Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly impacting the lives of Jamaica’s firefighters. The catastrophic storm rendered 25 firefighters homeless and caused substantial damage to the residences of nearly 170 others. These brave individuals, whose roles often require them to risk their lives to protect others and safeguard property, now face immense personal challenges. The devastation has forced 15 of these national heroes to take refuge in the very fire stations where they serve, highlighting the severity of their plight. In response, Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from corporate Jamaica. Beckford emphasized the critical need for support to help these firefighters rebuild their lives and continue their vital work in the community. The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of those who dedicate their lives to public service, even as they confront the dual burdens of professional duty and personal loss.
标签： Jamaica
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Classique Group pledges $20 million in Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Classique Group, along with its subsidiaries SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management, has pledged $20 million to aid rural Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm left communities submerged, families displaced, and infrastructure in ruins, prompting immediate action from the conglomerate.
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From Yemen’s conflict zone to ‘harrowing’ Jamaica
Georg Gassauer, a seasoned responder with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has witnessed the horrors of conflict zones in Yemen, but nothing prepared him for the devastation he encountered in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Arriving days after the initial MSF team was deployed to St James and neighboring parishes, Gassauer was struck by the sheer scale of destruction. Hillsides were stripped bare, trees stood leafless, and communities were left picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. ‘It’s quite a harrowing view,’ Gassauer remarked, shaking his head. ‘We’ve worked in natural disasters before, but nothing like this.’
Since November 1, MSF has been working closely with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness to restore access to clinical facilities, deliver potable water, test groundwater, and supply health centers with essential materials. One of their most significant contributions has been the restoration of the roof at Cornwall Regional Hospital, which had lost over 80% of its ceiling to the hurricane’s fierce winds. ‘This is quite unusual for us to be a funding partner,’ Gassauer noted. ‘Usually, we’re an implementing partner, but here we had to take a different role.’
Despite the challenges posed by damaged infrastructure, Gassauer remains optimistic about Jamaica’s recovery. He praised the resilience and solidarity of the Jamaican people, particularly the community’s efforts to support one another. ‘One of the things that I found very encouraging was just the solidarity that is shown from Jamaicans,’ he said. ‘I don’t think anybody from the team was really expecting that Jamaica and its health services would be bouncing back as fast as they did.’
Gassauer’s experience in Jamaica has been a stark reminder of the power of nature and the strength of human spirit. While the road to recovery is long, the unwavering determination of the Jamaican people offers a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
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Brazil’s Bolsonaro detained for trying to break ankle bracelet and flee
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after the Supreme Court determined he posed a significant flight risk. Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest while appealing a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a foiled coup attempt, allegedly tried to disable his ankle monitor to escape. The court revealed that Bolsonaro used a soldering iron on the device, which he claimed was out of “curiosity.” Despite the damage, the monitor remained functional. Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the detention as a preventive measure, citing concerns over a planned vigil organized by Bolsonaro’s son, Flavio, which could create chaos and facilitate an escape. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, has been confined to an upscale condominium in Brasilia since August. Moraes also highlighted the proximity of Bolsonaro’s residence to the US embassy, raising fears he might seek asylum. Bolsonaro, a former army captain and ally of ex-US President Donald Trump, has faced widespread criticism for his handling of the Amazon deforestation and the COVID-19 pandemic. His conviction in September accused him of leading a criminal organization to maintain authoritarian power. The case has left Brazil’s conservative electorate without a clear leader ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, where leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to run for a fourth term. Bolsonaro’s legal team has vowed to appeal the detention, citing his alleged frail health due to a 2018 stabbing incident. Meanwhile, reactions to his imprisonment have been polarized, with supporters decrying it as political persecution and opponents celebrating his downfall.
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Fire station for a home
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, approximately 15 firefighters found themselves without homes, turning their fire stations into temporary shelters. Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford revealed that 193 firefighters were impacted by the disaster, with 25 experiencing total destruction of their homes and 168 facing significant damage. Many of these first responders were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl when Melissa struck, compounding their struggles.
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Eze treble fuels Arsenal’s derby rout of Spurs
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to a resounding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, saw Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, further solidifying their title aspirations.
