标签： Jamaica

The tranquil coastal community of Rocky Point in Clarendon was shrouded in profound grief Friday as residents struggled to comprehend Thursday night’s horrific triple murder. Local authorities have detained a fisherman who allegedly used a machete to kill his mother, brother, and cousin in what appears to be the violent culmination of longstanding family tensions.

Victims have been identified as 32-year-old fisherman Lynval Henry, domestic worker and vendor Annette Lindo, and vendor Ingrid Keisha Lindo. The close-knit fishing community expressed particular shock given the suspect’s previous reputation as a diligent worker who had recently begun constructing his own home to gain independence.

Community member Charles Sinclair revealed the tragedy may have roots in financial disputes and relationship conflicts dating back two years. According to Sinclair, the accused had experienced volatile relations with a Haitian woman, believed to be his wife and mother of his child, with frequent arguments occurring despite apparent affection between them.

Disturbingly, Sinclair recounted that the fisherman had recently experienced psychological distress while at sea, reportedly sharing visions of his entire household being deceased. Paradoxically, on Thursday evening, the suspect prepared dinner for his family before the violence erupted. His mother reportedly made frantic phone calls describing his strange behavior while armed with a machete, but the recipient feared intervention.

Winston Simms, a cousin of the accused, required blood pressure medication upon learning of the tragedy, expressing both grief for the victims and pity for the perpetrator. Local Councillor Winston Maragh expressed complete astonishment, noting there were no observable warning signs prior to the incident and characterizing the violence as a sudden psychological rupture rather than premeditated action.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Project STAR has initiated a comprehensive recovery program in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Cash for Care & Work Initiative represents a strategic shift from traditional relief distribution toward sustainable recovery efforts focused on restoring livelihoods and community stability.

The program targets residents of Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland and Salt Spring in St. James, offering short-term employment opportunities centered on safe debris removal from homes, public areas, and critical access routes. This approach simultaneously addresses both infrastructure rehabilitation and income disruption within affected communities.

Through Project STAR’s established economic training framework, workers receive specialized instruction in safe handling protocols, proper protective equipment usage, and environmentally responsible disposal and recycling methods. This training component ensures both immediate employment and skill development for longer-term resilience.

Saffrey Brown, Project STAR’s director, emphasized the program’s human-centered philosophy: “This initiative reflects our deliberate focus on longer-term recovery that places people and dignity at the center. We’re moving beyond simple relief distribution while acknowledging many households remain under significant emotional, economic, and social strain.”

The program incorporates multiple support dimensions, including assistance for households facing increased caregiving demands due to hurricane impacts. Additionally, a limited number of micro and small business operators who sustained substantial losses will receive support to restart operations and restore income stability.

UNDP Multi-country Office Jamaica Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday highlighted the partnership’s strategic importance: “The need for collaborative responses to support Jamaica’s most vulnerable communities has never been greater. This partnership delivers practical solutions where they are needed most.”

Civil society organizations within affected communities are facilitating transparent beneficiary selection and ongoing monitoring to ensure measurable impact. Selection criteria prioritize those most severely affected, including women-headed households, elderly residents, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.

Brown noted the program’s foundational principles of fairness, inclusion, and accountability, particularly for communities that experienced heightened vulnerability before the hurricane. The initiative represents a dual approach addressing immediate needs while building community preparedness and capacity for future challenges.

CLAREMONT, ST ANN — What began as a secret fascination with culinary arts during high school has blossomed into a remarkable entrepreneurial success story for Amoy Anthony Whithorn. The Tacky High graduate initially enrolled in woodwork classes like his peers, yet found himself consistently drawn to the home economics department, captivated by the culinary creations unfolding behind those doors.

Despite graduating without formal culinary training, Whithorn’s passion propelled him into an apprentice chef position at Sheila’s Homemade Pastries in Ocho Rios. This pivotal opportunity ignited his professional journey, providing foundational skills in baking and cake decoration that would shape his future. His culinary education continued at Golden Loaf Bakery, where he mastered traditional Jamaican pastries including bread and bulla.

Whithorn’s dedication extended beyond workplace hours as he tirelessly refined his techniques at home, experimenting with innovative ingredients and incorporating family feedback to perfect his craft. His commitment to excellence quickly earned him local recognition for both taste and presentation, ultimately leading to an international position aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas cruise liner.

