标签： Jamaica

In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Dr. Joel Sugrim, a general surgeon stationed at Mandeville Regional Hospital, embarked on a grueling 24-hour journey across two parishes in Jamaica to reunite with his wife and children in Westmoreland. His odyssey began early Wednesday morning, shortly after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the island, leaving widespread destruction and disrupted communication lines.

Dr. Sugrim’s journey was fraught with challenges. His car became trapped in mud in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, forcing him to wield a cutlass to clear fallen trees and light posts obstructing his path. Despite these setbacks, he pressed on, driven by concern for his family, who reside in a flood-prone area and were unreachable due to downed communication services.

Along the way, Dr. Sugrim encountered a caravan of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) vehicles and ambulances en route to evacuate patients from Black River Hospital. He joined forces with soldiers, ambulance drivers, and volunteers to clear debris and ensure the safe passage of the convoy. This collaborative effort continued through the night, with Dr. Sugrim working tirelessly despite exhaustion.

By Thursday afternoon, Dr. Sugrim resumed his journey, navigating a dirt track on Holland Estate to bypass the final stages of cleanup efforts. His unwavering determination was fueled by thoughts of his family, whom he had not been able to contact since the storm.

Dr. Sugrim’s story highlights the resilience of individuals in the face of natural disasters and the power of community collaboration in overcoming adversity. His journey serves as a testament to the lengths people will go to protect and reunite with their loved ones.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica last week, Police Commissioner Kevin Blake has been at the forefront of relief and recovery operations. Leading a team of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) volunteers, Commissioner Blake has been instrumental in restoring normalcy to the devastated region. On Wednesday, the team focused their efforts on repairing the Barnett Street Police Station in St James. Collaborating with the Jamaica Fire Brigade, they conducted essential repairs, cleaned the compound and surrounding areas, and provided critical support to both police personnel and local residents. Amidst widespread hardship, with thousands left homeless and struggling to access basic necessities like food and water, the JCF has also been tasked with maintaining public order. Officers have employed persuasive tactics to deter looting and property damage, ensuring stability in the face of adversity. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, lauded the JCF for their dual role in maintaining security and delivering humanitarian aid. He particularly commended Commissioner Blake for his hands-on leadership, highlighting his active involvement in clearing debris and assisting with medical issues. ‘The JCF has proven to be multi-functional in this disaster, stepping up as social workers, firefighters, and medical aides,’ Holness remarked. The hurricane, the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent history, has caused billions in damages to critical infrastructure, including businesses, schools, roadways, and hospitals, making the recovery efforts all the more crucial.

In a remarkable display of community spirit, two Kingston-based entrepreneurs ventured into the flood-ravaged Reading District in St. Elizabeth last week to deliver essential supplies to residents stranded by Hurricane Melissa. Andrew Brown, Managing Director of Screenshot Interactive, and Chris Boxe, Managing Partner of Chilitos Jamexican, left their office routines behind to trek through impassable roads and reach the isolated community. The duo also visited the Lacovia shelter, determined to provide relief where floodwaters had severed access. The initiative was sparked by news that Reading District, the hometown of DJ Anash, had been entirely cut off, leaving residents without food or assistance. Unable to use vehicles, Brown and Boxe hiked nearly two miles each way, making multiple trips on foot to ensure supplies reached those in need. Reflecting on the experience, Brown noted, ‘It’s one thing to hear that a community is cut off, but being there and walking through it is something else. Seeing how much people are enduring, and still staying positive, really puts things in perspective.’ Boxe described the journey as both challenging and humbling, emphasizing that even small efforts can make a significant impact. Meanwhile, DJ Anash has launched a community relief drive to support ongoing recovery efforts in Reading and surrounding areas. She is appealing for donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, feminine products, medical supplies, and building materials. Collection points have been established at several locations in Kingston. ‘Every mickle mek a muckle,’ she shared, highlighting the importance of collective contributions. While recovery has begun in Black River, smaller communities like Reading remain flooded and inaccessible by road. Relief teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and reopen vital routes as recovery efforts intensify across the parish.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, has introduced an innovative ‘adopt-a-family’ initiative to provide direct support to the most affected residents. The program aims to connect donors with families in need, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance.

The United States is bracing for significant travel disruptions as federal authorities mandate widespread flight cancellations amid an ongoing government shutdown. Starting Friday, airlines will implement a 10% reduction in flights across 40 high-traffic areas, following a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive citing safety concerns. The shutdown has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, security personnel, and other critical staff unpaid, exacerbating personnel shortages and operational challenges. Last weekend alone, over 10,000 flights experienced delays, with travelers already enduring long security lines. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, ‘We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself.’ The cancellations coincide with the peak Thanksgiving travel season, potentially affecting thousands of daily flights. Major airports in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles are expected to bear the brunt of the disruptions. Airlines like United and Delta have pledged compliance but assured that international and hub-to-hub routes will remain unaffected. The shutdown, triggered by Congress’s failure to approve funding, has left 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the strain on aviation staff, many of whom are taking sick leave or seeking secondary employment to make ends meet. Bedford described the situation as unprecedented, marking a new low in the impact of government shutdowns on critical infrastructure.