标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has issued a call to action for individuals planning to donate substantial quantities of relief supplies. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborating with registered local charities to ensure a streamlined and effective distribution process. Chief Information Officer André Williams clarified that while individuals are allowed to import a ‘reasonable quantity’ of approved relief items, larger shipments, such as 100 pairs of shoes, will be categorized as commercial quantities and require proper coordination with charitable organizations. Williams highlighted that these donations are intended for direct distribution to those in need, not for resale. He pointed out that registered charities, such as Food For the Poor, are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT), making them ideal partners for large-scale donations. The government has extended the duty- and tax-free period for relief supplies until December 31, ensuring that all shipments arriving before this date will benefit from the exemptions. Williams also advised donors of school supplies to work with the National Education Trust (NET), a government agency dedicated to improving Jamaica’s education sector. For healthcare-related donations, he recommended coordinating with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation. Williams reassured donors that despite potential logistical challenges during the busy holiday season, all eligible shipments will qualify for the tax relief if they arrive by the extended deadline.

LONDON, United Kingdom—Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to remember and honor military veterans, emphasizing the enduring sacrifices they have made. Speaking ahead of Britain’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations, the 41-year-old royal, who served two tours in Afghanistan, expressed his unwavering pride in his British heritage despite now residing in California.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support its members affected by Hurricane Melissa, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has introduced a three-month moratorium on loan payments. This initiative underscores the credit union’s dedication to its foundational principle of ‘People Helping People.’

Xavier Allen, CEO of FHC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to its members during challenging times. ‘Our members are our priority. This moratorium offers much-needed relief, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,’ he stated.

Eligible members can defer their loan payments for up to three months by contacting their branch representative, completing a moratorium request form, and providing a brief description of the hurricane’s impact, along with any supporting documentation.

In addition to the moratorium, FHC, in collaboration with its subsidiary, FHC Investments, has launched a donation drive. The initiative encourages staff, members, and the public to contribute non-perishable food items and essential supplies to aid national relief efforts. Drop boxes have been strategically placed across FHC branches to facilitate donations.

FHC is also contributing to the Credit Unions of Jamaica’s relief efforts, providing both financial and material support. On November 8 and 9, FHC team members will deliver care packages to severely affected communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, and St James.

Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager of Marketing Communications and Member Experience, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the credit union’s ethos. ‘This effort embodies our core belief in community support and reaffirms our role as a reliable financial partner in all circumstances,’ she said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent private sector organizations in Jamaica have jointly addressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, voicing their concerns over the sluggish pace of recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In a letter dated November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While commending the efforts of government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the groups stressed that the current response is insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected citizens. They highlighted the critical importance of time, stating that lives depend on swift and efficient intervention. The organizations called for a streamlined national response with transparent roles, centralized coordination, and robust accountability mechanisms. To address the crisis, they proposed several key recommendations: 1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention: Establishing centralized safe zones across the island to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, and sanitation for displaced individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. 2. Coordinated National Relief Command: Creating a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, led by a designated individual with the authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international disaster-relief experts. 3. State of Public Emergency (SOE): Declaring an SOE in the most severely impacted areas to enable emergency powers for road clearance, search and rescue, and supply distribution. 4. Oversight and Transparency: Forming an Oversight and Recovery Committee within seven days, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society to ensure transparency and collective leadership. The PSOJ, JMEA, and JCC reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the government and national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.

In a significant operation on Tuesday evening, law enforcement officers in St James, Jamaica, successfully confiscated two illegal firearms in the Wales Pond community. Acting on credible intelligence, the police conducted a targeted search in the area, leading to the discovery of the weapons. The seized items included a high-powered M4 Carbine rifle, accompanied by a magazine loaded with 33 rounds of 5.56 cartridges, and a Para 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearms were found concealed in a red and white bag within an abandoned building. Despite the recovery of these dangerous weapons, no arrests were made during the operation, which took place around 9:00 pm. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by the St James police to combat illegal arms proliferation and enhance community safety.

Residents and commuters in St Andrew, Jamaica, are being alerted to avoid Brandon Hill following a significant landslide that has rendered the area completely inaccessible. Local authorities have issued a public advisory urging motorists to seek alternative routes to ensure safety and prevent further complications. The landslide, which occurred unexpectedly, has disrupted normal traffic flow and poses potential risks to those attempting to navigate the area. Police officials have assured the public that updates regarding the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and avoiding the affected zone until further notice.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has pledged to ensure an accurate count of Jamaicans who lost their lives due to Hurricane Melissa, even if it requires exhuming bodies. This commitment was made during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following reports that communities severely affected by the October 28 hurricane have begun burying uncollected remains. Holness was responding to inquiries from Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, regarding the death toll and the process of retrieving bodies. The official death toll currently stands at 32, with 25 of these fatalities occurring in Campbell’s constituency. Holness acknowledged that while the Red Cross considers the death toll relatively low for a Category Five hurricane, there are still unaccounted deaths and unrecovered bodies. He emphasized the importance of proper identification and determination of death, stating, “We will recover all bodies even if we have to exhume them.” Holness also warned that the final death count may be higher than currently reported, particularly in isolated communities. Campbell raised concerns about the adequacy of the government’s response in retrieving bodies, noting that funeral homes and community members had to step in. Holness assured that a forensic team is actively working on the ground to address these issues and provide closure to affected families.