The catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been quantified at a staggering $8.8 billion. This updated estimate, presented by Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, was disclosed during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday. The figure accounts for 41% of Jamaica’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024, highlighting the immense scale of the disaster. Burunciuc emphasized that this assessment reflects only the physical damage, with economic repercussions expected to be even more severe. A comprehensive evaluation of the economic toll will follow once the monetary assessment is finalized. The parishes of St. James, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the hurricane’s fury, sustaining $5.5 billion in damages—63% of the total estimate. Residential buildings suffered the most significant losses, amounting to $3.7 billion, or 41% of the overall damage. This category includes homes, their contents, and mixed-use buildings classified as residential. Non-residential buildings, encompassing commercial, industrial, tourism, and public structures, incurred $1.8 billion in damages. Infrastructure damage was estimated at $2.9 billion, while agricultural losses totaled $389 million. The devastation underscores the urgent need for recovery efforts and international support to rebuild Jamaica’s affected regions.
标签： Jamaica
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Mikey General honours Rastafari legacy with Haile Selassie Liveth
Renowned reggae artist Mikey General has unveiled his latest single, ‘Haile Selassie Liveth,’ a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia and a central figure in the Rastafarian faith. Released on October 31, 2025, under Meridian Records, the track showcases Mikey General’s signature velvety vocals, delivering a soulful and meditative reggae experience. The song masterfully intertwines spiritual reverence, cultural consciousness, and musical artistry, offering listeners a transcendent journey that both uplifts and educates. ‘Haile Selassie Liveth’ stands as a testament to Mikey General’s commitment to creating spiritually enriching music, further solidifying his esteemed position in the reggae genre. The single is now accessible on all major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Tidal.
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Three fatally shot by police on Mandela Highway
In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, three men lost their lives following a police-involved shooting along Mandela Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica. The event reportedly occurred shortly after 12:00 pm, when the men were traveling in a Honda Fit motor car. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, the incident has sparked concerns and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The community awaits clarity on the events that led to this fatal encounter.
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Pfizer, Tris Pharma settle for $41.5 million in Texas ADHD drug case
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a landmark $41.5 million settlement with pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Tris Pharma on Wednesday. The resolution stems from allegations of drug adulteration and fraudulent practices involving the state’s Medicaid program. The case, initiated in 2023, accused the companies of manipulating quality control tests for Quillivant XR, a medication prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Between 2012 and 2018, tests revealed that Quillivant XR frequently failed to dissolve properly in the body, rendering it ineffective. Paxton emphasized that the companies knowingly provided adulterated drugs to children and falsified test results to secure Medicaid reimbursements. ‘Under my watch, Big Pharma will not escape justice for lying about the effectiveness of its drugs,’ Paxton declared in a statement.
Pfizer, headquartered in New York, denied any liability or wrongdoing in the settlement. The company asserted that no safety concerns were identified for patients using Quillivant XR and reiterated its commitment to product quality and patient well-being. Tris Pharma, based in New Jersey, did not respond to requests for comment.
The lawsuit was sparked by a whistleblower complaint from Tarik Ahmed, Tris Pharma’s former technology chief, who served from 2013 to 2017. Quillivant XR was originally developed by NextWave Pharmaceuticals, which Pfizer acquired in 2012. Tris Pharma manufactured the drug on Pfizer’s behalf until 2018, when it acquired the product line. Pfizer confirmed it ceased marketing the drug in 2018.
This settlement underscores the ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical practices and the enforcement of accountability in public health programs.
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DREAM DELAYED
In a tense final-round World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were held to a goalless draw by Curaçao, dashing their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, which ended in disappointment for the home crowd, saw striker Shamar Nicholson visibly emotional, comforted by a sympathetic fan in the stands. The result leaves Jamaica’s World Cup aspirations alive but dependent on the upcoming inter-confederation playoff, where they could face formidable opponents such as Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, or New Macedonia. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains within reach for the Reggae Boyz, though the path to qualification has become significantly more challenging. The team’s resilience and determination will now be put to the test as they prepare for the decisive playoff matches.
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Hurricane victims hopeful after visit by PM and Caricom heads
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.
