标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut, has intensified its relief efforts to support both its employees and the broader community. The hurricane left many with damaged homes and lost belongings, prompting ROJ to take swift action. Since the onset of its recovery initiatives, the company has been distributing over 2,000 meals daily to severely affected areas. Recognizing that many of its own team members were among those impacted, ROJ has also prepared hundreds of personal care packages. These packages contain a two-week supply of food, hygiene products, and other essential items, aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need. Despite personal hardships, numerous ROJ employees have continued to report to work, preparing meals and assisting in relief operations. The company’s managing director, Mark Myers, emphasized the resilience and compassion of the team, stating, ‘Even those rebuilding their own lives have shown up to support others. Their strength and willingness to serve have been extraordinary.’ Myers also expressed gratitude to ROJ’s partners and suppliers, including Jamaica Broilers, Pepsi Jamaica, GraceKennedy, Facey Commodity, and Lasco, whose contributions were vital in assembling the care packages. ROJ’s efforts underscore its commitment to standing with the affected communities and supporting the recovery process. ‘Jamaica will rebuild, and we will rebuild together,’ Myers affirmed, highlighting the collective spirit of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 17-year-old boy has been formally charged in connection with a violent carjacking that occurred on Slipe Road in Kingston 5 on the evening of Sunday, October 12. The teenager faces multiple charges, including robbery with aggravation, possession of a prohibited weapon, and using a firearm to commit a felony. According to reports from the Half-Way-Tree police, the incident unfolded between 11:00 pm and midnight when the boy and his accomplices, posing as passengers, hailed a ride from a popular ride-sharing service. Shortly after entering the vehicle, one of the suspects allegedly held a knife to the driver’s neck while another brandished a firearm. The teen is accused of forcibly removing the driver from the car before fleeing with the vehicle, which contained a bag holding $50,000 in cash and electronic devices valued at $60,000. The driver promptly reported the incident to the authorities, prompting an immediate investigation. The suspect was later apprehended during a targeted police operation and formally charged after a questioning session conducted in the presence of his attorney and guardian. His court appearance is currently being scheduled.

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.