标签： Jamaica

Residents of St James are voicing their frustration over sudden and significant increases in taxi fares in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Commuters allege that some taxi operators have been charging well above the government-approved rates, with fares reportedly doubling or even quadrupling on certain routes. For instance, a trip that typically costs $200 was quoted at $300, while another route that usually costs $250 surged to $1,000 immediately after the storm. Passengers expressed disbelief and anger, questioning the rationale behind these exorbitant charges. Some drivers attributed the hikes to long fuel lines and shortages at gas stations, but commuters argued that these issues do not justify unauthorized fare increases. Many also reported dismissive or confrontational behavior from drivers when questioned, with one operator allegedly telling a pregnant passenger to wait until night if she couldn’t afford the inflated fare. Despite the widespread nature of the issue, commuters have yet to file formal complaints, hoping for a swift return to normalcy. In response, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has issued a stern warning, emphasizing zero tolerance for overcharging and promising strict enforcement through sting operations and vehicle seizures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid educators affected by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has allocated an initial $35 million for relief efforts. The decision was ratified during a central executive meeting held on Friday, November 7, 2025. Under the leadership of President Mark Malabver, the JTA has crafted a comprehensive national relief and recovery plan aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term needs of teachers. This initiative underscores the association’s steadfast dedication to the well-being and recovery of its members. Malabver emphasized that this effort is not merely financial but also a profound expression of solidarity and compassion. Teachers, who have once again faced the brunt of a national disaster, continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. The JTA is committed to supporting them in rebuilding their lives and homes. The $35 million, sourced from the JTA’s investment portfolio, will be distributed as follows: $3 million for immediate relief supplies such as food, toiletries, and emergency kits; $2 million for logistical support including transportation and distribution; and $30 million for infrastructure recovery and rebuilding assistance. To ensure fairness and transparency, the infrastructure funds will be allocated across the JTA’s four regions using a 5:4:2:1 ratio, with the south central and western regions receiving the highest allocations due to the severity of the damage. Regional executives, in collaboration with parish and district association presidents, will conduct assessments to identify teachers in need and determine the extent of losses. A National Disaster Relief Oversight Committee (NDROC) has been established to manage and monitor all aspects of the relief process. Chaired by the JTA president, the committee includes senior officers, trustees, and committee chairs responsible for finance, properties, membership, and professional advancement. NDROC will ensure that all disbursements and donations are handled with full transparency, equity, and accountability. Recognizing the emotional toll of Hurricane Melissa, the JTA will also implement a series of psychosocial initiatives. These include expanding its counselling on demand programmes, launching an online psychosocial support programme, and providing crisis leadership and management training for teachers and school leaders in collaboration with international partners such as the American Federation of Teachers and Education International.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Wakefield in Trelawny are appealing to the government for urgent assistance in securing building materials to rebuild their devastated homes. Courtney ‘Macky British’ McIntosh, a local resident, highlighted the severe impact of the hurricane, which left numerous properties in ruins across Wakefield and neighboring areas such as Bounty Hall, Friendship, Bunkers Hill, Dromilly, and Deeside. While financial aid has been provided by the diaspora, as well as contributions from Member of Parliament Tova Hamilton and businessman Romeich Major, McIntosh emphasized that more substantial support is needed. He praised the efforts of local leaders, including Councillor Jonathan Bartley and MP Tova Hamilton, who have been actively involved in clearing debris and restoring access to affected areas. However, with homes flattened and continuous rainfall exacerbating the situation, McIntosh urged the government to expedite the provision of essential materials like plywood and zinc to help residents rebuild at least one room to protect their belongings from further damage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to bolster recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications has unveiled a new protocol to facilitate toll-free access for authorized aid and relief vehicles. Effective Monday, November 10, this initiative aims to expedite the delivery of essential supplies, personnel, and assistance to hurricane-affected communities by ensuring unimpeded passage through toll corridors.

Portfolio Minister Daryl Vaz emphasized that the protocol underscores the Government’s dedication to accelerating national recovery. ‘The Government remains steadfast in supporting relief and recovery operations across the island. We recognize the urgency of these missions and have implemented this streamlined process to eliminate administrative or logistical barriers,’ Vaz stated.

Under the new system, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charitable bodies, and international partners engaged in relief work must submit a detailed written request to the Toll Authority of Jamaica. Required information includes the date of travel, organization details, vehicle specifications, driver credentials, toll corridor usage, destination, and security escort particulars if applicable.

