标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican agricultural and fisheries sectors are reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has inflicted an estimated $29.5 billion in damages. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, revealed these staggering figures during a parliamentary address on Tuesday. The hurricane has ravaged approximately 41,390 hectares of farmland, directly affecting over 70,000 farmers and resulting in the loss of 1,251,410 animals, including poultry, cattle, and small ruminants.

In a heartwarming display of corporate solidarity, a coalition of Jamaican companies, spearheaded by Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Red Stripe, brought much-needed relief to the storm-ravaged communities of Westmoreland Eastern on Friday. The initiative, which also saw participation from Celebration Brands, Restaurants of Jamaica, and Vantage One, provided essential supplies including warm meals, bottled water, and care packages to residents of Whitehouse, Belmont, Bluefield, Retirement, and Aldair.

Bianca Fakhourie, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica’s corporate affairs representative, emphasized the collective effort required for the island’s recovery. ‘Pepsi is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring a bit of relief and hope to communities that have lost so much. It’s part of our corporate responsibility to Jamaica,’ she stated. Fakhourie also highlighted the resilience of the affected communities, vowing continued support in the ongoing recovery efforts.

The care packages distributed by Red Stripe included Malta beverages and essential items like toilet paper, toothpaste, and non-perishables. Pepsi contributed 500 cases of Crystal Punch water, benefiting nearly 1,000 individuals or approximately 400 families. Additionally, temporary charging stations and Internet connectivity were set up, enabling residents to reconnect with loved ones.

Local Member of Parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell and his executive assistant Shamil Brown were instrumental in coordinating the distribution. Campbell praised the corporate entities for their timely intervention, stating, ‘Today has been significant in reducing the misery index within the communities.’

Residents, including Wellesley Batson of Retirement, expressed profound gratitude for the support. Despite previous relief efforts, many had yet to receive assistance due to the overwhelming scale of need. ‘I am more than glad,’ Batson remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many others who found a glimmer of hope in the midst of devastation.

Diane Ashton-Smith, Red Stripe’s head of corporate affairs, underscored the long road to recovery ahead. ‘Every little bit is going to count. We’re going to have to clear houses, build houses, and rebuild. Whatever we can do to help these communities, every mickle will make a muckle,’ she asserted. The coalition remains committed to assessing needs and identifying further ways to support the affected communities in the challenging recovery period ahead.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the House of Transformation Worship Centre in Portmore, Jamaica, has mobilized to assist the residents of Trelawny. Lead Pastor Keron Francis highlighted the church’s compassionate response to the widespread destruction observed across Jamaica. ‘Seeing the displacement and dire living conditions of our fellow citizens compelled us to act,’ Francis stated. The church swiftly organized a relief effort, gathering essential supplies from both local and international members. ‘We focused on providing the most basic necessities—food, water, clothing, and shelter—to those in need,’ he explained. The decision to aid Trelawny was influenced by reports indicating that the parish had received less attention compared to other severely affected areas like St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. ‘Social media and news reports revealed that Trelawny residents felt overlooked, so we decided to address their urgent needs,’ Francis added. The relief team, comprising 30 volunteers, including Dr Nastascia Wade-Saddler, provided medical care alongside distributing supplies. The church also collaborated with the Weeping Woman Foundation, led by Evangelist Shadae Graham-Clarke, to prepare and serve warm meals to the affected residents. ‘We wanted to ensure they received not just dry goods but also a comforting, hot meal,’ Francis noted. While the damage in Trelawny was less extensive than in western parishes, the church’s efforts underscored the vital role of faith-based organizations in crisis response. ‘The church is a beacon of light, and it’s our duty to show compassion and support in times of need,’ Francis emphasized. The initiative aimed to convey a message of love and solidarity to the affected communities, reinforcing the church’s commitment to humanitarian aid.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.