CLARKS TOWN, Trelawny — The quiet town of Clarks Town in Trelawny, Jamaica, faced unprecedented devastation when Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck on October 28. Residents not only fought to save their homes but also their livelihoods, particularly their chickens, which are a crucial part of their daily lives. In Bottom Town, Leford Brodie recounted risking his life to rescue the few surviving birds. ‘The storm blew everything away,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘I had to run into the coop and grab what I could, throwing them to safety with some pallets.’ Brodie’s makeshift coop, hastily constructed from scrap boards, now sits beneath his house. He estimates losing around 45 chickens, including several young ones. His neighbor, Cynthia Forbes, faced a different struggle, moving her household items, including her mattress and dresser, into her chicken coop to protect them from the relentless rain. ‘I lost everything,’ she said softly. ‘Everything from the house is in the coop. I’m just trying to save what I can before more rain comes.’ Across Bottom Town and the adjoining Mack Hill, the scene was one of widespread destruction: roofs torn off, trees uprooted, and frantic searches for shelter. Annette Redwood described the chaos: ‘When the houses started falling apart, people were running everywhere to find shelter. My brother ran from one house to the next as roofs collapsed one after another.’ At the time of the Observer’s visit, Redwood noted that the community had yet to receive any outside assistance. ‘Nobody at all,’ she said. ‘We still need help, anything you can do.’ Rashema Edwards and her aunt Darna Steele, who share a yard with several relatives, lost large sections of their roofs when a tree branch crashed through the boards. ‘This storm is the first Category 5 I’ve experienced in my life,’ Edwards said. ‘I had to go out in the storm to place sandbags on the roof to keep the zinc sheets down.’ Her aunt added, ‘We’ve lost the verandah zinc and one room’s zinc. We have nowhere to sleep. The government alone can’t fix this.’ Edwards reflected on the broader impact: ‘Melissa disfigured Jamaica. Everything up there is flattened.’ For those wishing to help, donations can be sent to Rashema Edwards at NCB Falmouth Branch #444273135 or to Janet Lindo (wife of Leford Brodie) at Scotiabank Falmouth Branch #428000. Despite the losses, the community spirit remains strong. Pastor Henry from a local church in Bottom Town said, ‘Nearly every house has some kind of damage. Many have lost their roofs, some their homes, but the people are pulling together. I lost lots of shingles myself, but the sun is shining — and that is a promise of a better day.’ Even the town’s historical centerpiece, St Michael’s Anglican Church, built around 1843, sustained roof damage. Once the heart of this 3,000-strong community, it now stands as a symbol of both loss and endurance.
标签： Jamaica
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Mbappe, PSG in counterclaims worth hundreds of millions
PARIS, France (AFP)—A high-stakes legal battle has erupted between French football star Kylian Mbappe and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with both parties filing multi-million euro claims against each other. Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, is seeking 263 million euros ($305 million) from PSG, alleging mistreatment and contractual disputes during his final months at the club. PSG, in turn, has countersued the 26-year-old forward for 240 million euros, citing financial losses from a failed 300 million euro transfer deal with Saudi club Al Hilal, which Mbappe rejected.
The dispute traces back to June 2023, when Mbappe filed a complaint against PSG, accusing the Qatari-owned club of sidelining him at the start of the 2023-24 season. He claims he was forced to train with players the club was looking to offload after he declined to renew his contract. This practice, which has affected other players, prompted the French players’ union to file a complaint last year.
Mbappe’s exclusion extended to PSG’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia, and he missed the first game of the season. However, he was later reinstated following discussions with the club. After seven prolific seasons with PSG, where he scored 256 goals in 308 games, Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer, reportedly earning an annual salary of 30 million euros. Interestingly, PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.
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Can Jamaica qualify for their second World Cup in 28 years?
