标签： Jamaica

Dr. Karren Dunkley, a prominent advocate for Jamaica and former head of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the Northeast United States, faced one of her most challenging battles yet when Hurricane Melissa ravaged her homeland. Returning to Jamaica on November 5, just days after the hurricane struck on October 28, Dunkley was met with scenes of utter devastation. She described the aftermath as an ‘apocalypse in paradise,’ with roads unrecognizable, infrastructure destroyed, and communities left in silence and shock.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The trial of Travis Ellis, the man charged with the gruesome murder of esteemed journalist Barbara Gayle, has been postponed to February 4, 2024, due to incomplete psychological assessments. The case was adjourned on Monday as authorities await a second psychological report on Ellis, who has so far been evaluated by only one doctor. Prosecutors have announced their intent to pursue the death penalty if Ellis is convicted. Gayle, a veteran journalist, was discovered dead at her residence in the Caymanas Country Club Estate in St. Catherine on December 17. Her body bore multiple stab wounds and a severe facial laceration. Her stolen vehicle was later recovered in nearby bushes, close to where Ellis was reportedly found hiding. The adjournment allows for further case management as the legal process unfolds.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) has made significant strides in restoring electricity across Negril, Westmoreland. However, for Dalton (Penny) Hill, operator of the Lighthouse Inn on West End Road, the progress offers little solace. Hill, one of Negril’s longest-standing businessmen, voiced his frustration during a JPS media briefing, emphasizing that the tourism sector, a major revenue source for JPS, deserves better service. ‘We pay a lot of money to JPS in this town. The West End pays a lot of money. There is no reason why you don’t have a lot of ground men around there doing some work as I speak,’ Hill asserted. He revealed that his monthly electricity bill was $150,000 before the storm and warned that continued delays could push businesses into bankruptcy.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move toward cultural inclusivity, Jamaica College (JC) has revised its hair grooming policy, a decision lauded by the advocacy organization Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF). The change is seen as a significant stride in dismantling discriminatory practices rooted in Jamaica’s colonial history.

In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has introduced the Host School Initiative to ensure uninterrupted education for students from severely impacted schools. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, the Portfolio Minister, announced the initiative during a Senate session on November 21, emphasizing its temporary nature and the importance of maintaining students’ ties to their original institutions. The initiative allows students from non-operational schools to continue their education in host schools for a defined period, supported by regional coordination, psychosocial services, and accountability measures. Morris Dixon highlighted the enthusiastic response from principals of both public and private schools, who have volunteered to accommodate displaced students, showcasing Jamaica’s collective commitment to its youth. Parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s regional offices to secure spots in participating schools, including Kingston Technical High School, St Andrew Technical High School, Campion College, and Ardenne High. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure educational continuity, with other models such as rotational schedules, temporary sites, and remote learning through printed kits and radio broadcasts being implemented based on the severity of infrastructure damage and available resources.