In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group, in collaboration with local and corporate partners, has launched a vital initiative to offer psychosocial support to residents in southern Trelawny, Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left many grappling with emotional and physical devastation, prompting the JN Group to step in with comprehensive relief efforts.
标签： Jamaica
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Body Studio Skincare ‘restores spirits’ with free facials, wellness shots
In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Body Studio Skincare launched a community-focused initiative to uplift the spirits of affected Jamaicans. The company provided complimentary facial treatments and wellness shots at its medical spa in St Andrew, offering a total value exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over 50 free facials, each priced between J$10,450 and J$13,000, were administered, amounting to more than J$550,000 in services. Additionally, the spa distributed over 30 wellness shots, including glutathione, NAD, and B12 injections, to promote physical and emotional well-being. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from loyal clients to newcomers and even individuals from the severely impacted St Elizabeth region. Michelle Vernon, CEO of Body Studio Skincare, emphasized the company’s commitment to community healing, stating, ‘Wellness goes far beyond beauty; it is about dignity, confidence, and compassion.’ She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her staff and the community, highlighting the initiative as a way to reciprocate years of loyalty. Vernon also underscored the symbolic significance of the effort, noting that the services provided moments of respite and a reminder of care during challenging times. Beyond skincare, the initiative aimed to restore hope and resilience, embodying the core values of Body Studio Skincare.
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Comedian Dufton Shepherd to make impact with Nov 30 Slightly Unhinged
Comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, known for his infectious cheerfulness, was left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction that surpassed his worst fears. However, Shepherd quickly transformed his grief into action, using his upcoming comedy show, *Slightly Unhinged*, as a platform to bring relief and smiles to his fellow Jamaicans.
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Church group treks into remote Westmoreland community to deliver vital Hurricane relief
In a remarkable display of community solidarity, the Pentecostal Gospel Showers Family of Churches (PGSFoC) orchestrated a significant relief mission last weekend to aid families in Westmoreland, Jamaica, devastated by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa in October. The Category 5 storm left many areas, including the remote York District, in dire straits, with damaged roads hindering access to essential aid.
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St Mary communities plunged back into darkness following vandalsim—JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has issued a stern condemnation following a deliberate act of sabotage that disrupted power restoration efforts in several St Mary communities. The incident occurred in Bonham Spring, where a recently installed utility pole was intentionally cut at its base, causing it to collapse. This malicious act resulted in a sudden power outage affecting areas such as the Bonham Hill Housing Scheme, Hand-to-Mouth, Refuge Hill, and the Lower White River Substation, all of which had just regained electricity after extensive repair work.
In a media statement released on Wednesday, JPS expressed deep concern over the intentional undermining of its restoration efforts, especially given the severe damage already sustained by the electricity network. The company emphasized that such destructive acts not only endanger lives but also significantly delay the restoration process for communities reliant on the return of normal services.
JPS is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, vandalism, or signs of sabotage immediately. The company reaffirmed its commitment to restoring power safely and swiftly, while calling for public cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. This incident highlights the challenges faced by utility providers in maintaining and repairing essential services amidst acts of deliberate interference.
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Brace for a recession
The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has issued a stark warning about the economic fallout from Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that ravaged the island late last month. The catastrophic damage is expected to reverse recent economic gains, spike unemployment, and significantly reduce GDP, potentially plunging the nation into a recession in the coming quarters. Dr. Wayne Henry, Director General of the PIOJ, described the short- to medium-term economic outlook as ‘generally negative,’ projecting an 11-13% contraction in the current October-December quarter and an overall decline of 3-6% for fiscal year 2025/26. ‘The impacts of Hurricane Melissa are unprecedented, and the country must brace for a recession,’ Henry stated during the institute’s quarterly press briefing on Tuesday. A recession, typically marked by two or more consecutive quarters of declining GDP, often brings rising unemployment, reduced business investment, and lower consumer spending. This grim forecast follows a period of economic recovery after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which the PIOJ had previously dismissed as a recession risk. However, the scale of Melissa’s destruction has forced a reassessment. James Stewart, Senior Director in the Economic Planning and Research Division, noted that economic growth is unlikely to return until late 2026, with a downturn expected for the next three to four quarters. The storm’s historic devastation has severely damaged residential and productive assets, wiping out an estimated 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. Key industries such as Agriculture, Tourism, Information and Communication, and Construction are among the hardest hit. Agriculture, in particular, faces severe challenges, as the seven most affected parishes account for 74% of domestic crop production and major livestock operations. Tourism, responsible for 90% of the island’s hotel room stock, has been crippled by temporary closures, reduced capacity, and a US Level 3 Travel Advisory. Preliminary data for October already shows an 18% drop in visitor arrivals. Infrastructure damage, halted capital projects, and curtailed transportation services further exacerbate the economic strain. Henry emphasized that while the projections are dire, they remain fluid and could change with new information. Recovery to pre-hurricane levels is conservatively estimated to take 3-5 years, given the extensive loss of productive assets. The PIOJ, supported by international partners, aims to complete its damage and loss assessment by mid-December. Despite a strong July-September quarter driven by election-related spending, tourism, and sports events, the economic outlook remains bleak. Agriculture had shown remarkable growth of 23.9% earlier in the year, but Melissa’s impact has erased these gains. For the first nine months of 2025, real GDP grew by 2.4%, supported by increases in the Goods Producing and Services Industries. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, requiring swift and effective humanitarian and economic recovery initiatives.
