Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, has voiced profound disappointment with the results of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil. Leading Jamaica’s delegation, Samuda criticized the conference for failing to address the escalating global climate crisis with the urgency it demands. Speaking at a virtual press conference titled ‘Islands, the climate finance gap, and COP30 reflections,’ Samuda highlighted the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by extreme weather events. He emphasized that the lack of commitment from major global carbon-emitting nations has exacerbated the challenges faced by vulnerable countries like Jamaica. Samuda pointed out that Jamaica has endured record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, and storms in recent years, underscoring the tangible effects of climate change. While he acknowledged some positive developments at COP30, such as the progress on the Loss and Damage Fund and Brazil’s Tropical Forest Forever initiative, Samuda stressed that these efforts fall short of the transformative action needed. He expressed hope that Jamaica would receive targeted funding to rebuild with greater resilience, but reiterated that the global community must take the plight of small island nations more seriously.
标签： Jamaica
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Jamaica to get healthcare boost with arrival of Chinese naval hospital ship — Tufton
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development for hurricane-stricken Jamaica, the Chinese naval hospital ship Silk Road Ark has arrived in Jamaican waters, bringing substantial medical reinforcement to the Caribbean nation. The vessel, carrying 104 specialized medical personnel, represents a major international effort to support Jamaica’s healthcare system following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, confirmed the ship’s arrival during a Thursday press briefing, noting that the medical vessel reached Jamaican territorial waters on November 22 and is currently stationed at Pedro Keys. The ship is scheduled to relocate to Falmouth Pier during the upcoming weekend, where it will begin operations.
The medical contingent aboard includes 60 physicians, 32 nursing professionals, pharmaceutical experts, and technical staff, creating a comprehensive healthcare delivery capability. Dr. Tufton emphasized that this infusion of medical expertise will significantly enhance Jamaica’s capacity to provide critical healthcare services during the recovery period.
Minister Tufton expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese government for their timely assistance, stating: “This medical floating vessel, complete with personnel and equipment, represents exactly the type of support we need as we work to rebuild our healthcare infrastructure. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer is coordinating with the Chinese medical team to develop the most effective approach for patient treatment and clinical support.”
The Chinese medical mission joins similar efforts from multiple nations including the United Kingdom, United States, India, Spain, and Israel, all of which have dispatched medical teams to assist Jamaica in its post-hurricane recovery. This collective international response highlights the global solidarity in addressing the healthcare challenges posed by natural disasters in the Caribbean region.
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Rainforest Salmon & Ackee Quiche
Chef Samantha George’s Salmon & Ackee Quiche is a culinary masterpiece designed for those moments when you want to slow down and create something truly special. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a light lunch, this dish is a testament to the art of cooking with care and intention. Every step, from searing the salmon to blind-baking the crust, is a labor of love, resulting in a rich, delicate, and deeply satisfying quiche that speaks volumes about the power of food as an expression of love.\n\nThe recipe begins with a homemade tart crust, crafted from cold butter, all-purpose flour, and a touch of egg and water. The dough is rolled out, blind-baked, and set aside to cool, ensuring a perfectly crisp base. The filling features a harmonious blend of pan-seared Rainforest salmon, canned ackee, sautéed mixed vegetables, and a hint of garlic, all seasoned with an all-purpose spice blend. A creamy custard, made from eggs and whole milk, ties the ingredients together, while grated cheddar cheese adds a layer of richness.\n\nOnce assembled, the quiche is baked until the custard is set and the top is golden. The final touch? A layer of smoked salmon and fresh scallions, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Served warm or at room temperature, this quiche is a showstopper, ideal for sharing with loved ones on special occasions.\n\nServing Size: 6–8 slices\nServes: 6 as a main, 8 as a side or brunch plate
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Excessive heat predicted for upcoming dry season in Barbados
BASSETERRE, St Kitts – Climate scientists are issuing urgent warnings about the Caribbean’s upcoming dry season, projecting unprecedented heat stress that will severely test the region’s infrastructure and population. Dr. Cedric Van Meerbeeck, a prominent climatologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, presented a sobering assessment during the 2025 Dry Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum, indicating that the period from December 2025 through May 2026 will create substantial challenges across multiple sectors.
The forecast indicates that the traditional dry season will be characterized by excessive heat with limited cooling periods, creating conditions that will significantly impact agricultural productivity, public health systems, and tourism operations. The most critical period is expected during April and May 2026, when temperatures are projected to reach their peak intensity.
A significant complicating factor involves Sahara dust patterns, which scientists cannot yet accurately predict. This atmospheric dust absorbs moisture and creates stable inversion layers that suppress rainfall, potentially exacerbating drought conditions throughout the region. Particular concern exists for the Windward Islands, including Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where drought-like conditions are anticipated.
