标签： Jamaica

Dancehall artist Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, has been exonerated after the prosecution withdrew criminal charges against him in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday. The case, which had drawn significant attention, was dismissed following concerns raised by the defense regarding the nature of the charges and constitutional issues. Defense attorney Patrick Peterkin expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to proceed. Kiprich had been charged under section 18A of the Offences Against the Person Act, which pertains to the use of audio, visual, or audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. Throughout the legal proceedings, Plunkett steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in gang-related activities or incitement of violence. Peterkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning that such laws could unjustly burden artists who are merely performing their craft. The charges stemmed from a custom-order dubplate created for a foreign-based selector following the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, a notorious gang leader. Kiprich’s management team claimed the audio was manipulated to appear more inflammatory than intended. Lobban, a key figure in Jamaica’s criminal underworld, was allegedly involved in shootings, extortion, and gang dominance in various areas before being killed in a shootout with police earlier this year.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant gesture of solidarity, the Allianz Memorial Van Damme, the prestigious Brussels athletics event and host of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League final, has pledged a generous donation of US$100,000 to the Usain Bolt Foundation. This contribution aims to support recovery efforts in Jamaica, which has been grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm, which made landfall last month, wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, causing widespread destruction to over 100,000 homes. Among the hardest-hit areas were Trelawny, the hometown of sprint icon Usain Bolt, and William Knibb High School, where Bolt’s legendary career first took flight. In response to the crisis, the Usain Bolt Foundation has been at the forefront of relief and reconstruction initiatives. The foundation, which is committed to empowering young Jamaicans through education, cultural enrichment, and sports, has consistently invested in the nation’s future. Earlier this year, it provided financial and material support to six rural high schools to help them prepare for the 2025 ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. This latest donation underscores the global athletics community’s commitment to aiding Jamaica in its time of need.

In a significant humanitarian effort, over 250 care packages were delivered to residents of the Martha Brae and Zion communities, as well as individuals at a shelter in Holland, Trelawny, Jamaica. This initiative was spearheaded by Hands in Unison, a local Christian-based humanitarian organization, as part of their ongoing relief efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The packages included essential items such as food, water, and toiletries, providing much-needed support to those affected by the disaster. The project was led by CEO Ruth-Ann Pinnock and Projects Director Lorene Pinnock, aligning with the organization’s annual programs, including the ‘Dare to Care’ and Christmas gift initiatives. Lorene Pinnock emphasized the organization’s commitment to expanding their efforts, stating, ‘For Melissa relief, we aim to distribute 200 to 300 care packages and undertake roof repair projects in every parish we serve.’ Hands in Unison has pledged to complete 45 roof projects nationwide to help families rebuild stronger homes. The organization’s guiding principle, ‘Together We Can,’ underscores their collaborative approach, bringing together volunteers, corporate partners, and other organizations to create meaningful change. Ruth-Ann Pinnock expressed deep gratitude to the organization’s supporters for enabling the Trelawny outreach. The initiative not only provided immediate relief but also symbolized hope and resilience for the affected communities.

Small business owners in Portland, Jamaica, are grappling with severe challenges following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28 with winds reaching 185 mph, left a trail of destruction, claiming over 40 lives and plunging nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers into darkness. While Portland was spared the worst of the storm, the economic fallout has been significant, particularly for local entrepreneurs.

Two prominent advocacy organizations have strongly criticized the growing trend of aid donors sharing images and videos of children displaced by Hurricane Melissa on social media. They argue that such practices are not only insensitive but also pose significant risks to the long-term emotional and psychological well-being of the affected children. Africa Stephens, the executive founder of Fi We Children Foundation, emphasized in a recent statement that these actions strip children of their dignity, which is often the only thing they have left in the aftermath of such disasters. Stephens urged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 3, which mandates that the best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration. While documenting the rebuilding process is important, Stephens stressed that it should never come at the expense of a child’s dignity or safety. Priscilla Duhaney, a spokeswoman for Hear the Children’s Cry, echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for children to become victims of exploitation, including paedophilia, due to the permanent nature of digital footprints. Duhaney also warned of the long-term mental health and emotional trauma that such exposure could cause, even if the effects are not immediately apparent. She called for a balanced approach to raising awareness, suggesting that protecting children’s identities by avoiding the use of their photos or names is crucial.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has confirmed that the death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 45, marking a devastating impact on the island nation. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, disclosed the updated figures during a press conference on Tuesday morning. She emphasized that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) had thoroughly investigated and verified the fatalities as directly linked to the hurricane. The southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the disaster, accounting for 18 deaths, followed by Westmoreland with 15 fatalities. Other affected areas include St. James (6), Hanover (2), Trelawny (2), St. Ann (1), and Portland (1). Dr. Morris Dixon revealed that 33 post-mortem examinations have been completed, with additional autopsies pending. Expressing profound sorrow, she extended prayers to the grieving families, stating, ‘Those are 45 families that are hurting deeply. As we look at that number, we pray for those families and that God will comfort them.’

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.