The FIFA World Cup, a global football spectacle, continues to captivate millions as the 2026 edition approaches. With 211 member nations, FIFA surpasses the United Nations in membership, highlighting the sport’s universal appeal. The 2026 World Cup, set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey, will feature 48 teams, a significant increase from the 32-team format in Qatar 2022. As of November 15, 30 nations have secured their spots, leaving 18 slots to be contested in the coming months. Historically, only eight nations have claimed the coveted trophy, with Brazil leading with five titles. The competition remains fiercely exclusive, with 203 nations often content with merely qualifying. Jamaica’s historic qualification in 1998, under coach Rene Simoes, remains a beacon of hope for underdog nations. As the Reggae Boyz aim for their second World Cup appearance in 28 years, their journey underscores the challenges and triumphs of global football. The upcoming qualifiers, including Jamaica’s crucial match against Curacao, will determine whether the nation can replicate its 1997 success or settle for a playoff consolation.
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Discovery Bauxite supplying thousands with water during hurricane recovery
In the wake of a devastating hurricane, Discovery Bauxite has emerged as a vital lifeline for communities across St. Ann and neighboring parishes in Jamaica. With the National Water Commission (NWC) struggling to maintain supplies due to storm-related disruptions, the company’s water wells in Discovery Bay have become a crucial resource for residents, schools, agencies, and relief organizations. Water trucks, some traveling from as far as Montego Bay, have been loading at the facility to support relief efforts, including the World Central Kitchen team, which is preparing thousands of meals daily for distribution in the hardest-hit areas. The company’s open water standpipe near its public clinic in Jacks Lodge district has also seen heavy use, drawing residents from both its operating areas and beyond. Gratitude has poured in from individuals and organizations benefiting from the service. Pauline White, a small business operator from Farm Town, described the support as ‘a lifeline during a period when access to NWC supplies are down.’ Private truck operator Linburgh Gayle echoed this sentiment, noting the daily demand for water from schools, churches, families, and individuals in need. Discovery Bauxite has acknowledged the widespread hardship caused by the hurricane, pledging to continue its relief efforts as long as its pumps can handle the additional load. The company emphasized its commitment to assisting hundreds of people who travel from local communities and nearby parishes to access water, stating, ‘We are grateful for the opportunity to be of assistance in this time of national need.’
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Joe Lick Shot, renowned ‘vibes man’ of the dancehall, dies at 70
Joe Lick Shot, a pivotal figure in the vibrant dancehall scene of the 1980s, passed away on November 11 in Kingston at the age of 70. Born Harold Jackson, he was affectionately known as the ‘vibes man’ for his unique ability to energize crowds and introduce top-tier artists. His signature mimicry of gunfire became a hallmark at dances, earning him respect and admiration across the industry.
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TOUGH TASK
As schoolboy football resumes in Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, coaches Devon Anderson of Clarendon College and Jermaine Thomas of McGrath High are placing greater emphasis on the emotional and psychological recovery of their students rather than the sport itself. The ISSA daCosta Cup and Manning Cup competitions, paused since late October due to the Category 5 hurricane, are set to restart on November 29 for rural areas and a day earlier for urban zones. However, the return to the field has been overshadowed by the profound personal losses and trauma experienced by players and their families. Anderson, whose relative in western Jamaica suffered significant losses, has been supporting his team through grief and displacement. Similarly, Thomas, though grateful that McGrath High was relatively spared, acknowledges the challenges of motivating players who faced prolonged power outages and property damage. Both coaches have been working tirelessly to uplift their teams, with Anderson describing this period as one of the most difficult in his coaching career. ISSA’s efforts to ensure schools were adequately supported before resuming play have been praised, but the focus remains on helping students regain a sense of normalcy. While Clarendon College and McGrath High aim for success in the ongoing competitions, Anderson emphasizes that the current training sessions are more about enjoyment and emotional recovery than pressuring the players. The teams are taking it week by week, hoping to rebuild their rhythm and resilience in the wake of the hurricane’s impact.