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JYAN urges strong protection measures for women and girls post — Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) is calling on national stakeholders to focus on the safety and protection of women and girls. This appeal comes shortly after the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on Tuesday. JYAN emphasizes that while the entire nation grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, women and children face heightened risks of violence and abuse.
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UPDATE: Five dead, 15 injured in toll road crash
A devastating accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in Jamaica has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with 15 others requiring medical attention. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involving a Toyota Hiace bus that was operating as a public passenger vehicle. The bus, traveling eastbound, reportedly suffered a tyre blowout, causing it to collide with a guard rail and overturn into a ditch just before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Council, provided preliminary details, emphasizing the severity of the crash and the ongoing investigation into whether excessive speed contributed to the tragedy. This incident has brought the total number of road fatalities in Jamaica this year to 342, marking a significant setback in the nation’s road safety efforts. Dr. Jones has called for heightened caution among motorists, urging adherence to speed limits and the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act, including the merit point system, to deter reckless driving. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, as the nation mourns the loss of lives and reflects on the critical importance of road safety.
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Stick Figure lands sixth Billboard-charting album with Free Flow Sessions
California-based reggae band Stick Figure has once again made waves in the music industry, securing its sixth title on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Their latest release, *Free Flow Sessions*, debuted at an impressive #2. The album, which dropped on November 14 via Ruffwood Records, features 12 tracks, including six brand-new compositions. These tracks, such as *Moon Palace*, *Walking in My Shoes*, and *Fools Gold*, showcase the band’s signature dub-style reggae beats, with many tracks being remixed, extended, and reimagined. Stick Figure’s journey to the top began in 2009 with *Smoke Stack*, which peaked at #8. Since then, their subsequent albums—*Burial Ground* (2012), *Set in Stone* (2015), *World On Fire* (2019), and *Wisdom* (2022)—have all claimed the #1 spot. Notably, *World On Fire*, *Set in Stone*, and *Wisdom* continue to hold positions on the latest chart at #5, #7, and #8, respectively. Meanwhile, Bob Marley and the Wailers maintain their legendary status with *Legend*, logging 306 non-consecutive weeks at #1. Other notable entries include Shaggy’s *Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection* at #3 and Sean Paul’s *Dutty Classics Collection* at #4. The reggae scene remains vibrant, with artists like Vybz Kartel making their mark on various Billboard charts, while regional charts highlight the enduring appeal of reggae across the U.S. and Canada.
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Men charged in 1800-pound ganja case to return to court in January
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three individuals implicated in a significant narcotics bust involving 1,890 pounds of ganja are set to face further legal proceedings in January 2026. Patrick Branford, Leon Hines, and Naman Banton appeared before Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell on Tuesday. Notably, Hines remains in custody as his bail application is still pending. The trio was allegedly intercepted by the Firearms and Narcotics Division on August 15 while attempting to transport the compressed ganja to one of Jamaica’s ports of entry. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy to export ganja, possession of criminal property, trafficking, dealing in ganja, and preparatory steps to export the substance. The prosecution highlighted that a forensic certificate related to the seized drugs is still pending, prompting the court to schedule the next hearing for case management on January 6, 2026.