标签： Jamaica

In the wake of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, Stewart’s Automotive Group has spearheaded a substantial relief effort, mobilizing over $30 million to aid affected communities across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. Through its philanthropic arms, the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and the Kind Hearts Foundation, the group has distributed essential supplies—including food, water, mattresses, and clothing—to more than 2,000 families in western Jamaica.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, the National Housing Trust (NHT) is urging contributors and mortgagors to seek assistance as they navigate the challenging path to recovery. Shara Luke Cooper, Manager for Customer Relations Management at the NHT, emphasized the organization’s commitment to alleviating the emotional and financial burdens faced by affected families nearly a month after the category five hurricane struck. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on November 25, Luke Cooper encouraged individuals to take a moment to regroup and then reach out for support. ‘We understand the circumstances, and we want these persons to take some time to breathe then reach out to us. We can hold their hand through this recovery process,’ she stated. To facilitate this, NHT teams are actively visiting communities, enabling individuals to engage directly with staff, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance. The NHT has rolled out a series of disaster-response measures tailored to assist those whose homes or livelihoods have been impacted. These include a Hurricane Relief Loan offering up to $3.5 million, a Special Disaster Grant of up to $500,000, and a six-month Moratorium on Mortgage Payments. Additionally, individuals can file peril insurance claims for damages sustained. Luke Cooper also directed affected individuals to the NHT’s website, www.nht.gov.jm/recover, for comprehensive resources and application guidance. She highlighted that Jamaicans can assist neighbors and relatives in submitting applications if they are unable to do so themselves. Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, underscored the inclusivity of the NHT’s initiatives, which are designed to benefit a broad spectrum of individuals, including current contributors, mortgagors, former mortgagors, and pensioners. ‘And if for any reason they’re in a niche area and feel that none of these initiatives are somehow reaching them, [we want them] to reach out to us and let us know the kind of support that we can provide,’ Berbick told JIS News. He reiterated the NHT’s flexibility in adjusting processes and requirements to ensure that all Jamaicans receive the necessary support to recover effectively as the nation rebuilds in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, a leading property expert is calling on homeowners and contractors to seize this opportunity to fortify roof structures during repair efforts. Kerry Scott, Head of Real Estate and Properties at JN Properties, emphasizes that rebuilding presents a critical window to elevate construction standards and enhance the long-term durability of roofs. ‘While many are focused on replacing what was lost, this is the moment to build stronger,’ Scott stated. He advises that repairs to zinc roofs should include tightening fasteners and adding hurricane straps to bolster a home’s resilience against future storms. Scott, whose firm oversees more than 130 properties across Jamaica, underscores that a roof’s strength hinges on its design, material quality, and maintenance. Roofs constructed with hurricane-rated materials and reinforced connections between the roof and walls are far more likely to withstand extreme weather. ‘Secure truss connections and hurricane straps distribute wind forces evenly, reducing the risk of uplift. Proper installation of these elements significantly increases the roof’s chances of remaining intact under intense pressure,’ Scott explained. He also stressed the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, noting that seemingly minor issues like leaks or lifted sheets can escalate into major vulnerabilities during storms. Scott urged homeowners to address both visible damage and hidden weaknesses caused by the hurricane’s stress. Despite some roofs surviving the recent hurricane, Scott warned against complacency. ‘Even if a roof remains intact, strong winds can loosen connections or create hairline cracks. Professional inspections can identify these issues before they become costly or dangerous,’ he advised. Material choice is another critical factor, with galvanized steel, concrete tiles, and modern composites offering superior durability. Scott highlighted that lightweight or deteriorated materials are more susceptible to being blown away, urging homeowners to invest in high wind-resistant options installed by qualified professionals. For those considering long-term upgrades, Scott recommended concrete slab roofs, which provide added protection despite higher costs and maintenance requirements. ‘A well-constructed concrete roof can endure hurricane-force winds and even serve as a foundation for an upper floor. However, proper waterproofing and crack inspections are essential to prevent leaks and structural damage,’ he added. Verna McBean, a retired teacher from St. Elizabeth, shared her experience of transitioning to a concrete slab roof after losing her zinc roof during Hurricanes Ivan and Dean. ‘The house would have been destroyed if we had reinstalled the metal roof,’ McBean said, reflecting on Hurricane Melissa. Initially hesitant, she now feels secure and relaxed, noting that several neighbors have also adopted slab roofs. With Jamaica situated in a hurricane-prone region, Scott emphasized that reinforced roofing should be a national priority. ‘A sturdy roof not only reduces losses but also safeguards lives and livelihoods when the next hurricane strikes,’ he concluded.