标签： Jamaica

Jamaica is grappling with a severe garbage collection crisis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) struggles to address the overwhelming backlog. NSWMA Executive Director Audley Gordon, in an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the agency is facing its most significant challenge since its inception in 2002. Despite relentless efforts, residents are urged to brace for further delays in waste collection services over the coming weeks.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on western Jamaica, the Chinese business community has spearheaded a massive relief effort, mobilizing over $100 million in emergency supplies. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left widespread devastation, particularly in the southern regions of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James. Leading the charge, LCH Developments, in collaboration with its construction partner Brothers Concepts & Solutions Limited, swiftly deployed heavy machinery to clear blocked roads, ensuring critical access for aid distribution.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) in Jamaica has issued a public warning regarding the unauthorized and fraudulent use of video images featuring Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. The images have been exploited by a TikTok account under the handle @ramondlewis0, which falsely advertises overseas employment opportunities. The ministry has confirmed that this account is using repurposed visuals of the minister to deceive and mislead individuals seeking employment abroad.

The Maroon settlement of Accompong in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has been left in ruins following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Described as ‘wicked’ by residents, the hurricane obliterated nearly every farm and the majority of homes, leaving the community in dire need of assistance. Farmers like Andrew Rowe and Neville White recounted the devastation, with Rowe stating, ‘I lost my housetop, my farm with ginger, dasheen, yam, and all those things. The whole pepper field was wiped off the map.’ White added, ‘All ginger, plantain, banana, dasheen mash up.’ The storm’s ferocity was unparalleled, with Errol Williams comparing it unfavorably to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which had previously caused widespread damage across Jamaica. Williams described the terrifying experience of being inside his home as the hurricane tore through, with winds so strong they sounded like a crying baby. The aftermath has been equally challenging, with residents now battling an influx of mosquitoes, flies, bees, and unknown insects. The community is urgently calling for substantial aid to rebuild their homes and restore their farms, as they struggle to recover from the unprecedented destruction.

A tragic plane crash in Florida on Monday claimed the lives of a Caymanian father and daughter who were en route to Jamaica to assist in Hurricane Melissa relief efforts. The victims have been identified as Alexander Wurm, 53, CEO of the evangelical church ministry Ignite the Fire, and his 22-year-old daughter, Serena. The ministry released a heartfelt statement on social media, describing Evangelist Wurm as the founder of a mission dedicated to empowering Caribbean youth through evangelism and missions. Serena, following her father’s example, was celebrated as a compassionate and inspiring figure in humanitarian work. Their final journey, the statement noted, symbolized selflessness and courage. Wurm is survived by his wife and two other children. The Beechcraft King Air twin-turboprop plane departed Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at approximately 10:14 am, bound for Jamaica, but crashed into a man-made pond in Coral Springs shortly after takeoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Jamaican Transport Minister Daryl Vaz revealed that the plane lacked a permit to land in Jamaica, though it had made two prior trips to the island.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Couples Resorts has taken significant steps to support both its team members and the broader communities where it operates. Despite the resorts escaping major damage and preparing to reopen soon, many employees and their families have faced severe personal losses. To address this, the Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts, established the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund. The fund has already raised over $350,000, including a $100,000 cash donation from Couples Resorts itself. Contributions from friends, guests, and partners have been instrumental in this effort. Abe Issa, deputy chairman of Couples Resorts, emphasized the company’s deep connection to the Jamaican community, stating, ‘When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply.’ The relief fund aims to help affected individuals rebuild homes, replace essential items, and restore stability. Immediate efforts include distributing care packages with food and water and providing temporary housing for over 100 employees who lost their homes. Diane Pollard, president and CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation, highlighted the overwhelming compassion shown by donors and stressed the ongoing need for support. Paul Issa, chairman of the foundation, expressed gratitude to contributors and construction crews offering their services, urging continued momentum in the recovery efforts.

TREASURE BEACH, St Elizabeth — Jack Sprat, a beloved restaurant on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, is set to reopen today after extensive restoration efforts following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. This marks the second time in 16 months that the eatery has undergone major repairs, having previously been ravaged by Hurricane Beryl. Jason Henzell, the hotelier and owner of Jack Sprat, shared with the Jamaica Observer that the reopening is a testament to the resilience and determination of his staff and community. ‘We are reopening exactly two weeks after the hurricane. It won’t be perfect, but it’s better to open now and keep improving,’ Henzell said. The restaurant’s revival is seen as a beacon of hope for residents and visitors in the region, which has been grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Henzell emphasized the importance of Jack Sprat as a community hub, where people can gather, enjoy meals, and access essential services like Wi-Fi and phone charging. The restoration of Jakes Hotel, also owned by Henzell, is underway, with a phased reopening planned in the coming weeks. Henzell highlighted the broader recovery efforts in St Elizabeth, calling on businesses to transition from immediate relief to rebuilding livelihoods. He praised the outpouring of support from locals, international donors, and the Jamaican government, particularly commending Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his leadership. ‘Jamaicans are proud people, and their spirit keeps us going,’ Henzell added, reflecting on the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

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.