标签： Jamaica

Jamaica’s innovative approach to relocating vulnerable citizens has received significant private-sector backing, with corporate leaders stepping forward to provide essential infrastructure. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has publicly acknowledged substantial contributions from Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and Geddes Refrigeration’s Roy Lafayette toward the Trelawny Infirmary temporary relocation project.

The groundbreaking initiative represents the Jamaican government’s first implementation of prefabricated container units to house infirmary residents during transitional periods. Stewart’s donation of four specialized air-conditioning units will ensure climate-controlled environments within the temporary structures, while Lafayette has committed additional cooling systems for all ward areas in the new facility.

During an onsite inspection tour, Minister McKenzie emphasized the critical partnership between government and private entities in addressing public welfare challenges. “Several private-sector interests have helped make this possible,” McKenzie stated, specifically recognizing both corporate contributors for their rapid response to infrastructure needs.

The container-based solution currently under construction marks a significant advancement in Jamaica’s emergency housing capabilities for institutional care settings. Government officials have committed to ongoing monitoring of construction progress ahead of the facility’s formal commissioning, with McKenzie expressing optimism about the project’s timeline and eventual operational status.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican government has initiated a comprehensive national program to upgrade emergency shelters and reinforce disaster preparedness infrastructure before the approaching 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This decisive action follows critical assessments revealing systemic vulnerabilities exposed during Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, announced that enhancing the condition, safety, and operational readiness of shelters is now a paramount priority. The minister’s statements came during a site visit to the new infirmary in Falmouth, Trelawny, on January 15, where he emphasized the urgent need for improvements.

Minister McKenzie revealed plans to convene a high-level strategic meeting within the next fortnight, bringing together key agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Social Development Commission (SDC), and municipal corporations. This collaborative effort will conduct an extensive evaluation of existing shelter infrastructure across the island nation.

The ministerial agenda will focus on identifying structurally sound facilities, determining necessary repairs, and planning potential replacements. The SDC has already completed a nationwide survey of community centers, many of which are candidates for conversion and remodeling into certified emergency shelters.

Concurrently, the ministry has finalized a damage assessment of municipal infrastructure—including markets and cemeteries—that suffered impacts during recent extreme weather events. Minister McKenzie indicated that a detailed submission will be presented to the Cabinet, outlining the full scope of required repairs and necessary upgrades. He acknowledged that addressing the widespread damage and fortifying the nation’s infrastructure will demand substantial budgetary allocation.

In the tranquil dawn hours at Sandals Dunn’s River resort, Peta-Gaye McLeary begins her daily transformation of natural spaces, serving as both senior landscaping supervisor and a pioneering figure in her field. As the sole woman in her department, McLeary represents a significant shift in gender dynamics within the traditionally male-dominated profession of landscape management.

Her professional journey stems from a profound childhood connection with nature, where plants captivated her imagination and design inspired her creativity. What began as personal fascination evolved into professional purpose when she recognized landscaping’s transformative power to shape human experiences through environmental design.

McLeary’s leadership philosophy emerged organically rather than through ambitious pursuit. At Sandals, she discovered the ideal environment to merge creative vision with technical discipline. Her approach to overcoming gender barriers focused on comprehensive mastery—from soil science to botanical selection—demonstrating capabilities through results rather than rhetoric.

The emotional dimension of McLeary’s work distinguishes her leadership style. She experiences genuine joy conducting educational nature walks and feels personal investment in environmental challenges, from drought periods to excessive rainfall. This emotional connection fuels her commitment to sustainable practices and immersive engagement with the landscape.

Throughout her career, McLeary transformed gender-based skepticism into professional motivation. Rather than confronting prejudice directly, she elevated her technical expertise and project execution, allowing her work to validate her position. She consciously integrates feminine perspectives—creativity, emotional intelligence, and nuanced design thinking—into her leadership approach, enhancing traditional landscaping methodologies.

For women considering non-traditional career paths, McLeary advocates confident perseverance, technical mastery, and resilient presence. Her story demonstrates how professional passion can dismantle gender barriers while creating more inclusive workplace environments. Beyond her supervisory role, McLeary embodies transformative leadership that redefines industry standards and expands opportunities for women in historically male-dominated fields.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a stern public warning to citizens applying for the government’s hurricane relief housing program, alerting them to sophisticated scams that seek to exploit vulnerable beneficiaries. The caution was delivered during the official launch of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) at the Office of the Prime Minister on January 15.