In 2019, Whithorn and his wife Tavia launched a home-based baking venture that immediately resonated with customers. The overwhelming response prompted their evolution into a brick-and-mortar establishment—Amaze Bakery—which opened during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic in Claremont, St Ann.

Today, Amaze Bakery has established itself as a culinary destination renowned for its diverse offerings including coconut drops, muffins, bulla, bread, bun, pudding, pizzas, and custom-designed cakes. The bakery’s reputation has transcended national borders, with international clients placing advance orders for authentic Jamaican baked goods before visiting the island.

Despite temporary setbacks from Hurricane Melissa delaying supermarket distribution plans, Whithorn maintains unwavering confidence in his bakery’s future growth. The humble St Mary native expresses profound gratitude for community support and envisions Amaze Bakery emerging stronger as Jamaica continues its economic recovery.

A groundbreaking virtual benefit event dubbed ‘Melissathon’ is scheduled for December 21st, organized by Jamaican entrepreneur Dr. Garfield McCook from his base in Atlanta, Georgia. This innovative musical marathon aims to generate crucial funds for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through Jamaica in late October.

The three-hour streaming event will broadcast live from APAP Media Group Studios in Stone Mountain, Georgia, airing simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube platforms from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST. Dr. McCook, founder of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), has assembled an impressive roster of musical talent from previous competition years to participate in this humanitarian initiative.

The conceptual framework emerged from McCook’s desire to leverage his platform for meaningful disaster response. “The vision crystallized as I contemplated how JIIFSC could contribute to hurricane relief efforts,” McCook explained. “We’ve created a format where 47 competition artists will showcase their entries from 2021 through 2025 while encouraging donations for Melissa victims – hence the portmanteau ‘Melissathon.’”

Notable performers include all five JIIFSC winners: Lavie Lujah, Barrington (GoddySon) Burke-Green, Leon “Letonick” Denton, Lionel Denton, Ernel Earlington/Doxology, and Lee “Preist” Johnson. The event will feature co-hosts Tony Anthony, Paul Abrahams, Mr Mighty, and Richard “Missa B” Blackford alongside McCook.

The organizer personally witnessed the destruction in Falmouth, Trelawny, and the particularly devastated Black River region of St. Elizabeth following the Category 5 hurricane’s October 28th landfall. All proceeds generated through donations at jiifsc.com will be formally transferred to appropriate Jamaican authorities for targeted disaster recovery efforts.

Amidst ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Sandals Foundation orchestrated a special holiday celebration for approximately 400 children in Whitehouse, Westmoreland. The event transformed the Sandals South Coast football field into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a team of vibrant elves brought seasonal magic to young survivors.

Children from four local educational institutions—Culloden Infant School, Kings Primary School, Petersville Primary School, and Whitehouse Early Childhood Institute—participated in an array of festive activities including musical entertainment, artistic workshops, storytelling sessions, craft creation, and recreational games. The foundation provided delicious treats and distributed toys donated by prominent North American companies including Spin Master, Jazwares, and The Toy Foundation.

In a significant psychosocial support initiative, Sesame Workshop characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby engaged children in emotional processing activities. These specially designed interventions helped children express complex feelings in the aftermath of the hurricane, with families receiving customized workbooks to support ongoing coping and emotional healing.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the importance of maintaining childhood normalcy during recovery: ‘While families in Whitehouse have endured tremendous hardship, we believe nothing should diminish the holiday season’s magic. Our focus remains on ensuring children feel supported, safe, and uplifted throughout the recovery process.’

The event represents one component of a broader Caribbean-wide initiative distributing 45,000 toys across the region. In Jamaica specifically, the foundation will distribute 18,000 toys through partnerships with Food For the Poor, Rainforest Foundation, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, targeting communities most affected by October’s hurricane.

Mark Khouri, Executive Vice-President of Food For the Poor, confirmed his organization would facilitate distribution of 4,000 toys across Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James parishes, focusing on families who suffered significant losses.

Since Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has coordinated with local and international partners to provide essential support including shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. The organization has additionally worked to maintain hospital functionality and support economic recovery for fishers and small business operators.

Looking toward long-term recovery, the foundation has committed to rebuilding and renovating damaged schools in coming months to restore educational normalcy for Jamaican children.