The health implications are particularly alarming, with projections indicating increased hospital visits due to heat-related illnesses, water-borne diseases, and respiratory conditions. The absence of nighttime cooling will prevent natural temperature recovery, leading to cumulative physical fatigue and heightened vulnerability among populations with pre-existing health conditions.
While December 2025 through February 2026 may offer some respite with relatively comfortable temperatures, this period will still be warmer than historical averages. The transition into April and May will feature rapid warming trends, making heat waves increasingly probable. Vulnerable populations and livestock will face escalating risks as the season progresses, with heat stress episodes expected to become more frequent and intense toward the season’s conclusion.
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Guyana launches workplace national gender equality and empowerment seal
In a groundbreaking move, Guyana has introduced the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, becoming the first Caribbean nation to implement such an initiative. This program is designed to foster safe, inclusive, and equitable work environments across both public and private sectors.
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JLP scraps annual conference for 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an unprecedented move signaling a shift from decades of political tradition, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has officially called off its scheduled 2025 Annual Conference. The decision emerged from a unanimous vote during the party’s Standing Committee assembly on November 18, as confirmed by Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP Communication Taskforce.
The resolution will proceed to the JLP’s Central Executive for final ratification at their December 7 convening. This marks the first cancellation of the party’s hallmark November event in recent history, breaking with customary political gatherings that typically serve as platforms for policy announcements and membership mobilization.
Senior party representatives emphasize that this strategic reallocation of resources stems from the urgent need to address Jamaica’s recovery trajectory in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath. The catastrophic weather event inflicted substantial damage across the island nation, compelling a unified governmental and societal response.
Rather than channeling funds and organizational energy into conference preparations, the JLP will pivot全部 focus toward disaster relief initiatives, infrastructure rehabilitation, and community support programs. The party’s leadership asserts that national rebuilding efforts must take precedence over political ceremonies during this critical recovery period, demonstrating institutional adaptability in times of crisis.
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Preemie Foundation to stage inaugural Pedal & Stroll charity 5K on Sunday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica is gearing up to host its first-ever Pedal & Stroll — Cycle, Run, Walk for Preemies 5K event on Sunday, November 30, at the Hope Zoo in St Andrew. The event, designed to support premature babies and hurricane relief efforts, will kick off at 6:00 am with a warm-up session led by Body By Kurt Fitness. Participants, including cyclists, runners, and walkers, will embark on a 5K looped course around the Hope Zoo walking trail, with each participant receiving a commemorative medal upon completion.
Serika Sterling, founder and chairwoman of the Preemie Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, ‘We are thrilled to bring our supporters together for a meaningful morning dedicated to Jamaica’s preemies.’ The event aims to raise funds for the Special Care Nursery at Princess Margaret Hospital, a critical facility for neonatal care. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to Mandeville Regional Hospital to aid recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Sterling emphasized the foundation’s commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges faced by families and healthcare facilities in the aftermath of the hurricane. ‘Many communities and hospitals are still grappling with the effects of Hurricane Melissa. Supporting Mandeville Regional Hospital allows us to address immediate needs while reinforcing our broader mission of healthcare resilience,’ she explained.
The Pedal & Stroll initiative was first announced in September at the Toyota Jamaica showroom and is being organized in collaboration with the Jamaica Cycling Federation, which is overseeing the cycling component of the event. Beyond the race, attendees can participate in a cool-down session and contribute to hurricane relief efforts by donating non-perishable food items and clothing for babies and children. The foundation encourages patrons to bring these items to the event to support ongoing recovery initiatives.
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MLSS deepens partnership with World Food Programme to boost post-Hurricane relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant escalation of disaster response capabilities, Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has deepened its strategic partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) to address widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. This reinforced collaboration marks a critical phase in the nation’s recovery trajectory.
The revitalized alliance features a comprehensive WFP proposal to deliver essential support to approximately 200,000 Jamaican citizens over a three-month duration. This ambitious initiative, valued at an estimated US$30 million, encompasses multi-faceted assistance including nutritional aid, financial support, logistical coordination, and emergency telecommunications infrastructure.
Current distribution efforts have successfully delivered 24,500 specialized food kits across severely impacted parishes including St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland. Each nutritionally balanced kit provides sustenance for a three-person household throughout one week. With operational capabilities expanding, the WFP has outlined plans to reach an additional 46,000 beneficiaries in the immediate future.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr emphasized the transformative impact of this partnership, noting substantially enhanced capabilities for real-time needs assessment and rapid response coordination. The integration with Jamaica’s advanced Household Disaster Impact and Needs Assessment (JHDINA) digital platform has been particularly instrumental, facilitating 22,340 detailed household evaluations to guide data-driven resource allocation.
The collaboration has additionally enabled comprehensive evaluation of the MLSS Community Feedback Mechanism, identifying operational gaps and implementing improvements to better serve hurricane-affected communities. This systematic approach has strengthened government-led accountability frameworks, ensuring transparent assistance distribution to the most vulnerable populations.
