标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Direct Relief, a venerable 77-year-old American charity, has swiftly mobilized to deliver critical aid to Jamaica. Renowned for its targeted and respectful approach to disaster relief, the organization has once again demonstrated its commitment to alleviating human suffering and enhancing the quality of life for those in dire need. This weekend, Direct Relief prepared a substantial shipment of medical supplies, valued at approximately US$1 million, from its Santa Barbara warehouse to the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness. The consignment includes essential items such as antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and protective equipment, tailored to address the immediate healthcare needs of the hurricane-affected population. Genevieve Bitter, Vice President of Program Operations at Direct Relief, highlighted the organization’s enduring partnership with Jamaica, spanning two decades and encompassing over 160 shipments of humanitarian medical aid, totaling more than US$75 million. Bitter emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to bridge healthcare gaps, with recent shipments including hygiene supplies. Additional aid, including diabetes medications, mental health supplies, oral hydration solutions, insect repellents, cough and cold medicines, and tents, is slated to arrive in Jamaica by November 8. Direct Relief personnel are currently on-site, working alongside the Ministry of Health, PAHO, and local partners to assess needs and coordinate response efforts effectively.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 storm last Tuesday, Trelawny native Nugent Walker, the executive manager for sprint legend Usain Bolt, spearheaded efforts to restore access to the Martha Brae to Sherwood Content road. Alongside local residents, Walker took the initiative to clear debris and assess the extensive damage inflicted on the northwestern corridor, including the communities where he and Bolt grew up. The hurricane’s impact has left many areas in western Jamaica, particularly Trelawny, in dire need of recovery. While Bolt was off the island attending a personal engagement, his team and community members worked tirelessly to address the immediate challenges. Residents of Perth Town, Reserve, and Sherwood Content are currently relying on an alternate route through Duncan’s, Clark’s Town, and Duanvale, which has significantly extended travel times from a 10-minute commute to nearly two hours. The collective efforts of Walker and the community highlight the resilience and solidarity of Trelawny’s residents in the face of natural disaster.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rising dancehall sensation Jay-A Gullyside, alongside his 1Nato team, embarked on a humanitarian mission in St Elizabeth over the weekend, distributing over 85 care packages to elderly residents and those left homeless and destitute by the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The artiste, visibly moved by the widespread destruction, described the scenes as heart-wrenching. ‘It was an emotional experience for me…the devastation…just to see it up close. We saw decaying bodies in communities around Black River, dead animals, and the overwhelming stench was unbearable,’ Jay-A recounted. The team ventured beyond Treasure Beach, providing aid in Southfield and focusing on areas severely affected beyond Black River, including Billy’s Bay and Jack Sprat. Jay-A painted a grim picture of the aftermath: downed trees, demolished homes, and communities isolated by stagnant, foul-smelling waters. ‘Some people lost everything. I saw mothers begging for diapers. These are proud people, farmers, and fishermen who are used to self-sufficiency, now reduced to begging. It’s heart-breaking,’ he shared. One particularly poignant moment involved a Rastafarian man who lost his boat and saw his parents’ graves washed away. ‘All he could say was, ‘Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life.’ It was very touching,’ Jay-A recalled. The mission was cut short in Goshen, where floodwaters forced the team to retreat. ‘Goshen is still in bad shape. We encountered water and had to turn back. People are still trapped in their homes,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Jay-A spent time comforting residents, listening to their harrowing survival stories, and offering hope. ‘I’m not rich, but I hope the little I gave can inspire others to help. I love my country, Jamaica,’ he said. Jay-A, known for his collaborations with dancehall icons like Mavado and Dexta Daps, demonstrated that his commitment to his community extends beyond music.

A devastating fire at 8 Heroes Circle in Kingston on Sunday left more than 10 houses destroyed, rendering numerous residents homeless. Among the victims was Kim, who shared her harrowing experience with the Jamaica Observer. Despite the tragedy, Kim remains resilient, holding onto a semi-charred Bible salvaged from the ashes as a symbol of hope. ‘Hurricane Melissa didn’t destroy us, but this fire did,’ she lamented, reflecting on the loss of her home and belongings. Kim recounted that she was preparing dinner when she noticed smoke emanating from another part of the yard, which housed over 40 people. Efforts to locate the source of the smoke were futile, as the flames rapidly consumed the property. While some residents managed to save a few possessions, Kim lost everything. Yet, she remains steadfast, declaring, ‘Once there is life, there is hope.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the aftermath of the blaze.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartwarming display of solidarity, numerous Chinese nationals have joined forces to assist communities in St Elizabeth devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, spearheaded by the Chinese Benevolent Association, has seen volunteers working tirelessly to assemble and distribute care packages to those in dire need.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has successfully distributed more than 30,000 food packages to affected households across the island. This extensive relief effort was carried out in collaboration with all 14 parishes and involved key partners such as the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Food for the Poor, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, private sector entities, and various faith-based and community organizations.

Of the total packages, 22,156 were directly distributed by the ministry, while contributions from the private sector and other partners accounted for an additional 8,500. Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of partnership and unity in disaster response. ‘Through partnership, foresight, and unity, we have demonstrated that effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness but on compassion and collaboration,’ he stated.

The ministry remains committed to coordinating with parish offices and humanitarian partners to ensure that isolated communities are reached and that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive support.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, two sisters have been undertaking a daily journey through waist-deep floodwaters to deliver food and comfort to their elderly grandmother and her sister. The sisters, aged 16 and 23, who chose to remain anonymous, described their arduous trek as a duty to their relatives, who are currently sheltered at Lacovia Primary School. The family resides in the Slipe community, which remained inaccessible due to floodwaters, fallen trees, and debris as of last Friday. Despite the challenges, the sisters have been cooking meals at their undamaged home and carrying the food through the hazardous conditions to the shelter. The elder sister expressed exhaustion and pain from the journey but emphasized the necessity of their efforts. Meanwhile, 82-year-old Mehela Drummond has been caring for her 86-year-old sister Olive Hall, who requires assistance with daily tasks. Drummond recounted the terror of the hurricane and how she held her sister close during the storm. The family is still awaiting assistance from authorities, as no help has arrived since the hurricane struck.

A family in the John’s Hall community of St James, Jamaica, faces the imminent loss of their home after a portion of its foundation was eroded by floodwaters linked to Hurricane Melissa. The house, owned by Lincoln James, a former principal of Howard Cooke Primary School, has been severely compromised, rendering it unsafe for habitation. James revealed that the family has relocated to another dwelling on the property, avoiding the unstable structure. He described the interior as feeling like ‘going downhill,’ highlighting the extent of the damage. The family’s belongings, including furniture, remain inside, with only a few essential items salvaged. James’s car is also precariously positioned against the house, prompting him to seek assistance from his insurance provider. James attributed the disaster to a shift in the water channel caused by a landslide and a mango tree that obstructed the natural flow. The family was unaware of the damage until James’s son noticed the issue, forcing them to evacuate hastily. The incident underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.