标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s widespread devastation, the unwavering spirit of Jamaica has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. The Flow Foundation, actively providing relief to the hardest-hit areas in western Jamaica, has reported a profound sense of determination and faith among the affected communities. Despite the destruction, residents remain steadfast in their resolve to rebuild and recover. On November 5, 2025, the foundation visited Chester Castle in Hanover, Top River in Westmoreland, and the Savanna-la-Mar region, witnessing scenes of fallen trees, impassable roads, and damaged homes. Yet, amidst the rubble, the indomitable Jamaican spirit prevailed. Volunteers distributed essential care packages containing food, personal care items, and tarpaulins, offering not just material support but also emotional encouragement. One elderly resident, Jerry from Chester Castle, who lost his home in the storm, expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, ‘Mi lose mi house, but mi nuh lose hope or faith.’ Rhys Campbell, Executive Director of the Flow Foundation, emphasized that the resilience of the residents has become a driving force behind their ongoing humanitarian efforts. ‘The Jamaican spirit is one of perseverance and resilience,’ Campbell remarked. ‘Even in the hardest times, our people rise. Seeing that resilience firsthand reminds us why our work matters.’ Supported by Liberty Latin America through the Liberty Caribbean Foundation, the Flow Foundation will continue its mission in the coming weeks, aiming not only to restore lives but also to reignite hope across Jamaica’s most affected communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a tragic incident on Thursday evening, two police officers were shot and killed on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew. The exact details of the shooting remain unclear, but the officers were rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities have cordoned off the area as investigations continue. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available. This incident has raised concerns about safety and law enforcement in the region.

Members of Jamaica’s Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee expressed deep skepticism on Wednesday over the National Water Commission’s (NWC) optimistic recovery figures following Hurricane Melissa. Despite NWC’s claim that 75% of its systems had been restored islandwide, MPs highlighted the stark disparity between these numbers and the ongoing water shortages in severely affected western parishes. Acting NWC Vice President of Operations, Dr. Phillipa Campbell-Francis, explained the complexity of the recovery process, citing 1,000 water systems dependent on electricity, many of which remain damaged or inoperable. However, MPs like James Robertson of St Thomas Western and Heroy Clarke of St James Central argued that the NWC’s data failed to reflect the dire reality on the ground, where communities still lacked piped water weeks after the storm. Clarke criticized the inefficiency of water trucking operations, noting that logistical delays left many areas underserved. MPs also questioned the methodology behind the NWC’s figures, with Richard Azan of Clarendon North Western quipping that the numbers seemed “drone-generated.” NWC officials acknowledged challenges, including power outages, siltation, and pipeline leaks, but assured that efforts were underway to restore full service. Despite support from Global Support and Development, which provided emergency water supplies, parishes like Westmoreland and St Elizabeth remain far from full recovery. The committee urged the NWC to provide clearer data and realistic timelines to address the crisis effectively.

In a heated monthly meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Ian Bell of the People’s National Party (PNP) for the Beecher Town Division took a firm stance, refusing to proceed with the agenda until he received a satisfactory update on the refurbishment of a contaminated water tank in Epworth. The tank, the sole water source for the community, has been tainted with frog remains, a critical issue Bell raised during the previous month’s meeting. Despite assurances that the superintendent had been instructed to address the problem, Bell expressed frustration over the lack of progress, stating, ‘Today, nothing has been done at that tank.’

Mayor Michael Belnavis of St Ann’s Bay attempted to calm the situation, but Bell’s concerns were only partially addressed when Saad Williams, the corporation’s chief engineering officer, provided an update. Williams revealed that a second assessment of the tank had determined the allocated budget was insufficient for temporary repairs. A revised estimate is now being prepared, and the project awaits additional funding before any action can be taken. The delay has left the Epworth community without access to clean water, highlighting ongoing challenges in local infrastructure management.

In a recent enforcement operation in Four Paths, Clarendon, Jamaica, a 27-year-old sales clerk, Deandrea Dyer, was arrested and charged for selling baked goods with an expired food handler’s permit. The incident occurred on Wednesday when law enforcement officers visited the shop where Dyer was employed. Upon inspection, Dyer presented the necessary documents, including the facility’s certification and her food handler’s permit, as required by the Public Health Act. However, it was discovered that her permit had expired. Dyer, a resident of Howells Content, York Town, was informed of the violation and subsequently charged. She is scheduled to appear in the May Pen Court on January 15, 2025, to face the charges.