标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica, received a much-needed lifeline on Friday, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Society (CBS). The organization donated a wide array of essential relief items, including toilet tissue, bottled water, food supplies, baby pampers, blankets, and other critical care products. The formal handover ceremony took place at the hospital, where Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the hospital and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Dr. Tufton, who was inspecting the Spanish-donated field hospital at the site, lauded the donation as a heartwarming act of compassion during a trying period for the Jamaican people. He emphasized the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of global solidarity and humanity. Johnny Hung, representing the Chinese Benevolent Society, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding communities across Jamaica as they recover from the storm’s aftermath. This donation marks the third such contribution by the CBS to hospitals in the region, with plans to extend further assistance wherever possible. The initiative is part of a broader national relief effort, as public institutions grapple with the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has left parts of the island without power, disrupted infrastructure, and heightened the demand for emergency services. The Chinese Benevolent Society has a longstanding history of charitable work in Jamaica, and this latest contribution underscores its enduring dedication to supporting the island’s recovery and resilience.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic landslide has wreaked havoc on the rural community of Newcastle in St Andrew, Jamaica, leaving local farmers in dire straits. The disaster, which occurred at the 17 Mile post, has not only eroded a critical section of the main road but also swept away acres of farmland, plunging farmers into a struggle for survival. Among the most affected are Alvin McNeish and Aston Henry, whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the destruction of their crops and the loss of access to their farms. McNeish, a 69-year-old farmer with over six decades of experience, has seen his four-acre property, once teeming with plantains, bananas, coffee, and other crops, reduced to rubble. The emotional toll of the devastation has left him in tears, as he grapples with the monumental task of rebuilding. On the other side of the landslide, Henry faces a similar plight. With the main road severed, he is forced to carry his produce on his back through treacherous terrain to reach the nearest vehicle, significantly limiting his earning potential. Both farmers express deep concern over the lack of immediate assistance and the uncertainty of their futures. McNeish, who resides two miles from his farm, fears further damage as residents now use his land as a makeshift bypass. Meanwhile, Henry, who has been farming for 30 years, has never encountered such devastation. Despite the overwhelming challenges, both men remain determined to rebuild their lives, relying on their faith and resilience to navigate the difficult road ahead. They are calling for urgent support from the government and the community to help them recover from this unprecedented disaster.

In a significant community development initiative, Ripton Group of Companies and Alcore Company have partnered to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction project in the Parottee community of St Elizabeth. The collaboration has mobilized over 70 skilled workers to address critical housing and infrastructure needs. The project includes rebuilding homes from the foundation, installing solar-powered street lights to enhance safety and visibility, and providing essential amenities such as mattresses, toilets, and wash areas for residents. Company executives have acknowledged the high demand for such assistance and reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining these efforts to improve living conditions in the area. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward fostering long-term community resilience and well-being.

Horace McFarlane, a long-time resident of Content District in Manchester, Jamaica, is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by rising groundwater. His home, now submerged, is a stark reminder of the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred days after Hurricane Melissa, has left 15 houses underwater, with only rooftops visible in some areas. McFarlane, who has lived in Content for over two decades, recounted how the water rose overnight, forcing his family to evacuate and scatter to different locations. Despite his efforts to save his belongings, including a newly installed zinc roof, the damage has been catastrophic. The phenomenon, explained by Peter Clarke of the Water Resources Authority, is due to a limestone aquifer filled to capacity, causing water to surface through sinkholes. The community, once a bustling district, now resembles a beachside, drawing curious onlookers and vendors. For McFarlane, however, the sight is a painful reminder of his loss. Suffering from health issues, he struggles to cope with the trauma, while his wife refuses to return to their home. The flooding has also revived memories of the 1979 disaster that reshaped the region. As residents and authorities work to address the crisis, McFarlane’s story highlights the human toll of environmental challenges.

Marvanine Anderson and her seven-year-old son, Khalique Campbell, are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated their home in Retrieve, Hanover. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck last month, left their house precariously balanced on unstable columns, with Khalique’s bedroom completely destroyed. For 24 hours during the storm, Anderson and her son huddled in their kitchen, listening to the relentless wind and water eroding their land. The trauma lingers, as Khalique remains fearful of the storm’s return, often asking his mother if Melissa is coming back.