标签： Jamaica

Jamaica’s coffee industry is grappling with profound emotional and economic challenges in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, according to Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Grant highlighted the deep-seated frustration and depression among farmers, who have faced repeated setbacks over the past four years due to climate change. ‘Every time you build, you then break as there’s another setback,’ Grant lamented, emphasizing the toll of constant recovery efforts. The sector has suffered an estimated $2.5 billion in losses since 2019, with Blue Mountain coffee farmers alone losing approximately $1 billion due to the hurricane. Grant warned that these figures could rise as the full extent of the damage becomes apparent. Beyond financial losses, Grant stressed the emotional strain on farmers, many of whom are struggling to envision a return to normalcy. He called for a comprehensive recovery approach that addresses both mental health and financial needs, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize support for the sector. ‘We need to move beyond the narrative of resilience and provide tangible assistance,’ Grant argued, underscoring the critical role of rural development in Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, alongside renowned business mogul and television producer Mona Scott-Young, has arrived in Jamaica to deliver essential relief packages to communities devastated by recent hurricanes. The duo shared their journey on social media as they touched down on the island on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Jamaican people during this challenging time. Their mission involved transporting critical supplies via private jets, underscoring the urgency and humanitarian nature of their efforts. Scott-Young highlighted the importance of connectivity, bringing Starlink devices to help locals communicate with their families. Both celebrities expressed their deep affection for Jamaica, with Gibson stating, ‘We’re not only here to give but to give with all of this love attached.’ Their initiative follows similar relief efforts by international stars like Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Walt Disney World, and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, showcasing a united front in aiding hurricane recovery.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward restoring normalcy, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced the reopening of two major public spaces: Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James. Both locations will welcome the public starting Tuesday, November 11.

In a proactive move to address a pressing safety concern, a group of taxi operators in Kingston, Jamaica, took matters into their own hands on Sunday by repairing hazardous potholes near Calabar High School and Lees Food Fair. The operators emphasized that the deteriorating road conditions posed significant risks to both lives and property, particularly during peak traffic hours.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which left many Jamaicans without access to clean water, Mission Mules, a Christian non-profit disaster response organization, has stepped in to provide a vital solution. The organization has deployed a reverse osmosis machine to purify water in Great Bay, near Treasure Beach in southern St Elizabeth. The machine, operational since Sunday, has been supplying thousands of gallons of purified water daily from a local pond that formed due to flooding caused by the hurricane. This initiative has become a lifeline for the community, especially after the nearby water pumping station’s generator was damaged during the Category 5 storm, leaving residents without a reliable water supply.

In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Universal Service Fund (USF) launched a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, on November 7. This initiative aims to restore critical connectivity for residents who have been cut off from communication since the hurricane struck on October 28. The USF’s community Wi-Fi infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the storm, prompting the agency to adopt Starlink Wi-Fi technology to bridge the digital gap in affected areas.