标签： Jamaica

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green delivered a sobering report to Parliament on Tuesday, revealing the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the nation’s agricultural sector. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused an estimated $29.5 billion in damages, affecting 41,390 hectares of farmland and over 70,000 farmers across the country’s most productive regions. The devastation included the destruction of 32,400 hectares of vegetable crops, significant losses in banana and plantain production, and the death of approximately 1.25 million animals. The fisheries sector also suffered a $5.76 billion blow, with 25% of the national fishing fleet damaged or destroyed. Minister Green, however, expressed unwavering resolve, stating that recovery efforts have already begun. He announced the reactivation of the Agricultural Disaster Recovery Task Force and the reallocation of $450 million from the Production Incentive Programme to emergency recovery. Immediate measures include the importation of essential food items like tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage, as well as chicken, fish, and eggs, to stabilize the food supply. On the ground, seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs are being distributed to farmers, with a focus on early planting in less-affected areas such as Eastern Jamaica and agro-parks. Support for the fisheries sector includes clearing debris to reopen beach access and repairing damaged vessels. For livestock farmers, the Veterinary Services Division is implementing a recovery program to stabilize animal health and reduce further losses. Looking ahead, Minister Green emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural practices and improved infrastructure resilience. He concluded with a rallying call, urging private sector partners to remain committed and praising the resilience of the nation’s farmers and fishers, stating, ‘We shall rise again.’

A severe motor vehicle accident occurred on the Rose Hall main road in St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, resulting in two individuals being rushed to the hospital. The collision involved a Nissan AD Wagon and a Mercedes Benz, both of which sustained substantial damage. According to reports, the incident took place shortly after 8:00 am. The Nissan, driven by a man heading towards Falmouth, reportedly crossed the median and collided with the Mercedes, which was traveling in the opposite direction towards Montego Bay. The impact caused the Mercedes to veer off the road, crash into a tree, and come to a halt in a ditch. The man suffered serious head injuries, leaving a pool of blood at the scene, while the condition of the woman driving the Mercedes remains unclear. The collision dislodged the Nissan’s engine, highlighting the severity of the crash. Emergency response teams, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the St James police, were promptly dispatched to manage the aftermath.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in St Elizabeth, 12-year-old Alexia Jappa, the reigning Mini Miss St Elizabeth Heritage Queen, has emerged as a beacon of hope for affected children. Despite her own family’s property suffering minor damage, Alexia’s focus remains on those who lost far more. Launching a compassionate campaign, she is collecting essential items like clothing, shoes, and toys to bring comfort to young victims.

In a heartening turn of events, a Manchester woman and her three young children, who had been unaccounted for since October 25, were discovered safe and sound in a shelter in Darliston, Westmoreland, on Wednesday morning. The woman, identified as Dana McKenzie, along with her children aged one, three, and seven, were located by law enforcement officials at the Maud McLeod High School. The police, who had been actively searching for the family, confirmed their well-being and ensured they were provided with the necessary care. This incident has brought relief to the local community, which had been deeply concerned about the family’s safety. Authorities have not yet disclosed the circumstances that led to their disappearance or how they ended up in the shelter. The discovery underscores the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of coordinated search efforts in ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has initiated its Hurricane Melissa Relief Response, delivering essential care packages to severely affected communities in St Elizabeth, including Treasure Beach, Pondside, Carisbrook, and Black River. This first phase of the national recovery effort was made possible through the collaboration of major sponsors Wisynco, Honey Bun, and National Bakery, who provided bottled water, Powerade, baked goods, and other necessities.

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully restored electricity to 64% of its customers, according to JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant. Speaking at a government-organized press briefing on Tuesday, Grant described the progress as a “solid achievement” given the extensive damage caused by the storm. Over 300,000 customers have been reconnected since the hurricane left large parts of the island without power. Grant emphasized that the on-ground devastation was far more severe than aerial assessments suggested, particularly in the western region, which requires extensive rebuilding rather than simple repairs. To accelerate restoration, JPS has deployed over 200 additional overseas line workers and is bringing in specialized equipment, including bucket trucks and hole-digging vehicles. The company has prioritized restoring critical services such as hospitals, water pumps, and economic hubs. Notable successes include the restoration of power to Cornwall Regional Hospital, St Ann’s Bay Hospital, Ocho Rios Port, Dunn’s River Falls, and Sangster International Airport. Grant also highlighted creative solutions, such as rerouting power from Manchester to supply St Elizabeth. Despite challenges, JPS remains committed to transparency and aims to provide detailed restoration timelines for all affected areas by the end of the week.