Substantial material support has been provided through the WFP’s contribution of critical operational assets including transport trucks, power generators, forklifts, modular storage units, pallet systems, and specialized sector equipment. Strategic establishment of seven emergency staging areas in key locations such as Montego Bay, Kingston, and Black River has created a network for rapid deployment of relief supplies to affected regions.
Brian Bogart, Representative for the WFP Caribbean Office, confirmed the organization’s sustained engagement throughout the crisis timeline. “The WFP maintained full commitment to supporting national emergency response protocols even prior to Hurricane Melissa’s landfall. Our operations are fully embedded within national systems to ensure multilateral support aligns precisely with Government of Jamaica priorities,” Bogart stated.
Current achievements include emergency food kit distribution to over 35,000 vulnerable individuals, with preparations underway to double this reach within coming days. Collective efforts between MLSS, WFP, and the Jamaica Defence Force have distributed 59,320 food packages nationwide, leveraging WFP’s logistical expertise, supply chain management, and digital assessment technologies.
Both organizations have formally reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining support throughout Jamaica’s ongoing recovery process, demonstrating unprecedented cooperation in post-disaster rehabilitation efforts.
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WATCH: Maxfield Park Children’s Home donates care packages to Hurricane Melissa victims
In an extraordinary display of compassion, residents and staff of Kingston’s Maxfield Park Children’s Home have organized their largest-ever humanitarian initiative by assembling essential care packages for victims of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, delivered to the Crisis Support Charity, represents a remarkable gesture from children in institutional care toward peers experiencing crisis circumstances.
Steve Joseph, Director of Crisis Support Charity, expressed profound gratitude upon receiving the unexpected contribution. “We were genuinely surprised when Maxfield Park contacted us,” Joseph revealed. “Their children specifically requested to support other vulnerable youth affected by the disaster.” The carefully curated packages contain practical necessities including diapers, clothing, and toiletries, alongside thoughtful additions of toys, coloring books, and crayons selected by the children themselves.
Tocquet Palmer, Manager of Maxfield Park Children’s Home, described the project as a ‘gift of love’ that embodied the residents’ enthusiastic participation. “The children immediately embraced this opportunity without hesitation,” Palmer noted. “While adults prioritized practical supplies, the children added their personal touches—reminding us that recovery involves both practical and emotional support.”
Many young participants expressed aspirations to personally visit affected communities, demonstrating their commitment to hands-on assistance. Palmer emphasized the significance of this outreach occurring during the holiday season: “This charitable act carries special meaning as we approach Christmas. Their genuine investment in helping others reflects incredible emotional maturity.”
The initiative highlights how even communities with limited resources can mobilize meaningful support during emergencies, setting a powerful example of youth-led philanthropy and community solidarity in post-disaster recovery efforts.
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I Love Jamaica Telethon raises $65m for Hurricane Melissa relief
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national recovery initiative for Hurricane Melissa devastation has received an extraordinary financial infusion, with the recently concluded “I Love Jamaica” Telethon generating over $65 million in donations and pledges. The monumental fundraising achievement was confirmed by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange.
The virtual benefit concert, broadcast worldwide on Sunday through both traditional media and digital platforms, featured performances by approximately 30 of Jamaica’s most celebrated musical talents spanning reggae, dancehall, and gospel genres. This cross-genre collaboration created a powerful demonstration of cultural solidarity.
Minister Grange disclosed that $45.76 million has already been secured in the official Support Jamaica account, with an additional $19.97 million in committed pledges scheduled for collection in the coming days. The minister expressed profound appreciation for the widespread support from both local and international contributors.
“Our heartfelt gratitude extends to every individual donor across the island and diaspora, corporate Jamaica, and global supporters standing with our communities most severely affected by this catastrophic hurricane,” Minister Grange stated during her address.
The production represented a collaborative endeavor between Jamaica’s entertainment industry and government ministries. Minister Grange specifically acknowledged the extraordinary contributions from performing artists, sports personalities, media broadcasters, and corporate sponsors including Red Stripe and Digicel.
Corporate partners emphasized the telethon’s significance in showcasing national resilience. Sean Wallace, Red Stripe’s Head of Commerce, noted the event highlighted the unwavering strength of Jamaican unity, reaffirming his company’s commitment to long-term community recovery efforts.
Nicholette McFarlane, Digicel’s Head of Marketing, characterized participation as both an honor and privilege, emphasizing the powerful display of global Jamaican solidarity.
The national relief program continues to accept public contributions through official portals at supportjamaica.gov.jm and japromise.org. Additionally, mobile donations are being processed via text messaging system: Text “GIVE” to 876-444-5501 ($150 donation), 876-444-5502 ($1,000 donation), or 876-444-5503 ($5,000 donation).
This telethon marks the initial phase of the broader “I Love Jamaica” fundraising campaign, with planned physical benefit concerts scheduled in international cities with significant Jamaican populations including London, New York, and Miami.