标签： Jamaica

Claston Bernard, a renowned Jamaican-American decathlete and Commonwealth champion, is spearheading a significant relief initiative in his hometown of Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The community is recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. Bernard, an alumnus of Louisiana State University and a former candidate for the office of consul general, has returned to his roots to lead the rebuilding efforts. Over the weekend, he joined forces with a group of US Navy veterans who have been actively involved in restoring the area. Their collaborative work, which includes providing essential support and reconstruction, is expected to continue through the end of November. Bernard’s dedication to his native community highlights the importance of local leadership in disaster recovery.

A perplexing incident unfolded in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on Wednesday afternoon when a man appeared to fall from the back of a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) pickup van into the Rio Cobre near the Bog Walk Gorge. The incident, captured on video by See Jamaica, occurred at approximately 12:57 pm on the Flat Bridge. The footage shows the man clutching what seemed to be a tyre as he tumbled into the river. While the tyre was later spotted floating in the water, the man himself vanished without a trace.

Shortly after the incident, a lone police officer was seen on foot near the scene, followed by two additional officers who appeared to be searching for the missing individual. Over the next two hours, three marked police vehicles arrived at the location. Firefighters also responded to the scene, as evidenced by videos shared by bystanders, and successfully retrieved the tyre. Despite these efforts, the man’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his condition is still unclear.

Efforts to obtain further details from Hopeton Nicholson, the head of the St. Catherine North Police Division, have so far been unsuccessful. The incident has raised questions and concerns, leaving the public and authorities alike seeking answers about what transpired on the Flat Bridge that fateful afternoon.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster national development, the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Red Stripe, has donated $250,000 to the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ). This generous contribution is earmarked for a variety of community-driven projects aimed at enhancing education, empowering families, and fostering social resilience. These initiatives are particularly crucial as Jamaicans grapple with the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa and escalating cost-of-living pressures.

During the official handover ceremony, D&G Foundation representatives emphasized their unwavering dedication to initiatives that improve quality of life and create opportunities for Jamaicans to flourish. The collaboration between the D&G Foundation and UWJ is built on a mutual vision of cultivating sustainable and empowered communities through joint efforts and compassion.

Kerry Lue Lynch, Acting CEO of the United Way of Jamaica, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to amplify the organization’s capacity to address community needs and broaden the scope of its social programs. ‘When entities like the D&G Foundation step up, it enables us to extend our reach and effect lasting change in the lives of those who need it most,’ Lynch remarked. ‘This partnership exemplifies the transformative outcomes achievable through collective action for the greater good.’

Dennis Beckford, Accountant at the D&G Foundation, underscored the foundation’s commitment to social impact. ‘The United Way of Jamaica remains a beacon of hope and support for numerous families and community groups across the island,’ he stated. ‘Our donation embodies the foundation’s conviction that genuine progress stems from investing in people and fostering collaborations between the private sector and organizations driving social change.’

This donation marks another milestone in the D&G Foundation’s ongoing efforts to contribute to Jamaica’s socio-economic development, reinforcing the importance of private sector involvement in addressing societal challenges.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Digicel Jamaica has been unwavering in its commitment to reconnect communities across the island. The telecommunications giant has been working tirelessly to restore services, making significant strides in bringing customers back online. As of Wednesday, approximately 57% of mobile sites have been restored, serving 80% of mobile users. Additionally, 89% of residential customers on the Fibre to Home network and 75% of business customer points of presence (POPs) have regained service.

Small business owners in St James, Jamaica, are urgently seeking government assistance to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm caused widespread destruction, leaving many businesses in ruins and their owners grappling with significant losses. Among the hardest hit is Andre Hall, whose barbershop and cook shop in Tucker district were severely damaged. Hall recounted how the storm washed away essential equipment and destroyed the roof, leaving only fragments of his business behind. To make matters worse, the few materials he salvaged were later stolen. Hall emphasized the need for building materials like cement, plywood, and 2x4s to rebuild his livelihood. He also highlighted the role of improper waste disposal in exacerbating flooding and is now advocating for better waste management practices in the community. Similarly, O’Brien Sterling, owner of Where Dirty Meets Clean car wash in Catherine Hall, faced extensive damage as floodwaters swept through his compound, destroying equipment and ripping off the roof. Sterling expressed the financial strain of starting over and the urgency to take action despite the challenges. Nearby, Juici Jerk Restaurant co-owner Nick is struggling to clean up his mud-filled eatery and repair the damaged roof. The lack of electricity and running water has further complicated recovery efforts. Nick appealed for government support to help small businesses like his rebuild. Gavin Beckford of K&N Auto and Monica McIntosh of DoDo’s Ply Rental also shared their struggles, with floodwaters washing away valuable materials and slowing business operations. Despite the hardships, these resilient entrepreneurs are determined to rebuild and restore their businesses, underscoring the need for immediate assistance and community solidarity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A casual weekly dominoes game among friends has evolved into a significant humanitarian initiative. The Shats Domino Group, a close-knit WhatsApp community of business owners and long-time friends, has transformed their Monday gatherings in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew, into a powerful force for good. Known for their spirited dominoes matches and lively debates on local and global issues, the group has now channeled their camaraderie into raising over $2.75 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica. Carlton Hume, the group’s president, reflected on the shift, stating, ‘It just dawned on us that maybe we can do something more meaningful. What started as a simple fundraiser has turned into something truly wonderful.’ The funds will be donated to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), an organization praised by the group for its extensive work across the island. Dwight Moore, a member of the group, emphasized that giving back has always been a core value among the diverse members. In a heartening gesture, AFJ has pledged to match the donation. Caron Chung, AFJ’s Executive Director, expressed deep gratitude during Monday’s meeting, where she received the $2.75 million cheque. ‘It’s incredible to see this group take the initiative to support Hurricane Melissa relief. Their generosity is truly inspiring,’ she remarked. This initiative highlights how a shared passion can unite people to make a profound impact in times of crisis.