标签： Jamaica

Jamaica’s cherished Christmas tradition of enjoying sorrel, a deep red, gingery drink made from the Roselle plant, faces significant challenges this year due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Farmers in the northeastern parish of St Mary report severe damage to sorrel crops, with yields expected to plummet to just 10% of normal levels. The Category 5 storm, coupled with pre-existing leaf diseases and relentless rainfall, has left many fields flattened and crops ruined. Dave Evans, a sorrel farmer from Richmond, shared that his usual harvest of 9,000 pounds has been drastically reduced, forcing him to declare a loss for the season. Comisha Campbell-Clunis, another farmer, saw her 3,500 sorrel plants dwindle to just 1,500 survivors. The scarcity is expected to drive prices up to $1,500 per pound, a steep increase from the usual $500. Veteran farmer Junior Williams, who cultivates a hardy variety of sorrel, emphasized the resilience of the crop but acknowledged that even his fields suffered damage. Across the sector, farmers are struggling to salvage what remains, but the festive season may see many Jamaican tables without the traditional sorrel drink. The Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green, has yet to comment on the situation, leaving farmers and consumers alike uncertain about the availability of this holiday staple.

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Sunday, November 23, retired sprint legend Asafa Powell transformed his birthday into a humanitarian effort, delivering homes to families devastated by Hurricane Melissa last month. Powell shared his experience on Instagram, stating, ‘Amazing way to spend my birthday! Delivering homes to families affected by the hurricane, who might not get to celebrate holidays like this. It was truly special seeing their smiles and tears of joy.’ He also expressed gratitude to donors who contributed through a GoFundMe campaign. Earlier this month, Powell and his wife, Alyshia, distributed groceries and toiletries to hurricane victims in Georges Valley, St Elizabeth, with support from U.S. Olympian Noah Lyles and his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, along with his fiancée, track athlete Junelle Bromfield. Powell’s efforts highlight his commitment to giving back to communities in need.