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has ramped up recovery initiatives at its western campus in Montego Bay following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica. The hurricane inflicted widespread damage, leaving many students and staff grappling with personal losses, including property destruction and, tragically, the loss of loved ones. The western campus, which accommodates approximately 500 students across two locations—Barnett Street, home to the Caribbean School of Nursing, and Dome Street, offering programs in business administration, nursing, public health, computer information systems, law, and professional development—was severely impacted. In the aftermath, UTech conducted comprehensive assessments across all campuses before resuming academic activities. UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. “Our western campus family has demonstrated remarkable resilience during this challenging period,” Dr. Brown stated in a press release. “Despite the significant setbacks, our priority remains ensuring that every affected student and staff member has access to essential resources, including food, shelter, connectivity, and emotional support through our counselling and chaplaincy services.” The Dome Street campus, which experienced severe flooding, underwent extensive cleaning and partial repairs, reopening on November 10 with generator power until electricity was restored the following week. Water was supplied from on-site tanks, and a Starlink system was installed to ensure uninterrupted internet access. However, the Barnett Street campus remains closed due to extensive structural damage, including roof failure and water intrusion, with repairs ongoing to meet safety standards. Dr. Brown highlighted the expanded support provided through the Student Welfare, Counselling, and Chaplaincy units, including options for affected students to withdraw from classes without academic or financial penalties, special grants, fee waivers, and care packages. Western Campus Coordinator Antoinette Smith expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from staff, volunteers, and the broader community, which has been instrumental in the recovery efforts. A university delegation visited the campus on November 5 to distribute essential supplies, including bottled water and generators, as part of the relief operations coordinated by the university’s Emergency Operations Centre. Additional support continues through staff initiatives and ongoing care-package distribution. Dr. Brown called for sustained assistance from partners, alumni, and friends, emphasizing the collective effort required to rebuild and restore the western campus. “We cannot do this alone,” he said. “Every act of generosity, whether in cash or kind, helps our students and staff recover and return to learning.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a proactive move to support communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, McKay Security Limited has collaborated with local councillors to ensure the transparent distribution of high-quality tarpaulins to affected residents in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Drawing inspiration from international aid organizations like USAID, McKay Security has taken additional measures to safeguard the integrity of the relief process. Each tarpaulin unit has been labeled ‘Not For Sale’ to prevent any potential misuse or corruption. Jason McKay, CEO of McKay Security, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, ‘While we are confident in the councillors’ commitment to equitable distribution, we want to make it clear that these donations are strictly for relief purposes and should not be monetized in any form.’ Since Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, which left hundreds homeless across St Elizabeth, St James, Hanover, and Trelawny, McKay Security has distributed 230 heavy-duty tarpaulins. The majority of these supplies have been allocated to South West St Elizabeth, with 80 tarpaulins delivered to Black River. Councillor Amorkard Brown of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation is set to receive an additional 100 units for further distribution. McKay highlighted the company’s broader mission, noting, ‘Though our headquarters in Kingston was largely unaffected, many of our security guards and clients’ employees have been severely displaced. This effort is part of our commitment to alleviating the homeless crisis in these parishes.’