标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to bolster national resilience, Jamaican authorities and construction experts are issuing urgent calls for stringent compliance with building codes as the cornerstone of earthquake preparedness. With the island nation situated in a seismically active zone, the absence of seasonal patterns or reliable warnings for earthquakes makes structural integrity a critical public safety priority.

Lenworth Kelly, former president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ), emphasizes that natural phenomena only become disasters through inadequate preparation. “I encourage homeowners to verify whether structures—whether rented, purchased, or public buildings—were designed and maintained according to current codes,” Kelly stated during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He highlighted that proper engineering analysis, design construction, and maintenance aligned with the National Building Codes significantly mitigate earthquake impacts.

The campaign gains added urgency following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October, which compromised numerous commercial and residential structures. Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), underscores the legal imperative of the Building Act (2018). “Building codes ensure occupancy safety. Jamaica’s geographical location makes us highly prone to earthquakes, and unapproved, poorly maintained buildings are most vulnerable to severe damage or collapse,” he explained, urging citizens to seek KSAMC approval before construction.

Collaborative enforcement involves the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), which conducts pre-construction and phased inspections to ensure code adherence. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer at JFB, notes that while Jamaica has world-class building codes, their effectiveness hinges on compliance.

Kelly further advises prospective homeowners to secure structural engineer reports—even if not required by lenders—to assess building safety. He also cautions against construction in no-build zones, unstable slopes, or watersheds, recommending soil tests via trial pits to determine suitable foundation designs. “Clay soil necessitates different designs than standard strip footings. Contractors must alert clients and professionals if soil is unsuitable,” he added, warning that shortcuts lead to catastrophic failures as evidenced by Hurricane Melissa.

With a magnitude 3.1 earthquake already recorded in 2026, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) observes Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11–17) under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’. Kelly concludes that while earthquake drills are vital, true preparedness lies in conscientious construction and maintenance practices: “Be vigilant, be safe.”

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s law enforcement community is confronting a dual crisis of rising violence against officers and perceived institutional bias, according to powerful testimony from Police Federation Chairman Sergeant Arleen McBean. Speaking at a memorial service for slain Constable Charles Stewart, McBean delivered a blistering critique of the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), demanding truly impartial probes into police-related incidents.

The emotional address came during Wednesday’s thanksgiving service at New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church, honoring Constable Stewart who was among two off-duty officers fatally shot during a November 13, 2025 altercation at a Waltham Park Road establishment. McBean framed these deaths within a broader pattern of violence, noting that approximately 40 officers had died from various causes in the preceding year, with five-six specifically killed by criminals.

‘Last year represented an extraordinarily difficult period for Jamaican law enforcement,’ McBean stated. ‘The scale of losses demands national unity against criminal elements rather than sympathy for offenders.’

Her most pointed criticism targeted Indecom’s perceived imbalance: ‘Have you ever witnessed Indecom issuing press statements condemning the killings of state agents? We require this body to conduct investigations that are genuinely independent, thorough, objective, and properly contextualized while maintaining public transparency.’

Despite her criticisms, McBean cautioned against public fearmongering and explicitly instructed officers to comply fully with Indecom investigations, emphasizing: ‘When Indecom requests statements, do not consider yourselves above legal obligations. Provide them.’

The Federation chairman highlighted significant crime reduction achievements—reportedly unmatched in three decades—as evidence of officers’ dedication despite confronting inadequate working conditions, morale challenges, unresolved welfare concerns, and compensation uncertainties. ‘These security improvements demonstrate the commitment of every JCF member working in extremely challenging circumstances to protect Jamaican citizens,’ McBean asserted.

She further addressed systemic issues, citing a recent incident where an injured uniformed officer allegedly failed to receive priority medical attention at Kingston Public Hospital. McBean called for established protocols ensuring officers receive appropriate emergency care.

Concluding with a stark warning about targeted attacks against law enforcement, McBean urged continued professionalism: ‘Criminal elements are systematically planning surgical strikes against officers. Maintaining discipline and integrity remains our strongest defense while we call upon the public to unequivocally reject criminality.’

Senior police officials including SP Randy Sweeney and ACP Christopher Phillips attended the service alongside Constable Stewart’s parents, siblings, and numerous family members, underscoring the depth of institutional and personal loss.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Dunbeholden Football Club is demonstrating that its organizational mission transcends athletic competition through comprehensive humanitarian initiatives in hurricane-ravaged communities. Under the strategic direction of Chief Commercial Officer Aubyn Henry and Vice President Vivian Matthews, the club has mobilized substantial recovery efforts in Russia, Westmoreland, where residents continue to grapple with Hurricane Melissa’s devastating aftermath.

The club’s multifaceted relief program focuses on two critical areas: economic rehabilitation through small business reconstruction and direct housing assistance for displaced families. Rather than merely providing temporary aid, Dunbeholden FC’s approach emphasizes sustainable recovery through livelihood restoration and infrastructure repair, distributing essential building materials while facilitating commercial revitalization.

