标签： Jamaica

A grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola region of British Columbia, Canada, has left four people hospitalized, two of whom are in critical condition. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon during a school group outing on a local trail, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority. Emergency paramedics provided immediate medical care to the victims, transporting them to a nearby hospital. While two individuals sustained critical injuries, two others were reported to be in serious condition. Seven additional members of the group received on-site treatment but did not require hospitalization. The ages of the hospitalized victims have not been disclosed, respecting the families’ requests for privacy. The Nuxalk First Nation, whose community was directly affected by the attack, issued a warning about an “aggressive bear in the area” via a Facebook post. Acwsalcta, the local school, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident, commending the staff for their bravery during the ordeal. Veronica Schooner, whose son was part of the group but escaped unharmed, recounted the terrifying moment when the bear narrowly missed her son while pursuing another individual. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The BC Conservation Officer Service, now leading the investigation, has yet to provide updates on whether the bear has been located.

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.

The high-profile corruption trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused is set to continue in February 2026, with additional witness testimonies expected to shed light on the alleged $25 million fraud scheme. The trial, which began on October 7th after an initial delay due to the absence of Judge Vaughn Facey, has seen Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell presiding over the proceedings.

Witnessing the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa from their homes in the United States, Dr. B Roy Davidson and Dr. Laxley Stephenson were compelled to act. The devastating impact on their home parish of Westmoreland and other rural areas of Jamaica spurred them into action. Dr. Davidson, CEO of UNI Health Care Inc in Los Angeles, and Dr. Stephenson, president of Global Humanity Network Inc in Atlanta, led a humanitarian delegation to Jamaica from November 9 to 14. Their mission was to deliver two weeks’ worth of relief supplies to 500 families affected by the hurricane, with support from UNI Health Care Inc and the Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles. They were joined by Dr. Beverly Nichols, president of the Atlanta-based Push Start Foundation, who contributed 25 solar generators to provide electricity for lighting, communication, and device charging in the hardest-hit communities. The team visited Little London, Whitehouse, Savanna-la-Mar, Montego Bay, Lacovia, and Black River, witnessing firsthand the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. For Davidson and Stephenson, both natives of Little London, the mission was deeply personal, as many of their relatives and friends were among the victims. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm with winds of 185 mph, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread devastation in rural areas and claiming 45 lives. The Jamaican diaspora’s swift and compassionate response highlights the enduring connection between Jamaicans abroad and their homeland.