In a significant humanitarian effort, the Sanmerna Foundation, in collaboration with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), executed a large-scale relief mission in Hanover, Jamaica, this week. The initiative saw the distribution of over 2,800 care packages to residents in Lookout, Haughton Meadows, and Orange Bay—communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Among these, Lookout, a remote hillside area rendered inaccessible due to collapsed roads and dangerous terrain, posed the greatest logistical challenge. Despite these obstacles, the mission successfully prioritized elderly individuals and persons with disabilities, who have been particularly vulnerable since the storm. The operation was further supported by key partners, including Food for the Poor, JetBlue, Dennis Shipping, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), whose collective efforts ensured that essential supplies reached families stranded for days. With this phase of relief completed, the Sanmerna Foundation has announced plans to extend its operations to other isolated communities, including Point in St James, Tangle River, Kensington, Springfield, and Summer Hill. The foundation also intends to release visual documentation of its ongoing recovery efforts through photos and videos.
标签： Jamaica
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Pentagon boss to visit Dominican Republic amid US-Venezuela row
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic move in the Caribbean region. The visit underscores the United States’ commitment to bolstering defense ties with its Caribbean ally, particularly in the context of escalating tensions with Venezuela. The Pentagon confirmed the trip, which coincides with heightened pressure from the Trump administration on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a drug cartel.
Hegseth’s itinerary includes meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader, the country’s defense minister, and other key cabinet members. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, reaffirming U.S. support for regional security, and addressing the growing threat of drug trafficking in the Americas. This visit follows the recent designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, a move that grants legal authority for further actions against Venezuelan authorities.
In response to the designation, the Venezuelan government organized an anti-U.S. protest in Caracas, with participants accusing Washington of fabricating scenarios to justify intervention. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified military pressure on Venezuela, deploying its largest aircraft carrier and a fleet of warships to the region. The Dominican Republic has been a key partner in U.S.-led anti-drug operations, with recent joint efforts resulting in the seizure of 500 kilograms of cocaine. President Abinader emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, citing the rising production of cocaine in South America as a critical challenge.
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A nuclear bomb was dropped in our country
A Jamaican professional, who has worked with the United Nations and witnessed global disasters firsthand, recently returned to his homeland following the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Melissa. Traveling through Westmoreland, Ferris, Withorn, and Montego Bay, he encountered a landscape ravaged by the storm. The journey, which typically takes less time, was prolonged to three hours due to severely damaged roads, downed cable wires, and flooded pathways. The devastation was overwhelming, with trees stripped of leaves, homes and businesses missing roofs, and entire communities submerged in water. The scene was reminiscent of a nuclear blast, leaving the observer in disbelief. The emotional toll was profound as he revisited his hometown, witnessing the ruins of his primary school and the remnants of his grandmother’s house, where his cousin had narrowly escaped the storm. Despite the heartbreak, moments of hope emerged as he distributed food and water to survivors, receiving gratitude and hugs from those he helped. The experience underscored the resilience of the Jamaican people and the importance of community support in the face of disaster.
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Cuts to HIV funding ‘most significant setback in decades’— UN
GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP)—The global fight against HIV has been plunged into chaos following significant international funding cuts, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. The UNAIDS agency revealed that abrupt reductions in financial support, particularly from the United States, have destabilized the infrastructure for HIV treatment and prevention in numerous countries. This disruption has led to clinic closures, job losses for healthcare workers, and widespread interruptions in essential services such as testing, treatment, and prevention. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima described the situation as the ‘most significant setback in decades.’ She highlighted the ‘abrupt pause’ in funding by the U.S., historically the largest contributor to global HIV efforts, following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year. Other major donors have also slashed their foreign aid budgets, exacerbating the crisis. The UNAIDS report disclosed that in 2024, approximately 1.3 million people contracted HIV, a 40% decrease from 2010 but still three times higher than the target needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Last year, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, marking a 54% decline since 2010. However, Byanyima cautioned that the funding shortfall has exposed the fragility of past progress. Even before the crisis, the global AIDS response was underfunded, with $18.7 billion available in 2024—17% below the required amount. Last year, 9.2 million of the 40 million people living with HIV worldwide were not receiving treatment. In 13 countries, the number of people starting treatment has declined compared to the previous year. Byanyima expressed particular concern about the collapse of HIV prevention services, warning that failure to address this could lead to 3.3 million additional new infections by 2030. The funding crisis coincides with a deteriorating global human rights environment, with marginalized populations facing severe consequences. Criminalization of same-sex relations, transgender expression, and sex work in more countries could reduce HIV testing rates. Byanyima emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘This is the moment to choose. We can allow these shocks to undo decades of hard-won gains, or we can unite behind the shared vision of ending AIDS. Millions of lives depend on the choices we make now.’
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Westmoreland residents urged to be vigilant when purchasing water
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Westmoreland Public Health Department has issued a stern warning to residents about the potential dangers of purchasing trucked water from unverified sources. Gerald Miller, the parish’s health promotion and education officer, emphasized that water should only be sourced from the department’s three authorized loading bays located in Petersfield, Grange Hill, and Spring Garden. These sites, operated by the National Water Commission (NWC), are the sole approved locations for obtaining safe, potable water. Miller cautioned that water procured from unauthorized sources could lead to severe health risks, including diarrhoeal and other waterborne diseases. He urged the public to demand proof of purchase from truck operators, ensuring the water’s origin is legitimate. Historical incidents of truckers sourcing water from unsafe locations have heightened concerns, particularly during periods of emergency and water scarcity. Miller reiterated the importance of vigilance to safeguard public health, stressing that unsafe water remains a significant threat in such challenging times.
