fluctuations, with hot pepper prices soaring to as much as $1,500 per pound. Meanwhile, escallion has seen a modest decline, now priced at $800 per pound by most vendors. This ongoing volatility has left both vendors and consumers grappling with the economic impact of these shifts.
In a recent episode of ‘Market Bag,’ host Brittania Witter revisited the bustling downtown Kingston market to speak with ‘Mama,’ a seasoned vendor who has been a fixture at the market for decades. Her insights shed light on the challenges faced by vendors amid these turbulent times.
Vendors attribute the sharp rise in hot pepper prices, which had already surged in previous weeks, to a combination of adverse weather conditions and reduced supply from key farming regions. These disruptions have led to significant shortages, driving prices to unprecedented levels. Currently, hot pepper is being sold at $1,200 to $1,500 per pound, depending on quality and availability.
Many vendors are warning that unless there is a swift improvement in supply conditions, consumers should brace for continued price instability in the coming weeks. This could result in a particularly costly holiday season, with Christmas shopping likely to be affected by these rising costs.
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Ultimate Care Centre begins recovery with crucial mattress donation
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, the Ultimate Care Centre in Westgreen, Montego Bay, has received a significant boost in its recovery efforts thanks to a generous donation of mattresses. The joint initiative by DunnCox Attorneys-at-Law and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce has provided critical support to the facility, which suffered severe damage during the storm. The donation aims to replace mattresses lost in the flooding, offering much-needed relief to the centre’s residents and staff. Managing Director Sandy Frazer-Jackson expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the importance of the contribution in accelerating their recovery process. The flooding, caused by the overflow of the Montego, Barnett, and Pye Rivers, left the lower level of the facility uninhabitable, displacing several residents. Frazer-Jackson highlighted the heroic efforts of four staff members who ensured the safe evacuation of residents to the upper level during the crisis. The donors, Jonathan Morgan of DunnCox and Jason Russell of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, underscored their commitment to corporate social responsibility and community support. Morgan described the donation as a modest but essential step in the broader recovery effort, with plans to distribute additional mattresses to affected households in the Catherine Hall and West Green communities. Russell reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to aiding vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, and outlined ongoing plans to expand relief efforts in the coming weeks. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of rebuilding Jamaica stronger than before, with a focus on long-term support for affected communities.
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Tourism bounceback
As Jamaica prepares for the winter tourist season, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced a phased reopening strategy to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. During a tour of hotels and attractions in Ocho Rios, Bartlett emphasized the sector’s resilience and determination to rebound, signaling to the world that Jamaica remains open for business.
Bartlett acknowledged that the industry cannot operate at full capacity by December 15 but stressed the importance of a gradual recovery. ‘We will open — not as we originally anticipated, but in a manner that allows us to recover together and move forward,’ he stated during his visit to Sandals Dunn’s River.
The hurricane’s impact has been far-reaching, disrupting Jamaica’s tourism sector, which contributes over 50% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and supports more than 300,000 jobs. Bartlett highlighted the ripple effects of hotel closures, which have left entertainers, taxi operators, farmers, and craftsmen without work. ‘Every closure affects not only the workers in hotels but entire communities,’ he explained.
The minister praised private sector partners, particularly Sandals Resorts International, for their efforts in restoring facilities and supporting staff. Sandals is expected to operate at 70% capacity during the winter season, with the remaining rooms reopening in phases.
Despite the challenges, Bartlett reported a faster-than-expected recovery in bookings, with some properties forecasting up to 90% occupancy by Christmas. He attributed this to modern travel trends, where tourists make last-minute decisions. ‘Today’s traveler is booking today and flying tomorrow,’ he noted.
Starting next week, Bartlett will lead an international outreach campaign across the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe to reassure partners of Jamaica’s recovery. He described the post-Melissa period as a new chapter in the country’s history, marked by resilience and renewal.
Bartlett expressed gratitude to hospitality workers, many of whom are balancing their jobs with personal recovery efforts. ‘If you don’t move, the economy does not move. So fresh up, dress up, and show up — because Jamaica needs you,’ he urged.
Concluding with a rallying call, Bartlett vowed, ‘We are all in this together. We will recover together, grow together, and make Jamaica the best country on planet Earth — together.’
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Vaz expresses sorrow over death of 10-year-old student in JUTC incident
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is in mourning following the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe in an incident involving a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Wednesday. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the child’s family, emphasizing that the entire country stands in solidarity with them during this devastating time.
In an official statement, Vaz confirmed that he has been in direct communication with the JUTC to ensure that all necessary support systems are activated for the affected family. He also announced that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to road safety, particularly for children who depend on public transportation for school.
Vaz highlighted that JUTC buses and drivers are rigorously trained to meet stringent safety standards, and the company’s operational and mechanical protocols are designed to protect passengers at all times. However, he assured that these systems will be thoroughly reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I am truly heartbroken by this tragedy. No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and no school community should face the loss of a child in this manner,” Vaz stated, extending his sympathies to the student’s parents, relatives, teachers, and classmates.
The Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing road safety policies, improving enforcement measures, and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities across Jamaica. Vaz urged the public to remain calm as police investigations continue, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and reiterating his support for the grieving family and school community.
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Aiesha’s Jamaica Strong surpasses one million views
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican singer Aiesha channeled the collective pain and resilience of her nation into a powerful anthem titled ‘Jamaica Strong.’ Produced by Jjwizzle, the song has rapidly gained traction, amassing over one million combined views on Facebook and Instagram since its release.
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Classics on show for Melissa
The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC) marked a triumphant return to the spotlight with its first car show in seven years, held at the Jamaica Horticultural Society in Hope Pastures, St Andrew, on Sunday, November 16. The event, initially planned to support the club’s initiatives, took on a new purpose in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, redirecting its focus to hurricane relief efforts. Naresh Potopsingh, president of the JCCC, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout, estimating over 500 attendees based on ticket sales, though final numbers are still being audited. The show featured an impressive array of classic cars, ranging from modern exotics to rare local treasures, complemented by live music, a fashion show by Phusion Models International, and various prizes. Patrons reveled in the nostalgia and camaraderie, with many expressing delight at the variety and arrangement of vehicles. Potopsingh highlighted the seamless synergy between the cars, attendees, sponsors, and participants, including DJ Audley and the fashion models. Among the standout vehicles was Kevin Murray’s meticulously restored 1995 Toyota LandCruiser, a project that spanned several years and involved extensive bodywork, mechanical upgrades, and interior refurbishment. The event not only celebrated automotive history but also demonstrated the club’s commitment to community support, with proceeds set to aid those affected by the recent hurricane.
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Qahal Yahweh case pushed to 2026 after storm sidelines final prosecution witness
The high-profile trial involving 16 members of the Qahal Yahweh religious group faced an unexpected adjournment on Thursday in the St James Parish Court. Presided over by Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce, the proceedings were halted as the prosecution’s final witness, the investigating officer, was unable to attend due to the aftermath of a recent hurricane. Consequently, the court extended bail for all 16 defendants.