Jamaica has welcomed a significant shipment of essential relief supplies from Guyana, marking a pivotal step in the island’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The consignment, comprising tarpaulins, generators, and chainsaws, was coordinated with the support of Guyana’s private sector and arrived at Kingston Wharves on Friday. The delivery was facilitated through the Dominican Republic, underscoring the logistical efforts involved in the operation.
标签： Jamaica
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St James tyre facility damaged by fire
A sudden and unexplained fire broke out at the Boomerang Tyre facility in Montego Bay, St. James, on Friday evening, causing significant damage to a container filled with tyres, a compressor, and other essential equipment. The facility, which provides services such as wheel alignment and tyre balancing, was partially engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. The Montego Bay and Ironshore fire stations dispatched two units to the scene after receiving an emergency call at approximately 5:13 pm. Using two water jets, the firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the main building. Initial estimates suggest the damage could amount to millions of dollars, though it remains unclear whether the facility was insured. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. This incident follows another devastating fire just a day earlier, where a warehouse storing custom goods along River Bay Road was completely destroyed, resulting in an estimated loss of $50 million.
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Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson has died
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican diplomatic community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Alsion Roach Wilson, the Consul General to New York, who served with distinction since 2019. Her death was announced by Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, in a heartfelt statement on Saturday. Wilson, who passed away at her home in New York, was the eleventh individual to hold this prestigious position. Johnson Smith lauded Wilson’s unwavering dedication to her role, emphasizing her exceptional service and profound commitment to Jamaica, its foreign service, and the Jamaican diaspora. Wilson’s illustrious career extended beyond diplomacy; she was a seasoned finance professional with a notable Wall Street background, having founded her own financial consulting firm, the Alsion Road Group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson played a pivotal role in mobilizing an assistance program for Jamaican medical professionals abroad to support their homeland. Her contributions were recognized with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. Johnson Smith described Wilson as an ‘ever patriotic, generous, and beautiful soul,’ expressing deep condolences to her family, including her husband Omar and children Brian and Vanessa. Wilson’s legacy as a warm, professional, and loyal diplomat will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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PAHO scales up emergency health response across the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has activated its emergency coordination and response mechanisms to address the severe health impacts caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean. Over 13 tons of medical supplies have been deployed, alongside specialized experts from PAHO’s Regional Response Teams, to restore critical health services and prevent disease outbreaks. Jamaica, the most severely affected, reported extensive damage to five major hospitals, particularly in the western and southern regions. In response, PAHO, in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), has facilitated the deployment of Type 2 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) from Samaritan’s Purse and the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) to establish temporary hospitals in Black River and Falmouth. Additional specialists in water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), mental health, and structural engineering have been mobilized to conduct post-disaster assessments and support recovery efforts. PAHO is also coordinating health cluster activities, including shelter assessments and environmental health interventions. Despite these efforts, urgent needs remain, prompting PAHO to launch a $14.2 million donor appeal for Jamaica to support emergency medical deployments, facility rehabilitation, and outbreak prevention. In Haiti, PAHO is assessing conditions of internally displaced persons, disseminating cholera prevention messaging, and utilizing prepositioned emergency kits. Emergency supplies, including PPE, mosquito nets, and medical equipment, have been delivered to affected areas. PAHO is also preparing additional shipments for Cuba to address anticipated increases in mosquito populations and power shortages. The organization emphasized the need for sustained donor engagement to support disease surveillance, mental health services, and preventive measures across the region. PAHO remains committed to working with governments and humanitarian partners to ensure affected communities receive critical care and build future resilience.
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$1-B roast
Jamaica’s renowned Blue Mountain coffee industry has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with estimated losses reaching $1 billion, according to Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. Grant revealed that approximately 100,000 boxes of coffee, valued at $10,000 each, were lost due to the hurricane, which also damaged coffee trees and infrastructure. This latest blow compounds the sector’s struggles, as it has faced consecutive losses during wet seasons over the past four years, accumulating a staggering $2.5 billion deficit. The hurricane’s aftermath has left critical roads to coffee factories impassable, with some areas still cut off days after the storm. Grant emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, including the implementation of the Coffee Crop Resuscitation and Establishment Programme (CREP), to revive production and support 5,000 affected farmers. He also called for immediate restoration of electricity and communication services in key areas. While acknowledging the devastation in western Jamaica, Grant urged authorities to prioritize aid for the Blue Mountain coffee industry, which is vital to the nation’s economy. Jamaica, the 58th largest coffee exporter globally, generated $26.2 million in coffee exports in 2023, making the sector’s recovery crucial for economic stability.
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Philippines halts search for typhoon dead as huge new storm nears
The Philippines is on high alert as Typhoon Fung-wong, predicted to intensify into a ‘super typhoon,’ approaches the archipelago. The storm, with a potential radius covering nearly the entire country, is expected to bring devastating winds and torrential rains, raising fears of widespread flooding. Meteorologist Benison Estareja warned of rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, which could overwhelm major river basins and low-lying areas. As of Saturday morning, Fung-wong was moving westward toward Luzon, the nation’s largest island, with sustained winds of 140 kph and gusts up to 170 kph. In Aurora province, where the typhoon is anticipated to make landfall by late Sunday or early Monday, rescuers are conducting preemptive evacuations in high-risk zones. Meanwhile, on Catanduanes Island, residents are fortifying their homes against the storm’s fury. The looming threat has also halted search and rescue operations in Cebu province, still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 204 lives and left 109 missing earlier this week. Authorities are prioritizing safety, with rescue official Myrra Daven emphasizing the need to protect rescuers from becoming casualties themselves. As the nation braces for Fung-wong, officials are striving to minimize loss of life, drawing on lessons from past disasters.
