标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the YeCats Mobile Resource Centre has introduced the YeCats Mobile Classroom, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring educational stability in Jamaica’s hardest-hit areas. Launched on November 17 in Black River, the program has already begun transforming the lives of children, offering emergency literacy and numeracy support. Spearheaded by Stacey Robinson, founder and literacy coach of YeCats, the mobile classroom is a beacon of hope for communities grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. The initiative concluded its first week with a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, educators, and sponsors. As a fully mobile program, YeCats plans to expand its operations to other hurricane-affected regions, providing eight weeks of structured, rehabilitative learning in each location. Robinson emphasized the program’s mission: “Education must continue, even in the midst of crisis. Our children deserve stability, confidence, and an opportunity to keep learning.” Parents and students have already reported life-changing results. Marsha, a mother who volunteered at the mobile classroom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am so excited and glad that right now the kids can come out and go to school.” Children, too, are showing remarkable emotional and behavioral transformations. An 11-year-old boy, previously known for disciplinary issues, shared his commitment to change, stating, “Miss, mi aguh change and behave better.” The program’s innovative YeCats Sound Box, a phonics system, is a cornerstone of the curriculum, designed to build confident, fluent readers. Teachers and parents will also receive training to ensure continued progress outside the classroom. The initiative is supported by key partners, including Matthews and Clarke, Murray’s, and World Central Kitchen. Sandie Saunders of Matthews and Clarke Limited was particularly praised for her early endorsement, which was instrumental in mobilizing resources. Classes are held Mondays to Wednesdays in a safe learning tent donated by Murray’s, focusing on reading, writing, mathematics, and life skills. The program’s holistic approach includes one hour dedicated to activities supporting physical, emotional, and mental development, crucial for children recovering from trauma. With 70 students registering on the first day and 120 by the second, the program’s rapid growth underscores the urgent need for academic continuity and psychosocial support in disaster-stricken areas.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has issued a stern warning to the public following a violent incident involving vector control workers in Siloah, St Elizabeth. On Tuesday, November 18, a team of vector control workers was attacked with stones while addressing a machine malfunction. One worker was struck on the shoulder, and another was hit before the team retreated to avoid further harm. Two team members sustained injuries and required medical attention. The incident has been reported to the police. The SRHA emphasized that vector control workers are easily identifiable by their uniforms and identification cards and operate from clearly marked Ministry of Health and Wellness vehicles. The authority also reassured the public that the chemicals used in fogging are certified, safe, and approved for use in residential areas. In addition to vector control, the team has intensified its environmental health activities, including health education, inspections, and assessments in areas such as food safety, wastewater management, water quality monitoring, and general sanitation, to mitigate health risks in the parish.

The Jamaican Government is locked in a persistent struggle with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to obtain accurate and detailed information regarding the restoration of electricity following Hurricane Melissa. During a meeting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee at Gordon House on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer of the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy expressed frustration over JPS’s failure to provide parish-level and community-level updates. Palmer emphasized that broad percentage figures offered by JPS are insufficient and misleading, as they do not reflect the lived experiences of many Jamaicans still without power. MPs echoed these concerns, with St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell highlighting discrepancies in JPS’s claims of 79% restoration in her parish, noting that rural areas remain entirely without electricity. Palmer revealed that the Government has escalated the matter to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to ensure greater accountability. Additionally, the strained relationship between JPS and the Government, exacerbated by the impending renegotiation of JPS’s all-island licence, has further complicated recovery efforts. MPs also criticized the lack of structured communication from JPS, leaving them unable to address constituents’ urgent inquiries. Palmer assured the committee that the ministry is working to improve coordination and transparency, with the OUR tasked with verifying JPS’s cost estimates and supporting the Government’s push for clearer information.

The Jamaica Customs Agency has long been the target of public criticism over missing items, delayed baggage, and alleged inefficiencies. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex narrative. As a former employee of the agency, I have witnessed its ongoing transformation, including modernization of systems, stricter procedures, and efforts to eliminate loopholes that once facilitated illicit activities. While past shortcomings existed, the notion that Customs is solely responsible for missing goods from barrels is largely misplaced.