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Terry Ganzie champions conscious music
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned recording artist Terry Ganzie is once again captivating global audiences as he reconnects with his roots and reignites his mission to inspire and uplift through his music. Known for his profound contributions to the conscious dancehall movement of the 1990s, Ganzie is now crafting a new chapter in his illustrious career, blending timeless messages of truth, resilience, and spiritual strength with contemporary sounds that resonate across generations and borders. Emerging in the early 1990s as part of the influential Penthouse and Bobby Digital movements, Ganzie quickly established himself as a voice for the marginalized. His iconic tracks, including ‘Welcome the Outlaw,’ ‘Who’s Responsible,’ ‘Treat You Right,’ ‘Jah Will Help,’ and ‘Heavy Load,’ solidified his reputation as one of reggae’s most revered truth-tellers. His music, characterized by its unapologetic consciousness and spiritual depth, continues to inspire listeners worldwide. In a recent statement, Ganzie emphasized, ‘Music is both a weapon and a healing force. My mission has always been to uplift and awaken people, reminding them that reggae’s essence is truth.’ As reggae evolves globally, blending with Afrobeat, hip-hop, and digital subgenres, Ganzie’s influence is being rediscovered by a new generation of fans and selectors. His latest initiative, ‘Legacy of The Outlaw,’ celebrates his cultural impact through a series of interviews, performances, collaborations, and digital releases. With new tracks like ‘We Rise’ gaining international acclaim, Ganzie’s signature blend of grit, wisdom, and inspiration continues to resonate with audiences seeking authenticity. ‘Reggae is not just entertainment—it’s education, it’s emancipation. The fire never dies. The Outlaw still stands firm,’ he declared.
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What are the Epstein Files?
WASHINGTON, DC, United States — The long-sealed ‘Epstein Files,’ a subject of intense speculation and public curiosity, are now on the verge of being made public. On Tuesday, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate took decisive steps to mandate the release of government documents tied to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of underage girls. His death did little to quell the controversy surrounding his connections to high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, business executives, and celebrities. The Epstein Files encompass a vast collection of evidence gathered by the Justice Department and the FBI during investigations that led to Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution and his subsequent indictment in New York. While only a fraction of these materials has been disclosed to date, recent revelations have emerged from emails surrendered by Epstein’s estate. The newly passed Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein, remains the only person convicted in connection with the disgraced financier. However, Trump’s supporters have long alleged that ‘deep state’ elites shielded Epstein’s associates in the Democratic Party and Hollywood. Earlier this year, the FBI and DOJ sparked political outrage by releasing a memo stating that no further evidence from the Epstein files would be disclosed, citing a lack of credible evidence of blackmail or a ‘client list.’ Despite uncovering over 300 gigabytes of data and physical evidence, the agencies found no grounds to investigate uncharged third parties. Trump, who initially campaigned on releasing the Epstein Files, reversed his stance upon taking office but recently supported their disclosure as Congress moved to vote on the matter. Before this shift, Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. This move could complicate the release of certain materials, as the House Bill permits withholding information that might jeopardize active federal investigations or prosecutions.
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Scotland parties after ending World Cup drought
In a night filled with high-stakes drama and emotional twists, Scotland’s football team secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, ending a 28-year drought. The decisive 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday night left fans in a state of euphoria, as the team overcame multiple setbacks to clinch their spot in the tournament.
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Donovan Lewis to close St George’s College lecture series
KINGSTON, Jamaica — St George’s College is set to wrap up its highly anticipated three-part lecture series, ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow,’ with a compelling presentation by renowned entrepreneur Donovan Lewis. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, at the Abe Issa Auditorium, will bring together sixth form students and peers from schools across the island. Lewis, a distinguished investor, wealth manager, and philanthropist, will share insights from his extensive career in business and finance, emphasizing themes of resilience, confidence, and seizing opportunities. Organizers have highlighted the relevance of resilience, particularly as schools continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Lewis is the founder of the Children’s Health, Education and Wealth Foundation (CHEW), which collaborates with various organizations to provide both immediate and long-term support to families impacted by the hurricane. Additionally, CHEW focuses on investment-driven initiatives to aid children in state care. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Lewis is the founder of the Ideal Group of Companies, a director at multiple financial institutions, and an active participant in real estate development. The ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow’ series aims to expose students to accomplished Jamaican professionals across diverse fields. Previous sessions have featured speakers from various industries, and the finale is expected to draw a significant audience.