Applications can be submitted via email to toll.authority@mtw.gov.jm or jerome.palmer@mtw.gov.jm, or by calling (876) 929-5119 or (876) 929-6393. Approvals will be processed within nine hours or less. Private individuals or volunteer groups involved in recognized relief efforts may also apply, subject to verification by the authority.

Once approved, a letter of authorization will be issued, enabling toll-free passage. Drivers must present this letter at toll plazas, where concessionaires will retain copies for audit purposes. Notably, existing arrangements for marked emergency and security vehicles—such as police, fire, ambulance, and military units—remain unchanged, ensuring their continued unrestricted access.

The protocol will remain in effect until government-led recovery operations conclude. Minister Vaz also expressed gratitude to emergency responders, utility crews, volunteers, families, the entertainment sector, corporate Jamaica, and other private groups for their unwavering support in restoring normalcy across the island.

The US Supreme Court on Monday deliberated on a significant case involving Damon Landor, a devout Rastafarian who is seeking monetary damages after his dreadlocks were forcibly cut while he was incarcerated in Louisiana. Landor argues that his religious rights were violated and is seeking permission to sue individual officials from the Louisiana Department of Corrections. His lawyer, Zachary Tripp, emphasized that without the possibility of damages, officials could disregard the law with impunity. Louisiana has admitted that the treatment of Landor was contrary to religious freedom and has since revised its prison grooming policy. However, the state maintains that federal law does not allow for monetary damages against state officials sued in their individual capacity, a stance that seemed to resonate with the court’s conservative majority. Landor, who had been growing his hair for nearly two decades, was serving the final weeks of a five-month sentence for drug possession in 2020 when the incident occurred. Despite presenting prison guards with a 2017 court ruling that affirmed Rastafarians’ right to keep their dreadlocks, a guard discarded the document and proceeded to shave Landor’s head while he was handcuffed to a chair. An appeals court condemned the treatment as ‘egregious’ but ruled that Landor could not sue individual officials for damages. The case has drawn attention from both left and right-leaning legal advocates, highlighting the complex intersection of religious liberty and government accountability. The Supreme Court, which has historically been reluctant to approve damages against individual officials, has also shown a tendency to support plaintiffs in religious liberty cases.

Accompong Town in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, continues to grapple with the aftermath of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck nearly two weeks ago. The devastating storm has left the community without electricity and stable telephone connections, with some residents fearing these services may not be fully restored until 2026. The damage to Jamaica Public Service power lines and telecommunications infrastructure has been severe, leaving many unable to make direct calls between networks. As a result, residents are bracing for a Christmas without power in their homes, many of which were also destroyed by the hurricane. However, amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope has emerged through the efforts of Colonel Richard Currie. Using Starlink Internet devices, Currie and his team have implemented a system to help residents stay connected with their loved ones. The initiative has already provided Internet access to Accompong Town and neighboring communities like Windsor and Siloah, where Maroon families reside. Last Wednesday, Currie and his team distributed hurricane relief packages while also setting up Starlink devices in various districts. These devices not only enabled Currie’s team to stay connected but also allowed residents to make phone calls via the Internet. During a stop in Windsor, Currie emphasized the importance of reconnecting families who had been isolated since the hurricane. He highlighted the widespread devastation and the critical need for connectivity, stating that the Starlink system has been a lifeline for many. The community has embraced the initiative, with residents gathering at a playfield near Accompong Primary and Infant School to access the Internet and recharge their devices using solar panels. Stephen Bradshaw, a local resident, praised the efforts, noting that the ability to connect with loved ones has been a source of comfort during these challenging times. Currie revealed that the Accompong Maroons began experimenting with Starlink after Hurricane Beryl last year and have since been working to expand its reach. As the community continues to recover, the Starlink initiative stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of disaster.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa, KEMTEK Development and Construction has unveiled a comprehensive $70 million relief effort aimed at assisting the most severely impacted regions, including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Trelawny. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to national solidarity during times of crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across Jamaica’s western region, Coralisle Group Ltd, a prominent insurance provider in the Caribbean, has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative. The Bermuda-based holding company has mobilized its dedicated claims and logistics teams in Jamaica, bolstered by on-the-ground support from staff in Barbados and Trinidad, as well as specialized assistance from partners in Miami. Employees from other regions are also contributing remotely to expedite the processing of insurance claims.