标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, has firmly dismissed claims by reggae icon Buju Banton that hurricane relief supplies were stolen at the port. The allegations, which surfaced in a viral video, prompted an immediate investigation. Vaz shared the findings on X, stating that no evidence of missing or tampered goods was uncovered. The minister emphasized that the shipment arrived on Tuesday and was promptly cleared by customs, with items directly transferred from the aircraft to the receiving truck without any offsite storage. He also clarified that the shipment did not include stoves or Starlink devices, countering specific claims in the viral post. Vaz acknowledged historical issues with customs operations but stressed that each report of irregularity is thoroughly investigated. He shared a detailed list of the relief items to ensure transparency. Buju Banton’s video, which has garnered international media attention, accused port authorities of theft, citing a half-filled barrel as evidence. Other social media users echoed similar concerns, reporting missing or partially emptied containers.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Mario Mitchell, Councillor for the Bellefield Division in Manchester, has issued a stern warning to the public to avoid the rising groundwater along the Content main road in Manchester. The situation has escalated to dangerous levels, with a truck driver narrowly avoiding a potential disaster on Thursday morning. The vehicle was halted by sandbags, preventing it from plunging into the water. Mitchell emphasized that despite barriers being placed at the roundabout, individuals continue to remove them, drawn by the allure of the rising water for photography and leisure activities.

The rising water has not only disrupted daily life but has also become a peculiar attraction for onlookers. Mitchell expressed grave concerns over public health, stating that the water is heavily contaminated. He personally assisted in evacuating residents from the affected area, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the flooding. The presence of a sinkhole and a saturated aquifer has exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to divert the water effectively.

Mitchell also criticized the lack of a concrete plan from the National Works Agency (NWA) to address the crisis. He noted that the water is spreading to other areas, including Porus and Evergreen, and has already blocked the Content main road. The absence of an alternative route has left residents in a state of uncertainty. Mitchell attributed the flooding to decades of bauxite mining, which has altered the region’s landscape and created a problem that remains unresolved.

In a plea to the public, Mitchell urged individuals to avoid contact with the water, citing the presence of graves, old pits, and latrines that have contaminated it. Despite its visually appealing green hue, tests have confirmed significant contamination levels. Mitchell called for immediate action and a coordinated response to mitigate the crisis and protect the community.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) has established a robust presence in Jamaica, tirelessly preparing and distributing thousands of meals daily to those in need. Two expansive field kitchens have been set up—one at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and another in Negril—where local chefs and volunteers craft comforting dishes such as stewed chicken, rice, and peas. These meals are then delivered to shelters and communities grappling with the storm’s devastation.

Reggae icon Buju Banton has intensified his accusations regarding the alleged theft of hurricane relief supplies at a port, directly targeting Transport Minister Daryl Vaz. Banton claims that Vaz is attempting to discredit him after the minister dismissed the allegations on Thursday. In a video shared earlier this week, Banton presented a photo of a half-filled barrel as evidence, asserting that containers of aid for disaster victims had been pilfered. Vaz, however, countered these claims, stating that an investigation revealed no missing or tampered goods. According to Vaz, the shipment arrived on Tuesday and was promptly cleared by customs, with items moving directly from the aircraft to the receiving truck without any offsite storage. He emphasized that the pallets were sealed and cross-checked against the sender’s list, asserting, “Nothing was missing or disturbed.” Banton, in a subsequent post, disputed Vaz’s account, alleging that the goods were taken to an area out of his team’s sight and that seals were broken. He accused the minister of lacking accountability and attempting to shame him for speaking out. Banton also highlighted systemic issues, citing comments from others who had experienced similar problems. Vaz responded by offering to share video footage and the cargo manifest, urging Banton to specify the missing items for further investigation. The exchange has sparked a public debate over transparency and accountability in disaster relief efforts.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA) has issued a stark warning about the challenges facing the nation’s pork industry. While an oversupply of pigs is currently burdening farmers, a significant decline in pork production is anticipated in the coming months. This paradoxical situation stems from the temporary closure of numerous hotels and businesses, which has disrupted traditional market channels.

A tragic incident has shaken the community of St Catherine, Jamaica, as the bodies of a primary school teacher and a high school student were discovered in Mount View, near St Jago Heights, on Thursday afternoon. The victims, identified as 29-year-old Tara Pinnock and 14-year-old Tally Wright, were found with multiple stab wounds, prompting a swift police investigation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hopton Nicholson revealed that officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at the premises after 1:00 pm, where they made the grim discovery. Preliminary findings suggest no signs of forced entry, indicating the perpetrator(s) may have had access to the home. SSP Nicholson described the murders as a ‘cowardly act’ and hinted at a possible domestic motive. Authorities are urgently seeking Brandon Maine, a taxi operator on the Spanish Town to Naggo Head route, who they believe may hold critical information. The police are also appealing to the public for any leads that could aid in solving the case.

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, its devastation extended beyond physical damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving thousands of families grappling with food insecurity. In response, World Central Kitchen (WCK), a global non-profit founded by Spanish-American chef José Andrés, swiftly scaled up its relief efforts to provide hot meals to those most affected by the disaster. Known for its rapid response to crises worldwide, WCK collaborates with local chefs, farmers, and communities to deliver comfort through familiar flavors during times of need.

Chef Oli, WCK’s Emergency Response Director, arrived in Jamaica with extensive experience from disaster zones across the globe. “We began preparations before the hurricane made landfall,” he explained. “We coordinated with restaurant partners from previous relief efforts, ensured they had adequate supplies, and started cooking for families who had evacuated inland. As soon as conditions allowed, we resumed operations.”

The relief efforts were bolstered by local and international support. The Westmoreland Police Division assisted in offloading over 2,500 hot meals from a relief helicopter, while Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton personally thanked WCK volunteers for their dedication. Even retired sprint legend Usain Bolt visited the WCK operations hub to express his gratitude to the team.

WCK’s operations in Jamaica are a testament to its mission of providing immediate food relief in the aftermath of disasters. With the help of local volunteers like Micheala Atkinson, who proudly displayed a “Free WCK Meals” sign, the organization ensures that affected communities receive daily hot meals. Chef José Andrés himself visited the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital to coordinate ongoing relief efforts, underscoring WCK’s commitment to supporting Jamaica during this challenging time.

In a dramatic last-minute decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to Tremane Wood, a 46-year-old man who was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday for the 2002 murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf. The execution was set to take place at 10:00 am Central Time at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board had recommended clemency for Wood by a narrow 3-2 vote on November 5, and Governor Stitt acted on this recommendation just minutes before the execution was to proceed. In a statement, Stitt explained that after a thorough review of the case and prayerful consideration, he decided to commute Wood’s sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision ensures that Wood, a violent offender, will remain incarcerated for life, mirroring the punishment his elder brother Jake received for the same crime. Jake, who confessed to stabbing Wipf to death, died by suicide in prison in 2019. This year has seen a significant increase in executions across the United States, with 41 carried out so far, the highest number since 2012. On the same day, Florida was scheduled to execute Bryan Jennings, a 66-year-old former Marine, for the 1979 rape and murder of six-year-old Rebecca Kunash. Additionally, South Carolina planned to execute Stephen Bryant, 44, by firing squad on Friday for the 2004 murder of three people. The use of nitrogen hypoxia, a controversial execution method involving nitrogen gas, has been criticized by United Nations experts as cruel and inhumane. While 23 U.S. states have abolished the death penalty, others continue to enforce it, with Florida leading the nation in executions this year.