标签： Jamaica

In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has introduced the Host School Initiative to ensure uninterrupted education for students from severely impacted schools. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, the Portfolio Minister, announced the initiative during a Senate session on November 21, emphasizing its temporary nature and the importance of maintaining students’ ties to their original institutions. The initiative allows students from non-operational schools to continue their education in host schools for a defined period, supported by regional coordination, psychosocial services, and accountability measures. Morris Dixon highlighted the enthusiastic response from principals of both public and private schools, who have volunteered to accommodate displaced students, showcasing Jamaica’s collective commitment to its youth. Parents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s regional offices to secure spots in participating schools, including Kingston Technical High School, St Andrew Technical High School, Campion College, and Ardenne High. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure educational continuity, with other models such as rotational schedules, temporary sites, and remote learning through printed kits and radio broadcasts being implemented based on the severity of infrastructure damage and available resources.

In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity and Caribbean pride, Caribbean legislators in New York have mobilized their community to provide essential relief to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Spearheading the initiative were Jaime Williams, Chairwoman of New York State’s emergency response and disaster preparedness, and Monique Chandler-Waterman, Co-Chair of the Caribbean American Delegation. Both assembly members organized an “urgent packing day” at TriniJam BK, a Caribbean restaurant in Brooklyn, to gather supplies for Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Calvin Sennon, co-owner of TriniJam BK, described the scene as volunteers transformed the restaurant into a hub of compassion, with tables overflowing with essential items such as hygiene kits, canned goods, and flashlights. Families, students, and local organizations worked tirelessly, assembling critical supplies destined for Jamaican relief centers. Williams, a seasoned leader in disaster recovery, emphasized the urgency of the situation, praising the Caribbean Diaspora and Brooklyn community for their swift response. Chandler-Waterman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the Caribbean community. The initiative also saw participation from local officials, non-profits, and faith leaders, reflecting the deep cultural and familial ties that unite New York’s Caribbean population. As shipments began their journey to Jamaica, Williams and Chandler-Waterman pledged continued support in the weeks ahead, while also acknowledging the ongoing recovery needs of other Caribbean islands affected by previous hurricanes.

In a significant move to support tourism workers affected by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has announced the establishment of a $1 billion recovery fund. The initiative, backed by both government and private sector contributions, aims to provide immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for those impacted by the natural disaster. The government has pledged $600 million, while private sector organizations have contributed over $400 million, showcasing a collaborative effort to safeguard the livelihoods of tourism employees. Bartlett highlighted the resilience of the sector, emphasizing the importance of protecting the workforce that embodies the ‘Jamaica brand.’ During a recent tour of hotels and attractions in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, the minister praised the swift mobilization of resources and the commitment of industry leaders. Notably, RIU Hotels has pledged $1 million for relief efforts and an additional $1.3 million for staff home repairs. Bartlett commended such initiatives, stating they not only provide essential support but also reinforce confidence in the sector’s recovery. The minister also stressed the importance of ongoing worker rehabilitation programs, including health support, training, and re-skilling, to ensure the long-term sustainability of Jamaica’s hospitality industry. Bartlett expressed his gratitude for the sector’s unified response and called for continued collaboration to maintain momentum in rebuilding efforts, with workers at the heart of every plan.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has delivered more than one million hot meals to residents in western Jamaica, offering crucial support to those impacted by the disaster. This milestone was announced by Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during a press briefing following an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting on November 20. Mayor Vernon highlighted the significant aid provided to St James and expressed gratitude for WCK’s ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable communities across the municipality. He praised the dedication of volunteers and donors, urging continued contributions to sustain the initiative, which serves a vital humanitarian purpose. WCK, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010, specializes in rapid food relief during emergencies, setting up kitchens and collaborating with local partners to deliver immediate assistance. Shifting focus, Mayor Vernon also addressed the reopening of Montego Bay’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the city’s economy. He emphasized that tourism contributes 30% to Jamaica’s GDP and 25% of national employment, with Montego Bay relying on it for over half of its economic activity and jobs. Vernon detailed efforts to restore hotels safely, ensuring workers regain employment. He commended Sandals for retaining its staff and encouraged other hotels to follow suit. The mayor underscored the importance of reopening tourism facilities to maintain Montego Bay’s appeal to visitors and assured that recovery efforts would balance economic revitalization with addressing residents’ immediate needs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced that 78% of Jamaica’s schools, totaling 791 institutions, have reopened as of November 19, 2025, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The minister highlighted the critical role of resuming normal routines for children in overcoming trauma during a Senate statement on Friday. She praised principals and board chairs for their efforts in restoring educational operations under challenging conditions. Morris Dixon also acknowledged the support of Opposition representative Damion Crawford in expediting the reopening process. Additionally, the government has allocated $325 million in clean-up grants to over 500 schools, with funds ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000 based on the severity of hurricane damage. These grants will support debris removal, sanitation, and the restoration of utilities and essential amenities. The minister commended the collaborative efforts of school leaders, staff, students, and community volunteers in the clean-up process, emphasizing the pivotal role of schools in rebuilding community normalcy.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican firefighters have been inundated with emergency calls, primarily addressing structural and electrical fires. Fire Chief Stewart Beckford revealed that the hardest-hit parishes—Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—are grappling with widespread debris, dry mountain ranges, and downed utility poles, which have become significant fire hazards. Between October 28, when the Category 5 storm struck, and November 19, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) responded to 143 fire-related incidents, including 58 structural fires and 34 electrical or utility pole fires. Additionally, 25 landfill fires, 17 bush fires, and nine vehicle fires were reported. Tragically, seven deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators were also recorded. Beckford emphasized that many structural fires originated in Westmoreland and rural communities, where residents rely on candles for light due to prolonged power outages. He urged caution when using candles, advising against placing them near flammable materials and recommending the use of water-filled containers to prevent accidental fires. The fire chief also highlighted the dangers of burning debris, a common practice post-hurricane, and called for safer disposal methods. Bush fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, have further strained firefighting resources, with some areas remaining inaccessible due to flooding and landslides. Beckford expressed regret over the carbon monoxide-related deaths, reiterating the importance of placing generators at a safe distance from homes and ensuring proper ventilation. He appealed to Jamaicans to prioritize safety and avoid practices that could lead to further disasters.