标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – During the Christmas period, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering ongoing assistance to individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Executive Director Dr. Christine Hendricks emphasized the organization’s dedication to both immediate relief and long-term recovery, while also addressing the psychological toll of the disaster.

Dr. Hendricks called on the public to help identify vulnerable individuals who might not be registered with the council, stating, “We encourage anyone involved in relief efforts to notify us if they encounter persons with disabilities requiring support.”

The council has implemented psychosocial programs for both staff and affected individuals, including prayer sessions and trauma counseling, to address the widespread emotional distress caused by the unprecedented hurricane—which brought winds reaching 185 miles per hour. “Many have endured severe trauma,” Dr. Hendricks noted. “These sessions provide essential tools for recovery.”

In December, the JCPD also distributed funds through its Economic Empowerment Grant (EEG) program, which offers up to $200,000 for individual applicants and $400,000 for groups to start or expand businesses. However, Dr. Hendricks clarified that current grant funds are depleted, and new applications from hurricane-affected individuals cannot be processed until the new financial year begins in April or May.

For those in agriculture, the council is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining to ensure farmers with disabilities receive necessary aid to rebuild their livelihoods. Additionally, UNESCO is assisting in procuring assistive devices for those in need.

The JCPD encourages registration through its “I Am Able – My JCPD” app, WhatsApp, social media, or website. Dr. Hendricks stressed that registration is essential for accessing financial benefits and grants, urging community and church leaders to help spread awareness.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant initiative to support agricultural recovery, Jamaica’s Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) will conduct a specialized livestock clinic this Friday, December 19, at its Westmoreland Parish Office in Llandilo. The event commences at 10:00 am, offering comprehensive animal health services at no cost to participants.

RADA Livestock Specialist Maxine Brown, in discussions with JIS News, emphasized the clinic’s critical role in providing professional veterinary care following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on local farming communities. “Livestock owners can bring their animals for immediate medical attention, receive expert guidance, and obtain practical solutions to enhance animal welfare and productivity,” Brown stated.

The clinic represents part of RADA’s broader post-hurricane response, with several similar events already conducted in severely affected parishes. Beyond direct animal care, veterinarians will consult with farmers unable to transport their livestock, diagnosing issues and providing necessary medications.

A notable public health component will address leptospirosis prevention, with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) providing crucial information on protecting both animals and humans from the disease. This integrated approach underscores Jamaica’s commitment to holistic agricultural support.

The event will feature collaborative participation from multiple organizations, including the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association and Baruch Distributors, creating a multidisciplinary support network for livestock farmers throughout Westmoreland and neighboring regions.

Brown reinforced RADA’s dedication to farmer support: “We remain committed to delivering accessible services that strengthen Jamaica’s livestock sector while safeguarding animal health and community wellbeing.”

Interested parties can contact the RADA Westmoreland Office at 955-2767 or 955-4446 for additional information regarding the clinic and its services.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Corporate entities have significantly bolstered a cherished police-community outreach program with substantial financial contributions aimed at expanding its reach. The Clarendon Police Division has received a generous $2-million Jamaican dollar donation to support the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative, designed to bring holiday joy to children facing adverse circumstances or trauma.

The funding, comprising contributions from Juici Patties staff and Continental Baking Company, was formally presented during a ceremony on December 15 at the Verandah within Juici Empowerment Park in Clarendon. This community-building program creates unique opportunities for children to select toys and gifts while accompanied by police officers, effectively fostering positive interactions and strengthening trust between law enforcement and citizens.

Custos of Clarendon and Juici Patties director Edith Chin emphasized the program’s significance, describing it as “a simple but meaningful programme that brings children and police officers together in a positive way during the holiday season.” The substantial donation will dramatically increase the initiative’s capacity, expanding from serving 50 children in the previous year to 200 beneficiaries this holiday season.

Continental Baking Company director Craig Hendrickson, whose organization contributed $1 million, expressed pride in supporting the initiative, noting it was “awesome to be a part of something that really helps kids, especially at this time right after Melissa. It is for those who are in need, it is something that is really special, and they will really appreciate it.”

Superintendent Anton-Gur Cardoza, Head of Operations for Clarendon Police, shared poignant insights from previous implementations, revealing that some children prioritized practical needs over toys. “Some of these children opted to go to the supermarket, some opted to get some things that we thought were very basic, but that was something that they really wanted for their Christmas to enjoy,” he recounted. The superintendent particularly recalled one child who requested only a pair of school shoes, which police happily provided along with additional gifts from stakeholders.

Juici Patties staff members expressed strong support for the program, with Executive Assistant Shelly-Ann Ford stating: “It is my responsibility to give back and support my company in this initiative because it is something that I am passionate about.” Management consultant Daniel Lowe praised the initiative as “a chance to spread a little love and light at this time of year,” while Marketing Manager Kellon Williams noted the importance of providing children with “a little treat outside of the essentials.”

Originally pioneered by the St Catherine South Police Division, the Shop With a Cop program has been adopted by multiple police divisions across Jamaica, evolving into one of the JCF’s most cherished Christmas traditions that continues to strengthen community bonds.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an inspiring display of community solidarity, renowned Jamaican selector Marlon ‘Boom Boom’ Wizard has reimagined his personal birthday celebration into a substantial humanitarian campaign for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative received significant backing from Boom Energy Drink, which contributed over one million Jamaican dollars (approximately $6,400 USD) in essential relief supplies.

