标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of solidarity, Downsound Entertainment (DSE), renowned for organizing Reggae Sumfest and Freedom Street, collaborated with artists D’Yani, Marcy Chin, and YoungWildApache to deliver essential relief supplies to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative targeted areas severely impacted by the storm, including Santa Cruz and Middle Quarters in St. Elizabeth, as well as Dean’s Valley in Westmoreland. The relief effort aimed to provide immediate assistance to families struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster. The care packages distributed by the team included non-perishable food items, baby formula, diapers, bottled water, tarpaulin, comforters, and mini tents, addressing both short-term and long-term needs of those who lost homes or suffered significant property damage. Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting Jamaicans during times of crisis. “Music connects us, but community sustains us,” Bogdanovich stated. “Downsound has always believed in giving back, especially when our people are hurting. Witnessing the devastation first-hand was heart-breaking, yet it was also inspiring to see the resilience of Jamaicans. We’re proud to lend a hand and will continue supporting rebuilding efforts wherever we can.” The artists involved in the initiative shared their emotional experiences during the visit. D’Yani described the experience as heart-wrenching, expressing a newfound appreciation for life. “Seeing the devastation in person gave me a deeper sense of gratitude. The people were incredibly grateful and truly needed the help,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of DSE manager Dwight “Bub” James in coordinating the outreach. Marcy Chin found the journey eye-opening, particularly moved by the selflessness of a woman who, despite losing her own home, urged the team to assist her neighbor who had suffered a personal tragedy. YoungWildApache echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. “Being on the ground and witnessing the impact of Hurricane Melissa first-hand was overwhelming. I’m just thankful we could bring a bit of hope to those in need,” he said. In addition to the immediate relief efforts, DSE is collaborating with key agencies to identify further ways to assist affected communities. A clean-up team has also been mobilized in St. James, underscoring Downsound Entertainment’s dedication to leveraging music and community action to uplift Jamaica.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of Jamaica on October 28, 2025, survivors like Maxine Campbell are grappling with more than just physical destruction. Campbell, a poultry farmer from Retrieve, Hanover, expressed profound distress over the lack of emotional support from relief agencies. While grateful for the food and supplies provided, she emphasized that what survivors truly need is empathy and a simple question: ‘Are you okay?’

Campbell recounted her harrowing experience during the hurricane, which destroyed her chicken coop and left her elderly mother injured. She described the ongoing mental toll, reliving the sounds of the storm and the screams of her mother. ‘It’s not about flour, sugar, and rice,’ she said. ‘We are damaged mentally.’

Her plea for compassion resonated with others in her community, particularly elderly residents who struggled to access aid due to logistical challenges. Campbell highlighted the plight of her neighbor, a senior citizen tirelessly working to rebuild her home. ‘We have to help her,’ she said, ‘but the relief agencies don’t seem to care.’

Campbell’s frustration was echoed by Benton Richards, an elderly man who had not received a care package because he was instructed to travel to a distant distribution center. ‘They should have just issued what they could here,’ he reasoned. Marlene Patterson, another resident, criticized the inefficiency of the relief distribution, arguing that aid should have been dropped off along the way.

Despite the challenges, Campbell found solace in the kindness of a Jamaica Defence Force soldier who visited her twice. ‘They need to do more of that,’ she said, urging relief workers to show love and encouragement to those affected. ‘Sugar, flour, and rice can’t help us heal. It will take time and encouragement to keep us going.’

As Campbell and her neighbors continue to rebuild their lives, their story underscores the critical need for holistic disaster response—one that addresses both material and emotional needs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, Sagicor Group Jamaica, through its philanthropic arm, the Sagicor Foundation, has pledged approximately J$200 million in relief funding. This comprehensive support package includes J$40 million allocated specifically for Sagicor employees affected by the storm. To date, 224 employees residing in the hardest-hit parishes have been identified for targeted assistance. As part of its immediate response, the company has distributed “family boxes” to over 670 individuals, including team members and their families, across 48 communities in five parishes. Volunteers from Sagicor’s subsidiaries were mobilized to assist with the packaging and distribution of these essential supplies. Additionally, the company is offering grants for immediate needs and interest-free loans to support long-term rebuilding efforts for affected employees. These local initiatives are bolstered by Sagicor Financial Company (SFC), the group’s parent company, which has pledged matching donations from employees in other Sagicor territories to aid long-term recovery. Sagicor is also exploring further ways to assist clients severely impacted by the hurricane, helping them regain stability and normalcy during this challenging period. Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, personally visited Black River, St Elizabeth, to oversee relief distribution and assess the damage. “The devastation in Black River is heartbreaking, and we are committed to supporting our team members, clients, and the broader community in rebuilding their lives,” Zacca stated. He emphasized Sagicor’s long-standing commitment to Jamaica, reaffirming the company’s dedication to recovery efforts. The Sagicor Foundation will continue to coordinate relief initiatives as recovery progresses across the island.

Residents of St James, Jamaica, were left in a state of alarm on Friday afternoon as powerful winds swept through several communities, evoking memories of past severe weather events. South St James bore the brunt of the phenomenon, with locals describing the experience as both sudden and unsettling. Marcia Anderson, a resident of the Tangle River community, recounted the moment the winds began to howl. “We saw trees and bamboo swaying violently, and leaves flying everywhere, but it stopped shortly after,” she told Observer Online. Anderson also noted the eerie change in the atmosphere, saying, “The place turned white as if heavy rain was imminent, but it never came.” Her concerns were heightened by a call from a relative overseas who had warned of a potential weather system that might impact the region. “I thought this was it,” she admitted, though the winds subsided quickly. Another resident from the Meadows of Irwin community, who chose to remain anonymous, described the event as deeply traumatic. “I nearly had a panic attack,” she said, drawing parallels to the destructive Hurricane Melissa. She reported sustained showers accompanying the winds, which soaked her patio and caused water to seep through her bedroom window. “It felt like it lasted 20 minutes,” she added, emphasizing the intensity of the experience. While the winds eventually died down, the incident left many residents on edge, reminding them of the vulnerability of their communities to sudden weather changes.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the government has initiated a robust, multi-pronged response to aid micro and small businesses in their recovery efforts. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), underscored the urgency of the situation, describing it as ‘Herculean and multifaceted.’ He revealed that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, have already issued directives and convened strategic meetings to expedite the revival of small enterprises.

The United States is grappling with significant disruptions in air travel as a directive to reduce flights at 40 major airports took effect on Friday. This measure, aimed at addressing air traffic safety concerns, comes amid a prolonged government shutdown that has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and airport security staff without pay. The Trump administration has mandated a four percent reduction in flights, which is expected to escalate to 10 percent by next week. Major hubs such as Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles are among those affected. Over 800 flights were canceled on Friday alone, with American Airlines reporting 220 daily cancellations, Delta Airlines cutting 170 flights, and Southwest Airlines canceling approximately 100 flights. Travelers are experiencing extensive delays, with some airports reporting average wait times exceeding two hours. Authorities emphasize that the reductions are a proactive measure to prevent potential safety hazards. ‘We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself,’ stated FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, highlighting the urgency of the situation.