标签： Jamaica

In a recent ceremony held in Manchester, Jamaica, the Manchester Empowerment and Recognition Programme honoured eight exceptional educators and three courageous firefighters for their significant contributions to nation-building and community resilience. The event, themed “I Am Built for Greatness: Igniting Passion in the Lives of Our Students,” was hosted by Garfield S Green, Custos Rotulorum for Manchester. Originally designed to recognise educators, the programme was expanded to include firefighters, acknowledging their vital role in safeguarding lives and properties. The eight educators received the Custos’ Award for Excellence in Education, celebrating their dedication to shaping character, inspiring excellence, and fostering national development through education. Similarly, the three firefighters were lauded as builders of bravery for their fearless service and unwavering commitment to protecting communities. Guest speaker Joan A Davis-Williams, an education consultant, delivered an inspiring address, urging attendees to reflect on personal growth and professional purpose. She used metaphors of life’s burdens and cutlery to emphasise the importance of staying sharp, polished, and ready to serve with excellence. The event was supported by key sponsors, including the British Council, Juici Patties, and Toyota Jamaica. In his opening remarks, Custos Green highlighted the transformative power of educators and firefighters, stating that greatness is not merely taught but ignited through their actions.

Residents of Wakefield district in Trelawny, Jamaica, are facing severe isolation and hardship after heavy rains exacerbated the flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa. The community, already grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane, now finds itself nearly cut off from the outside world. Three main entrances are impassable for most vehicles, leaving residents reliant on large vans that charge exorbitant fees for transportation. Sharon Morris, a local resident, lamented the dire situation, stating that food supplies are scarce and shared among neighbors. Fayon Ellis, another resident, described how the flooding has trapped them, making it impossible to travel to nearby towns like Falmouth or Montego Bay. The Observer team, which visited the area, had to navigate makeshift routes to access the community, encountering significant flooding along the way. Leonie Clarke and her son Rodwayne highlighted the longstanding drainage issues that have worsened the flooding, with water unable to escape due to poorly designed infrastructure. While some residents use a makeshift bridge to move within the community, the roads ahead remain blocked. Rodwayne emphasized that the problem could be resolved with proper drainage work before the next rainy season. The lack of clean water has become a pressing concern, with residents fearing the health risks posed by contaminated water and the inability to access medical help in emergencies. Mae Allen expressed her desperation, suggesting that only a helicopter could rescue them. Despite relief efforts by organizations like World Central Kitchen and The Jamaica Guangdomg Association, essential supplies had not reached Wakefield by the time the Observer team departed.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, two families in St Elizabeth have been provided with new homes through the efforts of Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin. The initiative, part of the Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, saw the distribution of two prefabricated houses and essential supplies to Ashella Baker and Alludia Brown, both mothers whose homes were destroyed by the storm. The relief effort also included care packages for numerous other affected residents during a distribution event on November 13. Ashella Baker, a mother of six from Middle Quarters, expressed her gratitude, describing the arrival of the new home as a ‘miracle.’ Alludia Brown, a mother of two from Parottee, shared her relief and excitement at having a secure place for her family. The mission received support from Juici Patties, the Clarendon police, Clarendon Justices of the Peace, and other partners. Custos Chin emphasized the ongoing need for assistance, stating that two more houses will be gifted to families in need. Superintendent Coleridge Minto of the St Elizabeth Police Division praised the initiative, highlighting the comprehensive support provided, including water trucks, meals, and care packages. Senior Superintendent Shane McCalla of the Clarendon Police Division commended the collaborative effort and expressed hope for continued stakeholder involvement in the recovery process.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s agriculture sector, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green disclosed on Tuesday that the hurricane caused staggering losses amounting to $29.5 billion, significantly impacting the nation’s food supply chain. This week, the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston witnessed heightened frustrations among buyers as prices for essential produce surged. Sweet and hot peppers are now priced at $1,500 per pound, while escallion ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 per pound. Thyme is being sold for $1,200 per pound, and tomatoes cost between $400 and $500 per pound. Vendors warn that prices are likely to escalate further as the Christmas season approaches, compounding the challenges faced by consumers.

The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC) is set to host its much-anticipated Classic Car Show this Sunday, November 16, at the Jamaica Horticultural Society in Hope Pastures, St. Andrew. Originally intended as a fundraiser for the club, the event has now been repurposed to support relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Naresh Potopsingh, President of the JCCC, emphasized the shift in focus, stating, ‘Initially, the show was planned to raise funds for the club, but now we aim to contribute to hurricane relief.’ This marks the first car show organized by the JCCC since 2018. The club’s executive will determine how the funds will be allocated post-event, with assurances that the proceeds will be directed to areas of greatest need. ‘This is a challenging time, and we want to do our part to help,’ Potopsingh added. The event will showcase a diverse array of classic and modern vehicles from the club’s members, offering patrons a unique automotive experience. Potopsingh highlighted the club’s efforts to mobilize members to bring as many vehicles as possible, promising ‘a mix of all kinds of cars.’ Beyond the car displays, attendees can enjoy gate prizes, a fashion exhibition by Phusion Models International, and music curated by DJ Audley. The JCCC continues to demonstrate its commitment to community support and its passion for automotive heritage.