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Aid for the elderly
The Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens, has successfully raised $800,000 through a collaborative fundraising initiative. The funds are being utilized to provide essential relief aid to elderly victims of Hurricane Melissa in the severely affected parishes of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. Jean Lowrie-Chin, the founder and executive chair of CCRP, announced this milestone during the organization’s annual Living Legacy Awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. The fundraising effort was conducted in partnership with Jamaica’s renowned National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), which dedicated one of its dance season evenings to the cause. Proceeds from ticket sales were allocated to CCRP’s relief efforts. The funds have enabled the preparation of 150 food packages, 150 hygiene kits, and 75 cases of water, which are being distributed to elderly residents in the hardest-hit areas. The Breads Foundation and the Women’s Centre are facilitating the distribution in St Elizabeth, while church volunteers are handling deliveries in Westmoreland. Lowrie-Chin emphasized the vulnerability of elderly individuals in disaster-stricken regions, noting their heightened physical and emotional challenges. The relief packages include specialized items such as adult diapers and protein drinks to address their unique needs. Additionally, the National Council for Senior Citizens has deployed motorbikes to reach isolated communities. The CCRP also highlighted the plight of two of its members who suffered significant losses during the hurricane, including the loss of their homes. The organization remains committed to expanding its relief efforts, with proceeds from the recent awards ceremony further supporting these initiatives. Established in 2010, CCRP continues to empower seniors to contribute meaningfully to community and national development. The ceremony also honored 16 members for their outstanding contributions to nation-building.
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West Green residents decry slow water restoration after Hurricane Melissa
Residents of West Green, St James, are voicing their frustration over the prolonged delay in restoring water services more than a week after Hurricane Melissa devastated the area. The lack of access to clean water has raised significant health concerns, with locals fearing the spread of waterborne diseases and skin infections. During a visit by Observer Online on Thursday, the community was seen sifting through mud-soaked belongings, struggling to recover from the floodwaters that inundated their homes. Shelly, a resident, highlighted the dire situation, stating, ‘It’s rough, especially without electricity and water to clean up. We have to fetch water from the river, which is exhausting and unsafe.’ She also expressed worries about potential health risks, including skin bacteria and water contamination. A water quality specialist from the Ministry of Health and Wellness arrived to distribute flyers advising residents on water treatment methods, such as filtering and boiling, to ensure safety. The specialist also warned about the risk of contamination from rats and insects, a concern that was underscored when a rat scurried past during the visit. Lloyd Bailey, a soil scientist and community member, criticized the slow response to the crisis, stressing the need for immediate access to basic necessities like water and food. He also pointed out long-standing issues with Jamaica’s drainage infrastructure, describing it as fundamentally flawed and incapable of handling heavy rainfall. Bailey emphasized that Hurricane Melissa should serve as a wake-up call for the country to address these systemic problems.
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‘It feels good’
Reggae artist Mortimer has achieved a significant milestone in his career, securing his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for his project, *From Within*. The announcement, made on Friday, left the artist both humbled and elated. ‘I’m grateful that people see value in what we do. It feels good to know that we’ve made a positive impact,’ Mortimer shared with the *Jamaica Observer*. The album, released in September 2024 through Overstand Entertainment and Easy Star Records, delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of human existence, blending traditional reggae with R&B, 80s pop, and other genres. Collaborations with Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, and Lila Iké further enriched the project, with Iké also earning a nomination this year for *Treasure Self Love*. Mortimer’s journey into music began in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Whitehall, St Elizabeth, where he joined the choir at age eight. Reflecting on the evolution of reggae, Mortimer defended the genre’s authenticity, stating, ‘I don’t think it has lost intensity. We’re in a space where some great reggae music is being made.’ The album’s creation was a deeply personal endeavor, aiming to channel his inner thoughts and emotions. ‘The goal was to explore where my heart and mind were at,’ he explained. Mortimer’s nomination places him alongside other notable artists like Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, and Keznamdi, all vying for the prestigious award.
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Direct Relief donates medical supplies to Jamaica
In a significant humanitarian effort, the US-based charity Direct Relief dispatched essential health supplies to Jamaica on Saturday, November 8th, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The aid shipment, which arrived via a cargo plane, included vital resources such as diabetes medication, general health supplies, insect repellent, and tents. These materials aim to address immediate medical needs and bolster the island’s resilience in the aftermath of the storm. Genevieve Bitter, Vice President of Operations for Direct Relief, emphasized the organization’s mission to strengthen global health systems and improve access to medical resources. ‘Jamaica’s people are in urgent need, and we are committed to bridging the gap by providing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies,’ she stated. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28th, left significant damage in its wake, prompting this timely intervention. Direct Relief’s contribution underscores its ongoing commitment to supporting communities in crisis worldwide.