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TOUGH, BUT RIGHT CALL
The Vitality Netball Roses Horizon Series, a high-profile international netball competition between England and Jamaica, has faced a significant setback with the cancellation of its Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The decision, though disappointing, was deemed necessary to prioritize the recovery efforts of the affected communities. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, disrupted extensive planning and sponsor engagements, prompting stakeholders to focus on relief initiatives.
Karen Baugh, President of Netball Jamaica (NJ), expressed her regret over the cancellation but emphasized the importance of supporting hurricane recovery. ‘We were working very hard on putting on a great show, but we must come back stronger next year,’ Baugh stated. The series, designed to provide consistent, high-intensity competition for both teams, will now proceed with only the England leg, scheduled for December 13 and 14 at London’s Copper Box Arena.
In a show of solidarity, England Netball announced that £1 from every ticket sold for the London matches will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK), NJ’s charity partner, which is providing meals to Jamaican families affected by the hurricane. Fans are also encouraged to make optional donations at checkout.
Eboni Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, stating, ‘The Sunshine Girls are more than opponents; they have shaped some of the most defining moments in our sport.’ She expressed pride in England Netball’s support for Jamaica during this challenging time and pledged to ensure the Sunshine Girls feel respected and supported in London.
The Jamaican team, already facing selection challenges due to the unavailability of key players, remains determined to perform at their best. ‘We are going out there to give it our best shot,’ Baugh affirmed, despite the absence of regular captain Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and other prominent players.
The cancellation underscores the broader impact of natural disasters on sports and community life, while the collaborative response highlights the resilience and unity within the netball community.
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Fitz-Henley and Tavares-Finson return to St Elizabeth with building supplies, urge multi-stakeholder effort
Government Senators Abka Fitz-Henley and Christian Tavares-Finson have emphasized the critical role of private stakeholders in aiding the state’s efforts to provide secure shelter for Jamaicans displaced by Hurricane Melissa. The senators made this appeal during their recent visit to several communities in St. Elizabeth, where they distributed essential building supplies, including cement, tarpaulin, zinc, nails, and water, all sourced from private contributions. These supplies were delivered to residents in Black River, Springvale, and Middle Quarters, areas severely impacted by the hurricane.
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Althea and Donna’s Uptown Top Ranking hits gold in the UK
Nearly five decades after their iconic song ‘Uptown Top Ranking’ took the music world by storm, Althea and Donna, the Jamaican reggae duo, reveal they have yet to receive any royalty payments. Released in 1977 and produced by Joe Gibbs, the track became a global sensation, topping the UK pop charts in early 1978 and achieving gold certification in 2005 for sales and streaming equivalent to over 400,000 units. Despite its enduring popularity, the duo claims they have never been financially compensated for their work. Currently, they are engaged in litigation, represented by the same legal team that handled Max Romeo’s estate. Althea shared their struggles, recalling how their initial lawyers were allegedly bought out by the record company, leaving them in a ‘losing battle.’ Donna echoed her sentiments, emphasizing their decision to move on with their lives despite the lack of financial gain. The recent gold certification has brought a sense of pride to the now 60-something artists, who expressed surprise and joy at the song’s lasting impact. Althea described the track as ‘almost a phenomenon,’ while Donna reflected on the honor of being part of such a cultural milestone. Recorded at Gibbs’ studio in St. Andrew, the song was born from a casual beach outing with friends, with Jacob Miller predicting its success. The duo’s unexpected rise to fame included performances on BBC’s ‘Top of the Pops’ and chart-topping success across Europe. While their children take pride in their legacy, Althea and Donna admit they would approach the music industry differently if given another chance, emphasizing the importance of proper contracts and business knowledge. Today, Althea resides in Atlanta, and Donna lives in Florida, reflecting on a career marked by both triumph and unresolved challenges.
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Patterson urges G20 leaders to prioritise climate justice
Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has urged global leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, to prioritize climate justice as they address the pressing challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. Patterson’s appeal comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, which has left hundreds homeless, destroyed critical infrastructure, and severely affected key industries like tourism and agriculture. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, has been linked to 45 deaths and caused an estimated $8.8 billion in damages, equivalent to 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. The World Bank has labeled Melissa as the costliest hurricane in the country’s history.