标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — St George’s College is set to wrap up its highly anticipated three-part lecture series, ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow,’ with a compelling presentation by renowned entrepreneur Donovan Lewis. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, at the Abe Issa Auditorium, will bring together sixth form students and peers from schools across the island. Lewis, a distinguished investor, wealth manager, and philanthropist, will share insights from his extensive career in business and finance, emphasizing themes of resilience, confidence, and seizing opportunities. Organizers have highlighted the relevance of resilience, particularly as schools continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Lewis is the founder of the Children’s Health, Education and Wealth Foundation (CHEW), which collaborates with various organizations to provide both immediate and long-term support to families impacted by the hurricane. Additionally, CHEW focuses on investment-driven initiatives to aid children in state care. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Lewis is the founder of the Ideal Group of Companies, a director at multiple financial institutions, and an active participant in real estate development. The ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow’ series aims to expose students to accomplished Jamaican professionals across diverse fields. Previous sessions have featured speakers from various industries, and the finale is expected to draw a significant audience.

Ride-hailing drivers in Jamaica are raising alarm over their safety after a female driver was robbed in St Andrew last month. The incident occurred after 2 am when two men, posing as passengers, hijacked her vehicle following a pickup request along Windsor Avenue. This has reignited fears among drivers who rely on platforms like inDrive to supplement their income. Alrick, a driver based in Portmore, shared his precautions, such as avoiding certain areas and declining trips from passengers without profile pictures or suspicious names. He also limits his work hours, stopping by 6 pm to minimize risks. The dangers of the profession were starkly highlighted in 2023 when 26-year-old driver Leroy Page disappeared while working in the Kingston and St Andrew area. His whereabouts remain unknown. Henry Myers, another driver, expressed his concerns, urging inDrive to implement stronger security measures, such as a quick response team, to protect drivers. He emphasized that while passenger safety is prioritized, drivers’ security is often neglected. Superintendent Mark Harris, Commanding Officer for the St Andrew Central Division, confirmed that the robbery is under investigation, though no arrests have been made. He advised drivers to exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar areas. Police statistics reveal that seven aggravated motor vehicle thefts have occurred this year, with four in St Andrew Central, two in St Andrew South, and one in St Catherine South.

In a heartfelt celebration of selfless service, Dr. Kirk Morgan and Tennielle Campbell-Williamson were honored for their unwavering dedication to community development and nation-building at the CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Awards. The ceremony, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew, Jamaica, recognized their extraordinary efforts to uplift and empower others without seeking personal gain.

Dr. Morgan, a senior mathematics lecturer at The University of the West Indies, secured the top award for his 15-year commitment to providing free Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mathematics classes to underserved communities. His work, initially based at Papine High School and later through the National Housing Trust, has been driven by a profound mission: to use education as a tool for liberation and transformation. ‘I am elated,’ Morgan shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘This recognition is unfamiliar territory for me, but it motivates me to continue my work.’

Campbell-Williamson, the runner-up, has spent over 17 years as an evangelist, youth mentor, and personal ministries leader, guiding young people through life’s challenges. Her advocacy for mental wellness, gender-based violence prevention, and community healing has left an indelible mark. Beyond her church, she has mentored young boys through the Denbigh Primary football club, instilling values of discipline, resilience, and purpose. ‘I never expected this recognition,’ she said. ‘My focus has always been on impacting lives.’

The awards, which included a total of US$7,500 in prizes, are part of CIBC Caribbean’s initiative to celebrate individuals who quietly but significantly improve the lives of others. Annique Dawkins, Head of Country for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, emphasized the importance of honoring such contributions: ‘Today, we shine a light on those who remind us of the best of who we are as Jamaicans.’

Despite a lower number of nominations this year, organizers remain optimistic about the program’s future. Renee Whitehorne, Marketing Manager for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, noted that the initiative, which began in 2003 and resumed this year after a pause, is expected to attract more participants in 2026, especially in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We anticipate seeing more acts of kindness and nominations,’ she said.

The selection process involved a public call for nominations, reviewed by a panel of judges, including retired Court of Appeal President Justice Seymour Panton. ‘The submissions demonstrated significant community involvement in critical areas,’ Panton remarked. ‘It’s inspiring to see so many individuals making life better for others.’

For both honorees, the recognition serves as a powerful motivator. ‘It made me realize that what I was doing was not in vain,’ Morgan reflected. Campbell-Williamson echoed this sentiment, vowing to continue her impactful work. Their stories stand as a testament to the transformative power of selfless service and the enduring spirit of community upliftment.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have issued a warning to motorists following the closure of the westbound lane on Mandela Highway near the entrance to the PJ Patterson Highway. The shutdown comes in the wake of a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, three men were shot and killed by police shortly after 12:00 pm. Law enforcement officials remain on the scene, conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. As a result of the lane closure, the eastbound lane has been converted to accommodate two-way traffic. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution, adhere to traffic instructions, and anticipate minor delays when traveling through the affected area. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, is witnessing a remarkable community-driven recovery effort, spearheaded by local businesses and supported by law enforcement. Superintendent of Police Coleridge Minto, the commanding officer for the St Elizabeth Division, has expressed his gratitude towards Alcor Windows and Doors and Ripton Construction for their collaborative efforts in providing housing solutions to the hurricane-affected residents of Parottee. The companies have distributed nearly a hundred mattresses and are offering additional support through solar lighting installations and counseling services facilitated by a chaplain. Minto emphasized the importance of such partnerships during this challenging period, acknowledging the contributions of local, regional, and international stakeholders. He also highlighted the parish’s significant progress in reducing crime, with only 13 murders recorded since the start of the year—the lowest in 25 years. Major crimes, including robberies and shootings, have seen a decline, although break-ins experienced a temporary spike earlier in the year. Minto assured that looting incidents reported shortly after the hurricane are now under control, with the community focusing on cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Loyce Pace, the Americas Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has emphasized the critical need for sustained global attention and resources to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday, Pace highlighted the unprecedented devastation caused by the Category 5 storm, which struck the island on October 28, ravaging its southern and western coasts.

Pace, who recently conducted a reconnaissance mission to assess the damage, described the scenes as akin to a forest fire or tornado, with entire fields flattened, trees stripped bare, and even robust buildings reduced to rubble. She stressed that while the Jamaican government has been proactive in securing disaster risk financing, including catastrophe insurance from the World Bank, the scale of destruction—equivalent to nearly a third of the country’s GDP—demands far more substantial and prolonged international support.

She noted that while initial global aid has been ‘incredible,’ sustaining this assistance is crucial, particularly during the long-term recovery phase, which could span years. Pace also praised the resilience of Jamaicans and the tireless efforts of local Red Cross volunteers, many of whom are personally affected by the disaster yet continue to serve their communities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently estimated the damage at $6 to $7 billion, representing 28-32% of Jamaica’s GDP. Pace urged patience, acknowledging the challenges of rebuilding from the ground up while commending the unity and determination of the Jamaican people in the face of such adversity.