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Final river crossed
The world of music mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actor, who passed away at the age of 81. Known for his crystal-clear voice and profound lyrics, Cliff played a pivotal role in elevating Jamaican culture to global prominence. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from Jamaica and beyond, celebrating a life dedicated to artistry and cultural impact. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on reggae music and beyond. His breakout role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* catapulted him to international fame, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Cliff’s contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit in 2003 and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. His timeless hits such as *Many Rivers to Cross*, *The Harder They Come*, and *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed Cliff as a “true cultural giant,” while former Prime Minister PJ Patterson described him as a “cultural architect” who bridged Jamaica’s soul with the world. VP Records, where Cliff began his musical journey, praised his unwavering commitment to Jamaican music. His legacy lives on through his music, which remains a source of inspiration and pride for Jamaica and the global community.
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Bolt blasts Boyz
Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, faced a crushing blow as they failed to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw against Curacao. The match, held at the National Stadium last Tuesday, left fans and sports legends alike disheartened. Sprint icon Usain Bolt, who had delivered a motivational speech to the team before the game, expressed his disappointment, questioning the players’ dedication and effort on the field. Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, stated that he was shocked by the team’s performance, emphasizing that it appeared the players did not give their all. His sentiments were echoed by fans who were further angered by images of players Dujuan Richards and Renaldo Cephas attending a social event in Kingston hours after the match. Bolt criticized their actions, calling them a sign of apathy toward the nation’s struggles, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation. Despite the setback, the Reggae Boyz still have a chance to qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs in March, where they will face New Caledonia. However, Bolt remains pessimistic about their prospects, stating that he cannot endure another heartbreak. The team’s lackluster performance has sparked a broader conversation about commitment and national pride in Jamaican sports.
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OAS Secretary General calls for hemisphere to remain zone of peace
In a compelling address during the ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ Albert Ramdin, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasized the critical need for Venezuela and the United States to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation. Ramdin, who assumed his role on May 26, 2023, stressed that the Americas must remain a ‘zone of peace’ and warned against the devastating consequences of war.
Ramdin’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, where the US has significantly increased its military presence. President Donald Trump has deployed an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to the region, ostensibly to combat Latin American drug cartels. However, Venezuela perceives this buildup as a threat to its sovereignty, accusing the US of attempting to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
The US military has conducted airstrikes on vessels in international waters, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence has been provided. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and called for their immediate cessation.
Ramdin acknowledged the global consensus on combating transnational organized crime but cautioned that the methods employed must align with international law and human rights standards. He highlighted the inherent imbalance in the fight against crime, where governments are bound by legal constraints while criminal organizations operate with impunity. Ramdin advocated for a new legal framework that empowers governments to tackle crime more effectively while respecting human rights.
The Secretary General also addressed the divided stance within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) regarding the US military buildup. While Caricom leaders have discussed the issue, no unified position has been reached. Ramdin expressed optimism that Caricom would eventually find common ground, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation and maintain regional peace.
In conclusion, Ramdin reiterated his commitment to fostering a safer hemisphere, urging all nations to prioritize diplomacy and unity. ‘We must keep the hemisphere as a zone of peace,’ he declared, warning that failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for the region.
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Chelsea dominate Barca in Champions League, Man City lose
In a thrilling Champions League showdown on Tuesday, Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City faced their first defeat of the campaign under Pep Guardiola’s experimental lineup against Bayer Leverkusen. The match between the Premier League and La Liga contenders saw Chelsea seize control early, with an own goal by Jules Kounde in the 27th minute setting the tone. Barcelona’s hopes dwindled further when captain Ronald Araujo was sent off just before halftime for a second bookable offense. Chelsea’s 18-year-old sensation Estevao stole the spotlight with a stunning solo effort in the 55th minute, followed by Liam Delap’s decisive strike in the 73rd minute. The win propelled Chelsea to fifth in the league phase standings with 10 points. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s decision to rest key players like Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias backfired as they fell 2-0 to Leverkusen, marking their first loss of the season. Guardiola admitted full responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging the challenges of managing a packed schedule. Elsewhere, Marseille staged a comeback to defeat Newcastle 2-1, Juventus edged Bodo/Glimt 3-2, and Borussia Dortmund thrashed Villarreal 4-0 despite missing two penalties.
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‘Caring cop’ leaves huge void
Christopher Condappa, a devoted member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident on November 10. The 34-year-old constable, who had fulfilled his childhood dream of joining the police force in 2012, was fatally injured while riding his service motorcycle on Anglican Street in Moneague, St Ann. Reports indicate that a Suzuki Swift collided with his motorcycle, leading to his untimely death. Condappa, assigned to the Moneague Traffic Department, was pronounced dead at the hospital after sustaining multiple injuries. Known for his selfless nature and unwavering commitment to helping others, Condappa was described by his sister, Abey-Gale Condappa-Malcolm, as ‘Mr Save the World.’ His family, including his mother Dorothy Condappa and his wife Camoya, are grappling with the profound loss of a man who was not only a dedicated officer but also a loving father, husband, and brother. Condappa leaves behind four daughters and a legacy of service and compassion that touched countless lives. The family is now preparing for his funeral, a task they never imagined having to undertake.