In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s south-western coast on October 28, the Government is rolling out innovative strategies to mitigate significant learning loss among students. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon unveiled the ‘Host School Model,’ a temporary solution enabling students from non-operational schools to continue their education in functioning institutions while remaining officially enrolled in their original schools. This initiative aims to preserve educational continuity without formal transfers, addressing the cultural and logistical challenges of transitioning between schools.
标签： Jamaica
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Promoters aim for US$1m goal with all-star Jamaica Strong relief concert lineup
The Jamaica Strong benefit concert, scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in New York, is set to bring together a star-studded lineup to raise $1 million for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Organized under the ‘I Love Jamaica Concert Series’ in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the event aims to provide critical support to families and communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Headliners include Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, TOK, Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and gospel singer Kevin Downwell. Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio, emphasized the unity of the diaspora, stating, ‘This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania… the whole USA coming together. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.’ George Crooks, CEO of Jammins Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the crisis and the diaspora’s commitment to supporting their homeland. Net proceeds from the concert will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries, including the nation’s official hurricane relief fund and other registered charities. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster.
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Gabriel faces ‘weeks’ out of action in major blow for Arsenal
Arsenal’s defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes is set to miss several weeks of action after sustaining a thigh injury during international duty, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday. The Brazilian centre-back, who has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense this season, suffered the setback during Brazil’s 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Arteta expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘Gabi unfortunately picked up an injury with the Brazilian national team, and he’s going to be out for weeks. We’ll have a clearer timeline after another scan next Wednesday.’
Gabriel’s absence is a significant blow to Arsenal, as he has been instrumental in their Premier League campaign, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba and contributing to a defense that has conceded just five goals in 11 games. Arteta acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘It’s clearly a blow because he’s our leader in our backline. The good thing is that we have very good options, and people have to step up now.’
Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are among the contenders to fill Gabriel’s shoes in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. However, Arteta emphasized that Gabriel’s leadership and defensive prowess are irreplaceable. ‘Every player brings specific qualities, and Gabi’s is his leadership, his presence, and that love he has to defend,’ he added.
Arsenal’s injury woes extend beyond Gabriel, with left-back Riccardo Calafiori also sidelined due to lingering issues. Arteta revealed, ‘He’s been carrying a few things and hasn’t trained yet. We’ll assess his condition in tomorrow’s training session.’ Additionally, long-term absentees Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres remain unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal remains at the top of the Premier League, four points clear of Manchester City. Their upcoming clash with Tottenham promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Spurs boasting the best away record in the league this season. Arsenal, however, have a strong historical advantage, having lost just once at home to their rivals since 1993.
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CXC extends exam timetable for Jamaica
In response to the widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s education sector is implementing significant adjustments to mitigate the impact on students. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced on November 21 in the Senate that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has agreed to extend the examination timetable for Jamaica. This extension will allow students additional preparation time, with exams scheduled later than in other regions. Additionally, the Ministry is considering extending the dates for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, though a final decision has yet to be made. Senator Morris Dixon also revealed that negotiations for reduced CXC fees are nearing completion, with an announcement expected soon. To address the challenges faced by students preparing for external examinations, the Ministry is collaborating with the CXC to introduce flexible measures, including adjusted deadlines for School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and practical examinations, as well as options for reduced exam sittings based on individual circumstances. Furthermore, the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) November sitting has been postponed, with rescheduled examinations tentatively set for February and June 2026. City & Guilds has also proposed a two-cohort examination model for 2026, offering increased flexibility for schools in severely impacted areas. These measures aim to alleviate the burden on students and institutions, particularly after more than 600 educational institutions sustained damage during the category five hurricane, which struck on October 28.
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Australia’s seven-wicket hero Starc ready to go again
PERTH, Australia — Mitchell Starc showcased his unwavering confidence and skill on the opening day of the first Ashes Test, delivering a stellar performance that kept Australia in contention. The 35-year-old fast bowler wreaked havoc at Perth Stadium, claiming 7 wickets for 58 runs and dismantling England’s batting lineup for a modest total of 172. Despite England’s strong response with their own pace attack, reducing Australia to 123-9 by stumps, the match remains delicately balanced. Starc’s dominance began in the very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley and setting the tone for his unplayable spell. Reflecting on his ability to strike early, Starc remarked, “It’s always the plan, but it doesn’t always happen that way. I’ve been fortunate to do it a few times.” Known for his aggressive approach, Starc emphasized his focus on taking wickets rather than worrying about economy rates. With key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries, Starc has shouldered additional responsibility but remains composed. “I’ve been quite calm all week,” he said, highlighting the depth of experience in Australia’s bowling attack. As Australia trails by 49 runs heading into day two, Starc is prepared to deliver another impactful performance to keep his team in the hunt. He dismissed concerns about the pitch, attributing the 19 wickets fallen in a day to the quality of both bowling attacks. “It’s just one of those days where two attacks are on the money,” he noted, emphasizing the long road ahead in the series. Starc’s brilliance has set the stage for an enthralling contest as the Ashes unfolds.
