标签： Jamaica

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.

The Jamaican Government has escalated its post-disaster response initiatives following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is now conducting comprehensive house-to-house assessments across the island to ensure affected citizens can access critical government benefits in the coming weeks. Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. emphasized the importance of these evaluations during a recent tour of St Ann, where relief supplies, including care packages, were distributed to complement on-site damage assessments. Charles urged residents to cooperate with social workers and volunteers, encouraging them to provide accurate information about their circumstances and those of their neighbors. He highlighted that while every parish was impacted by the Category 5 hurricane, western Jamaica bore the brunt of the destruction. Social workers were deployed immediately after the storm’s passage on October 28, initially focusing on accessible areas before intensifying efforts in the hardest-hit western regions. Charles reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, senior citizens, PATH beneficiaries, and pensioners receive the support they need. Parish offices remain open for citizens seeking assistance or reporting losses. During the tour, which included stops in Norwood, Cave Valley, and Sturge Town, the ministry’s team engaged directly with residents, providing essential relief items like food packages, mattresses, and hygiene kits. Charles praised local Members of Parliament, Zavia Mayne and Krystal Lee, for their support in navigating the affected constituencies and showcasing the extent of the devastation.

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Sygnus has unveiled its Hurricane Relief and Rebuild Initiative, pledging an initial $100,000 toward an ambitious target of $375,000 (J$60 million) to aid recovery in Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions. This comprehensive effort, spearheaded by Sygnus in collaboration with regional and international allies, focuses on revitalizing critical sectors including education, healthcare, and agriculture. The initiative is structured to balance immediate relief with long-term resilience, allocating 30% of funds to urgent needs such as food, clean water, solar lighting, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and agricultural inputs, while 70% will be invested in rebuilding and fortifying infrastructure in the targeted sectors. Berisford Grey, President and CEO of Sygnus Capital, emphasized the initiative’s dual focus on recovery and sustainability. ‘Hurricane Melissa has challenged our communities, but it has also underscored our collective capacity to rebuild stronger and smarter,’ Grey remarked. ‘This initiative is not just about restoring what was lost but about creating enduring systems—powering schools and hospitals with renewable energy, modernizing agriculture, and ensuring our communities not only recover but thrive.’ The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies has joined the effort as the first major partner, contributing $16 million and pledging 5,000 school bags worth $20,000 for hurricane-affected students. This donation reflects the company’s commitment to education and its dedication to supporting the Caribbean communities that have been integral to its success.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has firmly dismissed recent media allegations of sewage overflows near Coronation Market, labeling the reports as inaccurate. In an official statement, the NWC revealed that its technical teams conducted comprehensive inspections at key locations mentioned in the reports, including Rose Lane, Spanish Town Road, and Upper Oxford Street. The investigations concluded that the observed overflow was caused by blocked drainage infrastructure, which is unrelated to the NWC’s sewage network. The commission clarified that the affected drains primarily carry grey water, which can stagnate when flow is obstructed. These drains, the NWC emphasized, are not under its operational jurisdiction. Additionally, the NWC reassured the public that its sewage infrastructure remains fully operational, with no issues reported in its conveyance pipelines or nearby pumping station following Hurricane Melissa. The commission confirmed that all wastewater systems in the area are functioning as intended.

Former Jamaican Olympian Sanjay Ayre, through his non-profit organization Premier Health Foundation, has spearheaded a significant relief initiative in western Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Ayre, a celebrated athlete who represented Jamaica in the 400m and won accolades including World Indoor gold and Olympic silver, personally visited affected communities to deliver essential supplies. The relief efforts spanned multiple locations, including St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz, shelters in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, and Petersfield Primary School and Lighthouse Church. Ayre’s foundation distributed food packages, multipurpose storm radios, Starlink devices, care packages, and other critical equipment. Reflecting on the disaster, Ayre expressed deep empathy for the victims, emphasizing his connection to Jamaica as both a native and a former national representative. He highlighted the resilience of the affected communities and the importance of collective action in rebuilding efforts. Ayre also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, particularly Sergeant Reid and his team, who ensured the safety of the relief mission. The initiative was further bolstered by contributions from dancehall veterans Goofy and Pinchers, as well as numerous donors. Ayre’s emotional visit to St Elizabeth Technical High School, where student-athletes had lost homes, underscored the profound impact of the hurricane. He stressed that beyond material aid, the reassurance of solidarity and remembrance was equally vital. Ayre’s efforts reflect his enduring commitment to Jamaica, a nation that shaped his journey from athlete to humanitarian.

Kenneth Campbell, a man with a history of criminal offenses, has been remanded in custody following fresh allegations of stabbing a woman in St James, Jamaica. Charged with wounding with intent, Campbell appeared in the Parish Court on Thursday, where his plea for bail was denied. His attorney, Albert Morgan, was notably absent, preventing any renewed application for bail. The court’s decision was influenced by Campbell’s prior convictions, which cast a shadow over his case. Additionally, it was revealed that Campbell had previously been under investigation for murder and was granted pre-charge bail in that case. However, he was returned to custody after allegedly committing the recent stabbing. The incident reportedly occurred on June 15 on Barnett Lane Avenue, where the victim claimed Campbell grabbed her from behind, demanded sex, and stabbed her with a ratchet knife when she resisted. The attack left her hospitalized. Campbell is expected to remain in the Freeport lockup until his next hearing on December 3.