标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, has left approximately 90,000 families in western Jamaica grappling with severe consequences. Initial assessments by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reveal that over 120,000 buildings suffered roof damage, highlighting the storm’s destructive force. Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of ODPEM, provided these updates during a press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston. He emphasized that while many communities have regained access thanks to the efforts of the National Works Agency (NWA), the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and other entities, 27 communities remain isolated due to flooding and landslides, particularly in St Elizabeth, St James, and Trelawny. Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, causing widespread damage across multiple parishes, including Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St Ann. Commander Gayle assured that ODPEM, alongside government ministries, private sector partners, and international organizations, is making daily progress in restoring essential services such as power, telecommunications, and water, as well as clearing roads and delivering aid. ODPEM is also finalizing its initial damage assessment report to determine the full extent of the hurricane’s impact, which will guide the government in addressing the needs of affected communities as recovery efforts commence.

A devastating fire erupted in Montego Bay, Jamaica, early Thursday morning, destroying a warehouse located along River Bay Road. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a garbage fire near the warehouse shortly before the building was engulfed in flames. The Montego Bay Fire Brigade received an emergency call at approximately 12:15 am and dispatched two units to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found the entire structure ablaze and deployed three water jets to combat the flames. After nearly two hours of intense firefighting efforts, the blaze was successfully contained. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire caused significant damage to items related to customs brokerage. The estimated financial loss stands at $50 million, though it remains unclear whether the warehouse and its contents were insured. The incident was part of a busy day for the local fire department, which also responded to a house fire in Valley Heights later that morning. The house fire, which began just after 11:00 am, partially destroyed the residence and left one individual homeless. Authorities are continuing their investigations into both incidents to determine the exact causes and circumstances.

In a shocking turn of events, Lawrence Sergeant, the father of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, has been formally charged with her murder. The grim discovery of Shantina’s charred remains behind their family home in Baillieston, Clarendon, on October 6, has now led to a harrowing legal case. Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, conclusively identified the remains as those of the young girl, prompting detectives to charge Sergeant on Wednesday. Police investigators believe Shantina was struck with a blunt object before her body was discarded behind the residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed that her death resulted from blunt force trauma. Sergeant, who was questioned weeks ago in the presence of his attorney, was arrested in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, just four days after the discovery. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sergeant is also facing a separate charge of grievous sexual assault, stemming from allegations that he molested a six-year-old child several years ago. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about safety and justice.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in western Jamaica, the Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) has initiated a robust relief program to aid affected communities. Partnering with international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, JBG is delivering critical support to families and farmers impacted by the disaster. Through its Best Dressed Chicken division, the company has distributed free chicken products to local quick-service restaurants and caterers preparing hot meals for residents in need. Additionally, JBG employees have been encouraged to donate essential items such as non-perishable food, water, bedding, hygiene products, and emergency supplies, with donation drop-off points established across all JBG locations. A significant aspect of the relief effort is the collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse, which has established an emergency field hospital in St. Elizabeth and transported vital medical supplies from Norman Manley International Airport to Black River. Teams from JBG, Hi-Pro, and the Jamaica Defence Force have worked tirelessly to set up the field hospital at Black River High School. JBG has also provided meals for Samaritan’s Purse volunteers offering medical and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Hi-Pro Division is engaging agricultural associations to assess the storm’s impact on farmers and develop a targeted assistance plan. Colonel (Ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, Hi-Pro’s vice president, emphasized JBG’s commitment to national recovery, stating, ‘We are more than chicken and agriculture; we are about nation building.’ The company has also received support from Wysinco, which donated 100 cases of water to ensure hydration for patients and families at the field hospital.

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Zuleika Jess, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Eastern, has taken decisive action to assist constituents stranded in their communities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Despite the Government’s directive against using private means to clear roads, Jess prioritized saving lives and restoring access to essential services.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact, global rap icon Nicki Minaj, alongside Jamaican artists Skeng and Shaniel Muir, has stepped up to provide critical aid to affected communities in western Jamaica. The Trinidadian-born superstar’s team, donning shirts emblazoned with ‘The Barbz Foundation’ logo, distributed essential supplies such as stoves, cooking gas regulators, containers, and food packages to residents grappling with the aftermath of the storm. Minaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to share updates on the relief efforts, expressing her commitment with the message, “Plus tmrw & possibly longer. One Love, Jamaica. Love you.” Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc in southwestern Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction, displacing countless families, and cutting off access to clean water and electricity. The collective efforts of these celebrities have brought much-needed support to the region during this dire time.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid recovery efforts, TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) has announced a $100 million relief package for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative will provide essential building materials such as zinc sheets, lumber, hurricane straps, and nails to over 2,000 residents whose properties suffered damage during the storm.

Ivan Anderson, Managing Director of TJH, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting affected communities. ‘Our goal is to deliver tangible relief to those whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Melissa,’ Anderson stated. ‘We are partnering with one of Jamaica’s leading hardware retailers to ensure supplies reach residents in St Elizabeth and other severely impacted parishes efficiently.’

The company is currently coordinating with government agencies to finalize distribution plans, with the first phase of aid expected to commence within the next two to three weeks. Beyond the corporate contribution, TJH employees have initiated an internal relief drive, gathering critical supplies like non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, toiletries, and baby essentials for distribution to families in need.

Anderson praised the efforts of TJH staff, noting, ‘Our team members have demonstrated remarkable compassion and initiative. Their personal contributions embody the values of care and community that define our organization.’

This dual approach—combining corporate resources with employee-driven efforts—underscores TJH’s dedication to fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of natural disasters.