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Agriculture ministry to rebuild poultry sector after 1.1 million bird loss
In response to the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan for the poultry sector. Minister Floyd Green revealed that preliminary assessments indicate a loss of over 1.1 million birds, including 458,000 layers and more than 700,000 broiler chickens. This devastation surpasses the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which resulted in the loss of approximately 300,000 chickens.
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Tracks and Records damaged by fire in Montego Bay
A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning at the renowned Tracks and Records restaurant located on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The incident, which occurred around 1:40 am, saw flames engulfing the building, prompting an immediate response from the Jamaica Fire Brigade. Two firefighting units from the Montego Bay Fire Station were dispatched to the scene, where they successfully contained the blaze after a grueling two-hour operation. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire primarily affected the roof structure, which eventually collapsed into the restaurant, causing significant internal damage. While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities have launched a thorough investigation to uncover the origins of the incident. Early estimates suggest that the damage could amount to approximately US$1 million, marking a substantial loss for the popular establishment.
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Six airlines cancel Venezuela flights after US warning
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant development, six international airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about heightened military activity and deteriorating security in the region. The airlines affected include Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean Airlines, according to Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV). The duration of these suspensions remains unspecified. Meanwhile, Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra, Turkish Airlines, and Venezuela’s LASER continue to operate flights. The FAA’s advisory, issued on Friday, cautioned civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace about potential risks at all altitudes, including during takeoff, landing, and overflight, as well as threats to grounded aircraft and airports. This warning comes amid a major US military buildup in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy warships, and stealth aircraft. While Washington claims these measures are aimed at combating drug trafficking, they have raised concerns in Caracas about potential regime change. Additionally, a US terrorism designation targeting a drug cartel allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro takes effect Monday, fueling speculation about possible military action. Since early September, US forces have conducted strikes against over 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in more than 80 deaths. However, the US has not provided concrete evidence linking these vessels to drug smuggling, exacerbating regional tensions.
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
LONDON, United Kingdom—The fashion world mourns the loss of Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American designer who served as Princess Diana’s personal stylist for over a decade. Costelloe passed away at the age of 80 in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement on Saturday. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe honed his craft as a design assistant in Paris before joining British retailer Marks and Spencer in Milan. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Reflecting on his time with the Princess, Costelloe once described her as approachable and down-to-earth, sharing anecdotes of her making tea and scones during their meetings. A fixture at London Fashion Week since its inception in 1984, Costelloe was celebrated for his romantic, tailored designs that blended classic styles with modern innovation, often featuring bold colors, tweed patterns, and floral motifs. His latest collection, inspired by the 1960s and titled ‘We stroll down Rodeo Drive,’ was showcased at London Fashion Week in September. Costelloe’s brand remains a family affair, with his son William serving as design director. In a 2024 interview with Vogue, Costelloe expressed his desire to eventually retire from fashion to travel and paint in France.
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State ministers support local farmers in Douglas Castle with fertilisers and seedlings
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to aid agricultural recovery, several Jamaican state ministers visited Douglas Castle in St Ann to provide relief to farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, led by Zavia Mayne, Member of Parliament for St Ann South Western, saw the distribution of fertiliser and seedlings to help restore crops and livelihoods. Mayne was joined by Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace.
Mayne highlighted the severe devastation faced by farmers and stressed the urgent need for targeted support to revive farming districts, which are vital to rural and national development. Terrelonge echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Jamaica’s food security amidst global supply chain uncertainties. He noted that supporting farmers is crucial for maintaining a stable source of locally produced food and building long-term resilience.
Cuthbert-Flynn praised the collaborative efforts of government ministries and agencies in addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. She called for more initiatives to bolster local recovery efforts and ensure consistent support for affected constituencies.
This relief effort is part of the Holness administration’s broader agricultural recovery and resilience programme, designed to restore productivity, strengthen food security, and support communities hardest hit by recent weather events.