In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity, Montego Bay Metro Limited has extended its transportation services to include St Elizabeth, Jamaica. This expansion, announced by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) on Wednesday, is designed to ensure seamless mobility for residents, workers, and students in the western and south-western regions as communities recover from recent hurricane disruptions. Effective immediately, passengers can travel daily between Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, with stops at key locations including Lucea, Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, and Whitehouse. The return service follows the same route. Departures from Montego Bay are scheduled at 6:30 am and 1:00 pm, while Santa Cruz departures are at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. Travel rates are set at $250 per leg for adults and $100 per leg for children. This initiative underscores JUTC’s commitment to supporting regional recovery and fostering accessibility for all.
标签： Jamaica
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Forex: $161.90 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States dollar demonstrated a notable uptick in value against the Jamaican dollar on Wednesday, November 5, closing at $161.90, marking a 20-cent increase from the previous trading session. This data was released in the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, highlighting the continued volatility in currency markets. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar experienced a slight decline, ending the day at $115.11, down from $115.82. Similarly, the British pound also saw a marginal decrease, closing at 211.10 compared to its previous rate of $211.80. These fluctuations underscore the dynamic nature of global currency exchanges, influenced by a myriad of economic factors and market sentiments. The strengthening of the US dollar against the Jamaican currency could have implications for trade, inflation, and consumer purchasing power in the region.
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Excelerate Energy mobilises over US$1 million to support Jamaica’s hurricane relief effort
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Excelerate Energy, in collaboration with Food For The Poor Jamaica, Project C.U.R.E., World Central Kitchen, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW), has mobilized over US$1 million in critical aid to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This coordinated initiative aims to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and provide immediate assistance to the most affected communities.
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AHF contributes $80 million to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has announced a significant $80 million commitment to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm. The initiative begins with an initial shipment of essential supplies valued at $300,000, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the hardest-hit communities.
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Emergency field hospital established in Black River
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, an emergency field hospital has been set up at Black River High School in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. This initiative, spearheaded by the evangelical Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, aims to bolster the local healthcare infrastructure during this critical time. The facility, staffed by over 60 professionals including members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), is designed to replicate the capabilities of the severely damaged Black River Hospital. Dr Kelly Sites, the Medical Director of the emergency field hospital, emphasized the self-sustaining nature of the unit, which is equipped with its own power generators and can handle a wide range of medical needs, from chronic conditions to emergency surgeries. The hospital features a triage department, emergency rooms, an intensive care unit, an operating room, an obstetrics facility, patient wards, a full laboratory, and a pharmacy. Additionally, family-practice physicians are available to manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, sickle cell anemia, and diabetes. The field hospital is also collaborating with local facilities and utilizing ground and air ambulance services to transport patients to Kingston when necessary. Beyond medical services, the Samaritan’s Purse team is providing non-food items, shelter, tarps, water, and sanitation assistance across the island. Dr Sites mentioned that the team plans to remain in Jamaica for at least a month, or longer if needed, to ensure continued support for the local community.
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NCU to resume classes on November 10 after Hurricane Melissa
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Northern Caribbean University (NCU) has announced that classes will recommence on Monday, November 10, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The university, in a statement released on Tuesday, acknowledged the profound challenges faced by students grappling with the devastation wrought by the hurricane. To address these difficulties, NCU has implemented a series of supportive measures tailored to assist students who may be unable to return to campus due to disrupted access to essential services such as transportation and internet connectivity. Students encountering such obstacles are encouraged to promptly contact their respective faculty chairs, deans, or regional campus coordinators to explore alternative learning arrangements, including adaptable assessment options for the current semester. For those unable to engage with the university within this academic period, NCU has pledged to facilitate their reintegration in January 2026, ensuring they receive the necessary support to navigate their recovery journey. Additionally, course materials and content will be made available on the Moodle platform, allowing students to progress at their own pace. The university has also committed to flexibility in assignment submissions and other academic activities, underscoring its dedication to student welfare during this challenging time.
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PNP’s Dwayne Vaz accuses former MP George Wright of hijacking hurricane relief supplies
In a heated session of the House of Representatives, Dwayne Vaz, the People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, accused his predecessor, George Wright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of hijacking a shipment of hurricane relief supplies intended for the constituency. The supplies were dispatched in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. Vaz described the incident as a blatant case of ‘political victimisation,’ alleging that Wright and his team diverted the aid from its intended recipients. The controversy unfolded on Tuesday, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s two-hour address detailing the preliminary damage estimates from the hurricane. Vaz claimed that despite assurances from the government to avoid politicized relief distribution, chaos ensued when Wright allegedly commandeered the supplies. Vaz recounted that Wright’s team arrived with trucks and loaded the relief materials, leaving the intended beneficiaries empty-handed. He emphasized the need for improved coordination and security during future relief operations, suggesting that the current MP should oversee distribution to ensure fairness. Vaz expressed concern over the public’s perception of the incident, noting that it left a ‘bitter taste’ among citizens who questioned the integrity of the relief process. He called for transparency and accountability to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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Customs urges donors to coordinate relief shipments through registered charities
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has issued a call to action for individuals planning to donate substantial quantities of relief supplies. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborating with registered local charities to ensure a streamlined and effective distribution process. Chief Information Officer André Williams clarified that while individuals are allowed to import a ‘reasonable quantity’ of approved relief items, larger shipments, such as 100 pairs of shoes, will be categorized as commercial quantities and require proper coordination with charitable organizations. Williams highlighted that these donations are intended for direct distribution to those in need, not for resale. He pointed out that registered charities, such as Food For the Poor, are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT), making them ideal partners for large-scale donations. The government has extended the duty- and tax-free period for relief supplies until December 31, ensuring that all shipments arriving before this date will benefit from the exemptions. Williams also advised donors of school supplies to work with the National Education Trust (NET), a government agency dedicated to improving Jamaica’s education sector. For healthcare-related donations, he recommended coordinating with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation. Williams reassured donors that despite potential logistical challenges during the busy holiday season, all eligible shipments will qualify for the tax relief if they arrive by the extended deadline.
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Prince Harry says proud to be British despite new life in US
LONDON, United Kingdom—Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to remember and honor military veterans, emphasizing the enduring sacrifices they have made. Speaking ahead of Britain’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations, the 41-year-old royal, who served two tours in Afghanistan, expressed his unwavering pride in his British heritage despite now residing in California.
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UK government deploys Royal Navy to support disaster relief efforts in Jamaica
In a significant move to bolster disaster relief efforts in Jamaica, the British Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Trent, arrived in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 4, equipped with specialized personnel and resources to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The vessel, manned by a 75-member crew including expert engineers, is set to play a pivotal role in infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, working in close collaboration with Jamaican authorities.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the critical role of the British Armed Forces in disaster relief missions, stating, ‘Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel bring invaluable engineering expertise to support local recovery efforts. This deployment reflects Britain’s commitment to standing with those in need during times of crisis.’
Chris Elmore, Minister for the Caribbean, highlighted the UK government’s relentless efforts to deliver relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent marks a crucial step in restoring vital infrastructure and supporting communities most affected by the hurricane,’ he said.
The deployment is part of a broader UK support package for Jamaica, which includes over 3,000 shelter kits, 1,500 solar-powered lanterns, and a Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. Additionally, the UK has pledged £7.5 million in emergency funding to address immediate humanitarian needs in the region.
British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent symbolizes our enduring partnership and dedication to helping Jamaica rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,’ she stated. The funding is facilitating the delivery of essential relief items and the deployment of UK humanitarian and technical experts to coordinate aid efforts effectively.