标签： Jamaica

Renowned dancehall artist Masicka has taken a proactive role in aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa through his charitable organization, the MADE Foundation. The foundation has initiated the first phase of a comprehensive relief program aimed at supporting affected areas, with a particular focus on the parish of St Elizabeth. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Masicka emphasized the importance of community solidarity during times of crisis. “Jamaica is home. When the people are hurting, I feel that too,” he stated. “The MADE Foundation is about making a difference and showing that we care beyond the music.” Although Masicka’s immediate family was spared from the hurricane’s impact, he expressed deep concern for friends and supporters in St Elizabeth who suffered significant losses, including homes, farms, and access to basic utilities. Collaborating with local representatives, the MADE Foundation has identified urgent needs and is providing essential supplies such as food, building materials, steel, and cement. The initiative has also garnered support from Red Stripe and producer Mario Dunwell, who have joined the mission to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Masicka highlighted that this effort aligns with his long-standing commitment to philanthropy, which includes donating computers to schools, organizing back-to-school events, and supporting youth initiatives. The MADE Foundation, established to empower communities through education, mentorship, and crisis support, aims to create lasting change across Jamaica and the Caribbean. Masicka’s connection to St Elizabeth, where he performed early in his career, adds a personal dimension to the relief efforts. The foundation plans to expand its outreach to other parishes as part of an ongoing national recovery initiative.

For Junior Bowen, a 59-year-old resident of Petersfield, Westmoreland, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa transcended the ferocious 185-mile-per-hour winds. His ordeal reached its peak when his home was torn from its foundation, lifting him into the air before hurling him into nearby bushes. The Category Five hurricane struck last Tuesday afternoon, leaving Bowen battered, buried, and helpless beneath the rubble until rescuers found him.

In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) helicopters touched down at Belmont Academy in Westmoreland on Sunday morning. The mission aimed to deliver essential relief supplies to communities grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster. As the helicopters landed, local residents gathered to witness the operation, observing JDF soldiers meticulously unloading numerous bags of aid from the aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader, coordinated effort to provide urgent assistance to those impacted by the hurricane. The JDF’s timely intervention underscores the government’s commitment to supporting affected regions and ensuring the well-being of its citizens during times of crisis.

Scott’s Cove Fish Park, a cherished cultural and culinary landmark on Jamaica’s south coast, now lies in ruins after being ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, 2025, left a trail of destruction in its wake, reducing the once-thriving hub for escovitch fish, lobster, bammy, and conch soup to piles of debris. The area, located on the border of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, was unrecognizable when visited by Observer Online just days after the disaster. Christopher, a long-time resident and stall operator at Scott’s Cove, shared his harrowing experience of losing everything—his livelihood, home, and possessions—to the hurricane. He described the terrifying moments when the storm surge tore through his house, leaving him frozen in fear. Despite the devastation, Christopher expressed gratitude for his survival, calling it an act of God. However, the road to recovery remains uncertain, as he and others face the daunting task of rebuilding with limited resources. Christopher emphasized the need for government assistance, acknowledging the overwhelming scale of the disaster.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Laughlands, St Ann, Jamaica, the community’s spirit remains unbroken. Residents like Ferdinand King and Richie exemplify resilience and camaraderie as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. King, whose home was flattened by the storm, found moments of laughter amidst the chaos, recalling how he narrowly escaped the collapsing structure. Despite the loss, he remains focused on moving forward, drawing strength from his past experiences with hurricanes like Gilbert and Ivan. Richie, a farmer and carpenter, also shared his story of survival, using his ingenuity to create a makeshift bridge from fallen tree limbs after the storm washed away the original. Both men emphasize the importance of community support and are calling for assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Their stories highlight the enduring Jamaican spirit of joy, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to aid communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, the People’s National Party (PNP) initiated its first official hurricane relief mission in Westmoreland on Sunday. This effort is part of the Party’s broader islandwide recovery strategy aimed at addressing the widespread devastation caused by the storm. The mission, spearheaded by the PNP Youth Organisation (PNPYO), the Patriots, and the Women’s Movement, united Party representatives and independent volunteers in a collaborative drive to provide essential supplies and emotional support to the most affected families. PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from both the private sector and individual Jamaicans. He highlighted that the initiative exemplifies the nation’s collective spirit and commitment to unity. “We are deeply moved by the compassion and generosity shown by Jamaicans everywhere,” Golding remarked. “This is what true nation-building looks like: people helping people, regardless of politics. The recovery ahead will be long, but we are committed to standing with our fellow Jamaicans every step of the way.” The PNP underscored that this mission marks the beginning of a series of coordinated relief efforts targeting other impacted parishes. The Party plans to collaborate closely with community leaders, government agencies, and private partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. “We are one Jamaica, and this moment calls for unity and action,” the Party’s statement concluded. “Together, we will rebuild stronger.”

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has unveiled plans to establish multiple field hospitals across the island as the death toll rises to 28. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, severely damaged healthcare facilities in western Jamaica, prompting urgent measures to address the crisis. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced during a media briefing on Saturday that the first field hospital will be constructed in Black River, St. Elizabeth, with assistance from the international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse. The facility, equipped with an operating theater and critical diagnostic equipment, is expected to begin operations on Sunday, November 2. Additional field hospitals will be set up in Savanna-la-mar, Falmouth, Noel Holmes, and Cornwall Regional. The Indian, Canadian, and Spanish governments have also pledged support by providing field hospitals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has distributed essential supplies such as food, water, and care packages to patients and staff at Black River Hospital. International aid continues to pour in, with the World Food Programme delivering 5,000 food kits to feed 15,000 people for a week and the Dominican Republic sending a Navy vessel loaded with over 1,050,000 food rations and other relief supplies. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported significant progress in clearing major roads, including the reopening of the Class A road from Kingston to Lucea and the southern route from Santa Cruz to Black River. Additionally, the Jamaica Public Service Company has restored electricity to 150,000 customers across several parishes. The Jamaica Defence Force has also been actively involved, delivering relief packages to affected communities in Black River.

Ferncourt High School in St Ann, Jamaica, is in the midst of cleanup and restoration efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Principal Sheldon Thomas, recently honored as the LASCO/Ministry of Education/Jamaica Teaching Council Principal of the Year for 2024–2025, has been overseeing the recovery process to ensure the school can return to normal operations promptly.

The COVID-19 pandemic was not merely a global health crisis; it fundamentally transformed the landscape of education. As classrooms emptied and screens became the new learning hubs, teaching and learning underwent a dramatic redefinition. From makeshift roadside schoolrooms to teachers delivering materials door-to-door, the pandemic forced a rapid shift to remote education. For those with access to digital devices and the internet, online learning became an academic lifeline. However, the crisis also exposed the stark digital divide in many countries, highlighting the challenges faced by students and educators in underserved communities.