标签： Jamaica

In the coastal community of Bluefields, Westmoreland, 73-year-old Jason McKenzie finds illumination not from the national power grid, but from a century-old kerosene lamp that has become his sole source of light since Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, left more than 30,000 Westmoreland residents without electricity, with some potentially waiting until 2026 for full restoration according to Jamaica Public Service updates.

McKenzie’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ lamp—a cultural artifact passed down through three generations of his family—has transformed from sentimental keepsake to critical survival tool. The nostalgic glass lamp, once popular in Jamaican households during the late 1800s, now provides practical illumination amid widespread power outages.

“My grandparents left it for me,” McKenzie told journalists during a visit to the parish. “One time I considered discarding it, but then realized its value during power outages. Now the storm has come, and I must depend on it.”

The hurricane not only knocked out power infrastructure but also destroyed McKenzie’s roof, leaving portions of his home exposed to the elements. Despite managing temporary repairs to his bedroom section, he remains vulnerable to weather conditions while awaiting assistance.

McKenzie detailed the lamp’s operational practicality compared to modern alternatives: “The money I would use to buy candles, I use to buy kerosene oil. Candles are expensive and dangerous—you must watch them constantly. The lamp remains stable throughout the night.”

His weekly expenditure of $800 Jamaican for kerosene proves more economical than frequent candle purchases, though he still conserves fuel by extinguishing the lamp during sleeping hours.

The storm experience proved traumatic for McKenzie, who described taking shelter under his bed as hurricane winds tore zinc roofing from his house. “You have to be a soldier sometimes,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for survival despite the devastation.

As restoration efforts continue across Jamaica—with over 80% of residents already reconnected—McKenzie’s story highlights both the resilience of vulnerable communities and the unexpected return of historical technology during modern disasters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGleaner Communications Group. The prominent media executive died on Sunday morning after battling a brief illness, according to an official announcement from the organization.

Smith’s leadership journey with the media conglomerate began in October 2022 when he joined as Deputy Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for Print and Digital media operations. His exceptional performance and strategic vision led to his promotion to the role of Chief Executive Officer in January of the following year, marking a significant milestone in his media career.

The RJRGleaner Communications Group, one of Jamaica’s most influential media entities, expressed profound sorrow at the loss of their leader. In a statement released Sunday, the organization extended heartfelt condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s immediate and extended family at this time.” The announcement highlighted the deep sense of loss felt throughout the organization and the broader media community.

Smith’s tenure, though brief, was marked by significant contributions to the media group’s digital transformation and print operations, positioning the company for future growth in an evolving media landscape. His passing creates a leadership vacuum that the organization will need to address while continuing to honor his legacy in Jamaican journalism and media management.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — City officials are mobilizing street vendors and transportation operators to maintain public order and safety during the anticipated Christmas rush. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has issued coordinated appeals following its final vending subcommittee meeting of the year, emphasizing collaborative efforts to manage seasonal congestion.

Mayor Andrew Swaby articulated the administration’s dual focus on regulatory compliance and visitor experience. He specifically addressed the persistent challenge of unauthorized vending, stating, “We recognize existing ground-level complications with vendors operating beyond assigned zones. Our priority remains keeping roadways unobstructed to ensure seamless vehicular movement.”

The Mayor elaborated on seasonal dynamics, noting, “Christmas traditionally brings both seasonal vendors and increased shopper volumes to downtown and commercial districts. We are committed to ensuring all visitors to Kingston Central, whether residents or tourists, enjoy a positive and hassle-free shopping experience.”

Transport operators received parallel attention during the deliberations. Mayor Swaby confirmed ongoing collaborations with taxi drivers to enhance road discipline. “We have emphasized the necessity for professional conduct and are actively identifying designated parking solutions to promote structured operations,” he explained.

Registration mandates for temporary vendors were reinforced with official warnings, while infrastructure improvements received attention. The Mayor confirmed that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has addressed numerous streetlight repairs, though law enforcement has requested additional fixes for non-functional lights in specific high-priority areas.

Residents across Westmoreland, Jamaica continue grappling with an extensive power outage more than six weeks after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the region on October 28. While expressing understanding for the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) monumental restoration challenges, communities are urgently appealing for accelerated recovery efforts as they resort to alternative lighting solutions.

The human impact of the prolonged electricity disruption reveals multiple dimensions of hardship. Percival Gordon from Farm District, whose home was destroyed by the hurricane, described the situation as “wicked” while preparing meals under solar lighting. “It’s not easy. It’s not pretty on us down here,” he shared, noting that when his solar lamp fails, “it’s pure darkness until morning.”

Economic consequences are particularly severe for tradespeople like Winston Hamilton of Whitehouse, who relies on power tools for his livelihood. “Light is an essential part of business. If light no deh about, the place lock down,” Hamilton emphasized, highlighting both economic and security concerns in the darkness.

Daily routines have undergone radical transformations since the hurricane. Maxine Johnson from Belmont now leaves work by 5:00 PM instead of her previous 7:00 PM departure to maximize daylight hours. Javier Stewart, navigating darkened streets with a flashlight, expressed safety concerns about nighttime travel, stating he “does not feel safe walking home at night.”

The financial burden of alternative lighting solutions is mounting for residents. Gordon detailed spending approximately $400 Jamaican for candles lasting merely three days, while others must pay to charge mobile phones—their primary communication and secondary light source—from generator owners.

According to JPS’s December 7 update, approximately 88% of Westmoreland customers remain without electricity. While power has been partially restored in northern and southern parish sections, full restoration for some communities may extend into 2026.

Despite the hardships, residents demonstrate remarkable resilience. Some gather around community fires until late hours, while others like Sharon Walcott maintain perspective: “We will wait until the light comes back because we know JPS is doing them best.” This tempered patience, combined with urgent appeals for accelerated restoration, characterizes the complex reality facing Westmoreland’s communities as they adapt to prolonged energy deprivation.

Portmore, St Catherine is undergoing significant infrastructure enhancements as the National Works Agency (NWA) advances its road expansion project along Braeton Parkway. This critical initiative, slated for completion by December 2024, forms part of a comprehensive traffic management strategy accompanying the larger $2.4-billion Naggo Head to Braeton Road and Hellshire main road dualisation project that commenced in June.

Stephen Shaw, NWA’s communications and customer services manager, explained the strategic importance of widening Braeton Parkway from Portmore Tax Office to Hung Way Shopping Mall intersection. “This expansion creates vital capacity for traffic circulation around our primary construction zone,” Shaw stated, emphasizing that no additional costs are associated with this specific roadway widening. The project includes improvements at the Municipal Boulevard intersection to optimize traffic movement.

While installation of drainage features including a box culvert will temporarily reduce carriageway availability, officials confirmed no complete road closures are currently anticipated. Mayor Leon Thomas welcomed the development, noting the corridor’s heavy utilization by motorists and pedestrians amid growing business development. “We’re striving to complete portions before Christmas to improve residents’ daily commute,” Thomas commented, referencing traffic challenges exacerbated by both construction activities and recent Hurricane Melissa impacts.

The broader 16-month dualisation effort falls under Jamaica’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, representing substantial government investment in urban infrastructure. The project will transform approximately three kilometers of roadway into a modern four-lane thoroughfare featuring raised medians, sidewalks, and synchronized traffic signals. Additionally, the initiative incorporates underground duct installation for fiber-optic cables as part of the National Broadband Initiative, simultaneously advancing both transportation and digital connectivity infrastructure.