Henry, who combines his commercial role with philanthropic leadership, articulated the club’s philosophy: “Football provided our platform, but compassion defined our purpose. Witnessing the struggles in Russia made inaction impossible. Our mission centers on hope restoration and demonstrating solidarity throughout their recovery journey.”

Matthews, who personally oversaw ground operations, described the emotional impact: “Face-to-face engagement with affected families proved profoundly humbling. Each restored home and reopened business generates transformative smiles that validate our efforts. This work transcends material support—it’s about spiritual upliftment and collective resilience.”

The executive management team has strategically aligned the club’s corporate social responsibility objectives with hands-on humanitarian action, creating a model for sports organizations seeking meaningful community engagement. Their coordinated response highlights how athletic institutions can leverage their platform for societal benefit beyond mere sporting success.

Dunbeholden FC continues to reinforce its commitment to community elevation through ongoing projects that address both immediate needs and long-term recovery, establishing new paradigms for sports franchises in social responsibility and disaster response engagement.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A fatal hit-and-run incident on the Chudleigh main road in Manchester has resulted in the death of a local welder, prompting an intensive investigation by local authorities. The victim has been identified as Mark Sinclair, a resident of the Struan district, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the early hours of Wednesday.

According to official police reports, the tragic event occurred at approximately 12:30 am when Sinclair was walking along the roadway. An unidentified vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping to render assistance or identify themselves. Emergency services were notified, but Sinclair’s injuries proved fatal.

The Manchester traffic department, in collaboration with the Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, has launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are examining forensic evidence from the scene and seeking eyewitness accounts to identify the responsible vehicle and driver.

This incident highlights growing concerns about road safety and hit-and-run accidents in the region. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to apprehending those responsible and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

A significant conflagration that erupted this evening at a combined maintenance service and hardware supply facility on Negril’s Norman Manley Boulevard has been successfully subdued by Jamaican fire authorities. The incident, which triggered a multi-station emergency response, resulted in the complete destruction of the primary commercial structure but was prevented from spreading to an adjacent lumber yard.

Initial reports confirm three juveniles were present inside the BerCom Maintenance Services and Hardware Supplies property as flames engulfed the building. While two minors managed to self-evacuate, a third child required professional rescue after experiencing a severe panic attack amidst the escalating crisis. Firefighting personnel successfully extracted the individual, with no critical injuries reported.

Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton of the Jamaica Fire Brigade detailed the coordinated response, noting initial alerts were received at approximately 6:20 p.m. local time. The operation deployed four specialized fire apparatus and thirty personnel drawn from Westmoreland and Hanover parish divisions. Response teams included units from Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, and Lucea Fire Stations, supplemented by three privately-operated water tankers that provided critical logistical support.

The commercial building, constructed primarily from plywood, drywall, and zinc roofing materials, proved highly vulnerable to rapid fire propagation. While the main structure suffered total loss, firefighters successfully protected surrounding properties through targeted containment strategies.

Post-suppression operations currently focus on structural overhaul and atmospheric ventilation to eliminate potential rekindling hazards. The origin and initial catalyst of the fire remain undetermined pending formal investigation by fire marshals.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has unveiled a major initiative to address housing devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness scheduled to officially launch the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) this Thursday. The program represents a coordinated national effort to deliver reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance to households severely impacted by the late October storm.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. announced the comprehensive initiative Wednesday following a Cabinet meeting, describing the SRP as an “overarching, umbrella program” that will consolidate all government support mechanisms for affected families. The program specifically targets restoration of damaged housing infrastructure through a collaborative framework between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Charles Jr. emphasized the deliberate nature of this government response, noting that the SRP is designed to provide both immediate emergency relief and sustainable recovery support to Jamaican citizens. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025, causing significant damage across the island nation and displacing numerous residents. The program’s implementation marks a critical phase in Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, focusing on long-term housing solutions rather than temporary measures.

The Shelter Recovery Programme signifies one of the most substantial post-hurricane reconstruction initiatives recently undertaken by the Jamaican government, reflecting an integrated approach to disaster management and social welfare support for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s education system has successfully resumed operations across all 1,010 schools nationwide following the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa. Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle confirmed the comprehensive reopening during a post-Cabinet press briefing held Wednesday.

The educational restoration encompasses all 446 institutions located within the three regions most affected by the hurricane. These include region three (covering St. Ann and Trelawny parishes), region four (including Hanover, St. James, and Westmoreland), and region five (encompassing Manchester and St. Elizabeth).

Detailed operational data reveals varied learning modalities across the affected regions. In region three, 109 schools have returned to full face-to-face instruction while 14 institutions have implemented rotational schedules to facilitate recovery efforts. Region four shows 127 schools operating with traditional in-person learning alongside 37 utilizing rotational systems. Region five reports 135 schools conducting normal face-to-face classes with only seven maintaining rotational arrangements.

Thomas-Gayle emphasized the ministry’s precautionary approach, stating: ‘Our reopening policy prioritized safety above all considerations. We maintained close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to guarantee that all learning environments met safety standards for operational readiness.’

The education official acknowledged ongoing challenges, noting that infrastructure repairs, electrical system restoration, power supply continuity, and water tank replacements remain priority areas requiring continued attention from ministry teams.