标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, 71-year-old Wilhel Stone Williams shared her harrowing experience of survival and the unexpected comfort she found in her neighbor’s company. Describing the hurricane as “catastrophic,” Williams recounted the terrifying moments as the storm intensified, stripping trees of their leaves and tearing zinc sheets from her roof. Initially confident she would endure the storm alone, her composure shattered when the relentless wind began to batter her home. Panic set in as she realized the severity of the situation. Amid the chaos, Williams’ neighbor, Rosemarie Williams, whose own roof had been blown off, sought refuge in her home. “I was glad that time because that is when I get some company,” Williams said, expressing gratitude for the unexpected companionship. The storm left Williams’ home severely damaged, with leaks permeating every corner. Emotionally drained, she admitted to barely eating since the ordeal, surviving on little more than syrup. Her concern also extended to her pet goat, which she had left outside, unaware of the hurricane’s ferocity. “He’s so beautiful, and God don’t make anything happen to him,” she pleaded. Both women are now appealing for assistance to repair their homes and recover from the disaster. Those willing to help can contact Rosemarie Williams at 1 (876) 214-1501.

Australia is set to enforce one of the world’s most stringent social media bans targeting users under the age of 16, with popular platforms Reddit and Kick joining the list of restricted websites starting December 10. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. The new legislation will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove underage users or face hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million). Wells emphasized that while technology has been used to target children, it should now be leveraged to protect them. The ban aims to ensure children can enjoy their childhood while giving parents peace of mind. However, experts have raised concerns about the law’s effectiveness, with some labeling it as symbolic. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and WhatsApp remain unaffected for now, though streaming site Twitch is under review. The government has clarified that the list of banned platforms is not static and may evolve. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that while age restrictions are a powerful tool, they are not a quick fix. Social media companies have criticized the laws as vague and rushed, but the government has maintained that platforms must take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate underage accounts.

In response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, Western Parks and Markets (WPM), the regional division of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address the issue of downed trees in western Jamaica. Edward Muir, Regional Operations Manager for WPM, detailed the plan in an interview with Observer Online, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Muir explained that WPM has leased a property near Retirement in Montego Bay, initially intended for constructing a garage for their fleet. However, given the current crisis, the site will temporarily serve as a storage location for tree cuttings. This decision aims to ensure that household waste can still be processed at the landfill without obstruction. The Retirement Disposal site, adjacent to the leased property, is currently overwhelmed and unable to accommodate additional waste, particularly tree debris.

‘At present, the disposal site is saturated, and we cannot allow tree cuttings to impede our operations,’ Muir stated. He assured that once the cleanup process is complete, the stored tree cuttings will be relocated to the disposal site for proper management.

The initiative coincides with a large-scale cleanup operation in Catherine Hall and Westgreen, areas of Montego Bay severely affected by flooding and mud accumulation. WPM remains committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible, contingent on the progress of ongoing efforts.

Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has once again demonstrated her commitment to community support by distributing essential care packages to residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Melissa. On Tuesday, the renowned athlete focused her efforts on communities along the St Elizabeth and Westmoreland border, continuing the relief work initiated by her Pocket Rocket Foundation. This follows her previous outreach in parts of Westmoreland on Saturday. During the distribution, a significant number of residents gathered to receive the aid, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the assistance. Fraser-Pryce’s actions highlight her dedication to helping those in need, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. She joins a growing number of individuals and organizations contributing to recovery efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis.

In a strategic move to bolster disaster management efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The decision, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, is effective immediately. This realignment aims to enhance logistical coordination between ODPEM and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), ensuring a more efficient and unified response to the crisis.

Nicholas Lok Jack, Executive Chairman of Associated Brands Industries Limited (ABIL), has announced a significant humanitarian aid package of US$500,000 to support Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ABIL, the parent company of renowned brands such as Sunshine Snacks, Charles Chocolates, Devon Biscuits, and Sunshine Cereals, has committed to providing both financial and material assistance to the affected regions. The aid includes a US$250,000 cash donation to the Sandals Foundation and an additional US$250,000 worth of food and snack products, which will be distributed through various agencies to the hardest-hit communities. Lok Jack emphasized the deep connection ABIL has with Jamaica, home to over 500 employees through its subsidiary, Confectionery and Snacks (Jamaica) Limited. He praised the resilience and spirit of the Jamaican people, stating, ‘We stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, as you rebuild stronger than ever.’ The partnership with the Sandals Foundation was chosen due to its established credibility and effectiveness in delivering aid across the Caribbean. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, expressed gratitude for ABIL’s swift and generous response, highlighting the importance of regional unity in times of crisis. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, underscored the immediate impact of the partnership, noting that it will bring essential supplies and hope to those most affected. ABIL’s pledge reaffirms its enduring commitment to the Caribbean and its people, embodying the values of compassion and community support.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe damage on more than 116,000 buildings out of the 428,000 structures recorded in the National Spatial Data Management Branch’s database. The devastation is particularly concentrated in the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Manchester, as confirmed by satellite imagery and drone assessments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the crisis during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. He emphasized the unprecedented use of geospatial intelligence to conduct a rapid, high-resolution national housing damage assessment, marking a historic milestone for Jamaica. ‘Melissa has caused extensive damage to the nation’s housing stock, especially in the western parishes,’ Holness stated. ‘These findings are now guiding targeted relief and reconstruction efforts across affected communities.’ The government is transitioning from emergency sheltering to stabilization and repair, with field verification underway in priority areas. Housing support teams are collaborating with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and local authorities to expedite aid. Holness added that as access to western communities is restored, beneficiary verification will be completed, and roofing support, building materials, tarpaulins, and rapid-repair crews will be deployed to ensure safety and habitability. The data is being integrated into the post-disaster needs assessment to shape a resilient housing and building recovery program, led by Minister Robert Montague, who oversees Titling and Settlements.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Trelawny, Jamaica, are grappling with a severe water shortage as the National Water Commission (NWC) struggles to restore piped water services. The Martha Brae River, which reportedly overflowed during the storm, has become a critical source of water for many. Long queues of residents have been observed along the roadway from Martha Brae to Falmouth, collecting untreated river water for essential domestic uses such as bathing, laundry, and flushing toilets. The situation has drawn significant attention, with motor vehicles lining both sides of the road as people fill containers with the available water. One resident commented, ‘It’s clean river water flowing on both sides of the road. We don’t drink it directly, but if necessary, we can boil it.’ The crisis highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure resilience and emergency response improvements.