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Ravaged Westmoreland communities receive help from Patricia Smith Foundation, Revival Council of Churches and Resort Areas Police
Under a drizzling, dusky sky, a woman stood with her hands on her head, gazing at the remnants of what might have been her home on Cooke Street in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland’s capital. The scene was hauntingly quiet, with roofless houses, shattered windows, and clothes hanging precariously on makeshift wires. Residents sat or stood in their yards, their faces etched with bewilderment, as the community grappled with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This devastation was part of a broader crisis in Westmoreland, where approximately 80% of homes were destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter or hope for a swift recovery. The hurricane’s impact was exacerbated by the region’s crumbling infrastructure, including poor roads and limited modern facilities. Amid this despair, Dr. Patricia Smith, a Jamaican-American philanthropist, spearheaded a relief mission to deliver essential supplies such as rice, canned food, chicken, and drinking water. Supported by the Sweet P Home Care, the Dr. Patricia V Smith Foundation, the Acts of Miracles Foundation, and the Secret Hearts Spiritual Church of Jesus Christ International, Dr. Smith’s efforts focused on the most vulnerable. She emphasized the urgent need for aid in outlying communities like Water Works, Georges Plain, and Little London, which had received less attention from donors. Inspector Hartley of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Resort Areas Division confirmed the scale of destruction, while Chief Apostle Dr. Ray Anthony Foster praised Dr. Smith’s leadership in initiating a long-term rebuilding effort. The relief groups also provided cooked meals at central locations, with Dr. Smith feeding over 100 people in Savanna-la-Mar. She called on organizations like the World Central Kitchen to prioritize Westmoreland. Preliminary estimates place the hurricane’s damage between US$6 billion and US$7 billion, equivalent to 28-32% of Jamaica’s GDP for fiscal year 2024/2025. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the community’s resilience and the collective efforts of local and international organizations offer a glimmer of hope for recovery.
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What to buy when everything feels ‘expensive’
In today’s economic climate, the perception of high prices pervades various sectors, from stocks and bonds to everyday essentials. This sentiment is particularly prevalent among investors. However, the notion of ‘expensive’ is inherently relative. Grasping its true meaning and adopting strategies to navigate this environment of elevated prices and cautious optimism can significantly impact long-term financial health.
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Carl Brown believes Boyz will give Jamaica ‘something to smile about’
Former Jamaica football coach Carl Brown has expressed unwavering confidence in the Reggae Boyz’s ability to triumph over Curacao in their upcoming World Cup qualifier. The crucial Group B Concacaf match is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium on Tuesday. Brown, who resides in South Florida, emphasized the importance of a victory for the nation, particularly in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He believes the team will deliver their best performance and secure a much-needed win. Curacao currently leads the group with 11 points, just one ahead of Jamaica. A draw would suffice for Curacao to become the smallest country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their previous encounter on October 10 saw Curacao defeat Jamaica 2-0 at home. Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McClaren, has faced criticism for his team selection during the November 11 match against Trinidad and Tobago, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Brown asserts that the players must rise to the occasion and deliver a victory that will bring joy to a nation still recovering from the hurricane’s aftermath. Brown, a former defender for Jamaica and Boys’ Town in the Major League, served as head coach when Jamaica won the Caribbean Cup in 1991. He later transitioned to technical director under Rene Simoes when the team qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France. Curacao, coached by the seasoned Dick Advocaat, boasts a roster of professional players based in Europe. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing significant damage across several parishes and resulting in 45 fatalities, according to the Jamaican government.
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Zulu Warrior spints home with URTAJ Trophy feature
Zulu Warrior showcased exceptional versatility and skill, securing a decisive victory in the $1.25-million StarGas United Racehorse Trainers Association of Jamaica (URTAJ) Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday. The four-year-old chestnut colt, owned by O&S Racers and trained by Adrian Prince, was expertly ridden by apprentice Tyrese Anderson. Competing in the Restricted Overnight Allowance event for native-bred three-year-olds and upward over six furlongs (1,200m), Zulu Warrior triumphed by an impressive 2 ½ lengths. The race began with Zulu Warrior taking an early lead, but he strategically allowed Comehometome (ridden by Abigail Able) to take charge near the half-mile mark. However, as the race turned for home, Zulu Warrior unleashed a powerful surge, propelling him to victory ahead of Oil Machine (Tajay Suckoo) and Provident (Tevin Foster). The winning time was recorded at 1:14.3. This victory marked the second win of the day for O&S Racers and Prince, who had earlier claimed the previous race with Shooting Star, ridden by Raddesh Roman. Trainer Ryan Darby also celebrated two victories on the day, with Don Almighty (Paul Francis) winning the opening event and Green Gold Rush (Tevin Foster) securing the sixth race. Racing enthusiasts now eagerly await the highly anticipated Jamaica Cup race day, continuing today.