The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative, a cornerstone of the SRP, offers tiered financial grants of J$75,000, J$200,000, and J$500,000 to homeowners based on the assessed damage from recent hurricanes. With an initial funding pool of J$10 billion, the program is designed to restore safe and habitable living conditions for those affected.

In his address, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the growing threat of fraudsters using advanced technological means, including artificial intelligence, to create deceptive scenarios. He specifically warned against intermediaries falsely offering to ‘help’ citizens secure the grants for a fee. “We have to be absolutely careful that there is no hijacking of a programme like this,” Holness stated, emphasizing that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is the sole administrator of the grants and does not employ any external agents or intermediaries.

Eligibility for the ROOFS program requires official assessment and verification by the Ministry. To streamline this process, a self-reporting tool has been introduced, allowing citizens to alert the ministry directly and expedite damage assessments. The first grant disbursements are scheduled to begin by the end of January.

The government urges all applicants to disregard any unsolicited offers of assistance on social media or in person and to report such attempts directly to the authorities.

PETERSFIELD, Westmoreland — A stark discrepancy exists between official statements and on-the-ground reality in this hurricane-ravaged Jamaican parish. Despite claims by the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) of significant progress in restoring utilities, residents across multiple communities report ongoing struggles more than two months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

The Category 5 storm, which struck in October, severely damaged critical infrastructure throughout Westmoreland, one of the five hardest-hit parishes. The interconnected nature of utility services means that without electricity to power water pumps, residents simultaneously lack both power and piped water from the National Water Commission (NWC).

JPS announced Friday that it had successfully energized power lines leading to the NWC treatment plant in Roaring River—a crucial facility serving the parish—claiming this achievement had stabilized water supplies and restored electricity to residential areas in Petersfield, Waterworks, and Shrewsbury. The company stated subsequent testing confirmed active supply, offering what appeared to be promising news for the disaster-stricken region.

While resident Randy Martin from Shrewsbury acknowledged improved water consistency following the plant reconnection, he clarified that electricity has not yet reached actual homes in his area, despite visible infrastructure repairs including newly planted poles in nearby housing schemes.

Contrary to JPS assertions, numerous residents report completely dry taps and absent electricity. Audley, a Waterworks resident located on the Roaring River line, revealed he continues transporting water via motorcycle from Dean’s Valley to meet basic household needs.

The restoration appears highly localized according to community members. Reds Don from Petersfield noted that while two housing schemes in Waterworks have electricity, surrounding areas remain without power. He further contradicted plant restoration claims, stating, ‘The plant, we hear that it got current, but there’s no water in the pipe.’

Builder Roy Bruce echoed these sentiments, indicating that power service seemingly terminates at Waterworks without reaching the broader community. He emphasized the water crisis remains paramount: ‘They say they [are] going to set up the plant but only a few people [are] getting the water. Only a few pipes [are] getting the water right now.’

The situation highlights the complex challenges of post-disaster infrastructure recovery and the communication gap between utility providers and affected communities still grappling with essential service shortages months after the hurricane.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — In a significant leadership transition, Portmore Community College (PCC) has announced the appointment of Reverend Dr. Austin Wright as its new principal. The college’s board of directors confirmed the decision through an official statement released on Monday, highlighting Dr. Wright’s exceptional qualifications and decades of service to Jamaican education.

Dr. Wright brings to the position an extraordinary depth of experience, having served as principal at multiple educational institutions across Jamaica. His administrative leadership includes tenures at Mount James All-Age School, Greenwich All-Age School, Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School, and a remarkable 16-year period as Principal of José Martí Technical High School.

Beyond his principal roles, Dr. Wright’s distinguished career encompasses significant contributions to teacher education and policy development. He has served as an education officer within Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and has lectured at several prestigious teacher training institutions, including St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, The Mico University College, and the International University of the Caribbean. Additionally, he brings over 27 years of experience as chief external assessor for teacher education programs.

The newly appointed principal holds certification from Jamaica’s National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), underscoring his professional preparedness for institutional leadership. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards, most notably the Golden Torch Award from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, which honored his 38 years of outstanding contribution to education.

Donmayne Gyles, Chairman of PCC’s Board, expressed strong confidence in the appointment, stating: ‘We are confident that Dr. Wright’s vision, experience and servant-leadership approach will further strengthen Portmore Community College and advance its mission of providing equal educational opportunities.’ Gyles emphasized that Dr. Wright’s values-driven leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with the college’s commitment to accessible, quality education.