The collaborative effort brought together personnel from Wisynco, Boom Energy Drink, Boom Boom’s World Team Ent, and the Boom Sunday Crew, who assembled more than 200 comprehensive care packages on Tuesday. These vital supplies were strategically distributed to severely impacted residents in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, with additional allocations directed to Dromilly Basic School and Hampden Primary School to support educational recovery efforts.

Beyond the prepared packages, Wizard personally donated critical infrastructure equipment including power generators, cooking stoves, and a substantial water tank to address immediate recovery needs and strengthen community resilience in the hurricane-affected regions.

Khaleel Smith, Brand Manager at Boom Energy Drink, emphasized the initiative’s significance: ‘Boom Boom has transformed his birthday into a powerful demonstration of generosity. Our collaboration perfectly embodies the ‘Boom with Love’ initiative’s core mission—channeling our energy and resources to create meaningful impact during times of crisis. Bringing both Christmas cheer and essential support to Melissa-affected communities represents exactly the type of difference we strive to make.’

The relief effort arrives during Jamaica’s critical recovery period following Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path, highlighting how public figures and corporate entities can effectively combine resources to address emergency community needs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican fire safety authorities have issued an urgent public advisory regarding the proper use of household electrical equipment, highlighting significant fire risks associated with common practices. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has intensified its safety campaign following concerns about widespread misuse of extension cords and power devices that could lead to dangerous overheating and residential fires.

Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer and Superintendent at JFB, delivered crucial technical guidance during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He emphasized that standard extension cords, particularly those with two-prong configurations, lack the capacity to handle substantial electrical loads. “Extension cords featuring only two prongs should be avoided entirely,” Ebanks stated. “Consumers must insist on three-prong designs incorporating negative, positive, and grounding connections for basic safety.”

The fire official specifically addressed the dangerous practice of physically altering three-prong plugs to fit outdated two-prong outlets. “Modifying plugs by removing the grounding prong with tools creates immediate fire hazards,” Ebanks warned. “If your electrical outlets cannot accommodate three-prong plugs, they require professional upgrading rather than makeshift solutions.”

Kitchen environments received particular attention in the safety briefing. Ebanks explained that manufacturers intentionally design kitchen appliances with short power cords to discourage extension cord use. High-wattage devices like blenders and mixers demand substantial energy transfer that most extension cords cannot safely conduct, leading to dangerous heat accumulation.

For enhanced protection, authorities recommend specialized equipment including refrigerator guards and certified surge protectors rather than conventional power strips. “Consumers must distinguish between genuine surge protectors and basic power distribution strips,” Ebanks clarified, urging careful product selection during purchases.

The JFB continues to reinforce electrical safety awareness through public education initiatives, aiming to reduce preventable residential fires across Jamaican communities.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage, a coalition of civic organizations has mobilized to support the recovery of a vital early childhood education center in St. James, Jamaica. The DRB Grant Demonstration Basic School, a cornerstone institution established in 1988, sustained near-total destruction, losing approximately 95% of its infrastructure according to Principal Heather Wiggan.

The hurricane’s impact rendered the physical plant inoperable, stripping roofs, submerging classrooms in mud and silt, and destroying all educational furniture and equipment. This forced an immediate transition to remote learning modalities—a strategy previously developed during COVID-19 disruptions—though connectivity challenges persist. Teachers now distribute digital activities and conduct limited in-person reviews weekly.

Volunteers from the JN Foundation and the National Helmet Wearing Coalition conducted intensive cleanup operations, removing debris and cleansing mud-filled spaces to enable damage assessment and future reconstruction. Laurie Radlin-Walker, a coalition volunteer, emphasized the humanitarian imperative: ‘This is for the children… once they can return to a clean environment, that makes it worth it.’

Sydoney Preddie, JN Foundation’s youth and education lead, characterized the cleaning as a critical first phase before structural repairs can commence. The initiative aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to educational development, particularly recognizing the foundational importance of early childhood learning.

Despite progress, Principal Wiggan underscores substantial unmet needs: major reconstruction, building supplies, classroom resources, and cafeteria equipment. The institution, serving 165 students and functioning as a training model for early childhood educators, seeks further corporate and public support to restore a safe, nurturing learning environment.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican athletic community is mourning the loss of revered nonagenarian runner Roy Thomas, who passed away at age 97. Thomas, a fixture in the island’s running scene, was celebrated for his extraordinary longevity and dedication to the sport.

The Reggae Marathon, Jamaica’s premier distance running event, officially announced Thomas’s passing in Kingston through a heartfelt social media tribute on Thursday. The organization honored his legacy as both a perennial participant and fervent supporter, highlighting his role as an inspirational figure for generations of athletes.

Historical participation records indicate Thomas successfully completed numerous marathon and half-marathon events throughout his exceptional running career, demonstrating remarkable physical conditioning and mental determination well into his advanced years.

The tribute concluded with poignant remembrance: “Daddy Roy/ Roy Thomas/ Uncle Roy 1928 – 2025. Gone but never forgotten!” – a testament to the multiple generations of runners who held him in affectionate esteem. His passing marks the conclusion of an era for Jamaica’s fitness community, though his legacy as an exemplar of lifelong wellness and athletic commitment endures.