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.’
标签： Jamaica
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Jimmy Cliff’s success with I Can See Clearly Now
Renowned music producer and musician Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton recently reflected on the success of Jimmy Cliff’s 1993 rendition of Johnny Nash’s classic ‘I Can See Clearly Now.’ Henton, who produced the track and played drums and keyboards, recalled his early confidence in the song’s potential. ‘I kinda expected it to take off,’ Henton shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. His belief was reinforced when a Disney executive, upon hearing a rough mix, exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is gonna be a hit.’ The song, featured on the ‘Cool Runnings’ soundtrack, became one of Cliff’s most celebrated works, charting globally and achieving certifications in multiple countries. Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at 81 on Monday due to pneumonia following a seizure, leaves behind a rich musical legacy. His version of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in France, among other countries. Henton fondly remembered Cliff as ‘easy-going’ and ‘one of the nicest artistes to work with,’ highlighting his kindness and writing prowess. The song’s enduring popularity is evident as it continues to receive airplay on mainstream radio in the U.S. Cliff’s career spanned decades, with numerous chart entries across genres, including eight on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and three on the Billboard 200. His influence extended beyond music, cementing him as a stalwart of reggae and a global cultural icon.
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US retail sales cool as consumers battle higher prices
The latest economic data from the United States reveals a slowdown in retail sales growth for September, as consumers grapple with rising prices and businesses face escalating costs. According to the Commerce Department, retail sales increased by a modest 0.2 percent month-on-month, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a deceleration from August’s 0.6 percent gain. Concurrently, the Labor Department reported a 0.3 percent rise in producer prices for September, driven primarily by a 0.9 percent surge in goods costs, particularly energy and food. These trends highlight the growing economic pressures stemming from President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have begun to ripple through the economy. Some businesses have already reported higher operational costs due to these duties, prompting the administration to expand tariff exemptions for certain agricultural products. The release of these reports was delayed due to the record-long government shutdown between October and mid-November, which disrupted the collection and publication of key economic data. Year-on-year, retail sales in September were up 4.3 percent, though specific sectors such as motor vehicles, clothing, and electronics experienced declines. The data underscores the challenges facing both consumers and businesses as they navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
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Guardiola gamble backfires in Man City loss to Leverkusen
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shouldered the blame after his experimental lineup faltered in a surprising 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday. Guardiola opted to rest key players, including Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, a decision that proved costly as Leverkusen capitalized on City’s lackluster performance. Alex Grimaldo opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Patrik Schick’s second-half goal, leaving City fans disgruntled at the final whistle. This marked City’s first home defeat in the Champions League group stage since 2018, ending a 24-game unbeaten run. The loss compounded City’s recent struggles, coming just days after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle. Guardiola admitted responsibility, acknowledging that his rotation strategy may have been excessive. Despite dominating possession, City lacked precision and defensive solidity, with Leverkusen exploiting their vulnerabilities. Guardiola’s 100th Champions League match as City boss ended in disappointment, a stark contrast to his previous successes, including the club’s 2023 European triumph. The defeat raises questions about City’s depth and form as they face a packed December schedule, including a crucial clash with Real Madrid. Guardiola emphasized the need to regroup and fight for redemption in upcoming fixtures.
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PM urges climate action at G20, meets with IMF and World Bank over hurricane devastation
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness seized the platform at the G20 summit to issue a dire warning about the escalating threat of climate change, highlighting the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most intense Atlantic storms in history. Holness emphasized that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, climate change poses an existential crisis, capable of undoing decades of developmental progress and destabilizing national economies in a single event.
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OIC commits to support data controllers impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting data controllers grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Bobique Brown, the Communication and International Relations Manager at the OIC, emphasized the agency’s readiness to offer guidance on temporary safeguards and practical measures to ensure the protection of personal data during this challenging recovery period. Brown highlighted the extensive damage to physical infrastructure and technological systems across both public and private sectors, which has led to service interruptions and reduced operational capacity. She stressed the heightened risks of personal data exposure or misuse during such disruptions, urging data controllers to prioritize privacy protection as a demonstration of respect, especially for vulnerable individuals. Brown also reminded controllers of their obligations under the Data Protection Act, emphasizing that compliance, even in adverse times, reassures data subjects of their best interests. The OIC has set a deadline for the 2024/2025 registration year, ending on November 30, 2025, with the new registration year commencing on December 1, 2025. Data controllers unaffected by the hurricane are encouraged to begin the registration process promptly, while those impacted are urged to register as soon as possible. For further assistance, data controllers can contact the OIC at info@oic.gov.jm or 876-929-8568.
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RIU says it will reopen all Jamaica hotels before year-end
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, international hotel chain RIU has taken a proactive role in the recovery of the island’s tourism sector. With its hotels already prepared to resume operations, RIU has prioritized both employee welfare and community support as part of its comprehensive recovery strategy.
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NGO links major chocolate brands to Liberia deforestation
MONROVIA, Liberia (AFP) — A recent investigation by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Global Witness has revealed that some of the world’s most renowned chocolate brands, including Mars, KitKat, and others, may be contributing to deforestation in Liberia’s Upper Guinean rainforest. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights the environmental impact of cocoa production in the region, despite many companies’ claims of sustainability.
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MCCLAREN’S MESS
Steve McClaren’s journey as the head coach of Jamaica’s national football team came to an abrupt and disappointing end following the Reggae Boyz’s failure to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. McClaren, who took charge in July 2024, faced significant challenges throughout his 475-day tenure, which concluded with a 0-0 draw against Curacao in Kingston on November 18, 2025. This result left Jamaica out of automatic qualification, forcing them into a last-chance inter-confederation playoff in March 2026. McClaren’s resignation, announced during his final press conference, marked the culmination of a turbulent period marked by fan discontent, internal friction, and unmet expectations. His decision to remain in England rather than relocate to Jamaica, his perceived bias towards England-born players, and the team’s underwhelming performances in key tournaments contributed to his downfall. Despite initial optimism and support from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), McClaren’s inability to deliver results ultimately sealed his fate. The Reggae Boyz now face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup under interim coach Rudolph Speid, while McClaren’s future in international football remains uncertain.
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Opposition Leader Mark Golding pays tribute to cultural icon Jimmy Cliff
Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.