标签： Jamaica

During a high-profile murder trial at the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston, a director from the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) testified on Monday that she could not confirm whether Donna-Lee Donaldson, a 24-year-old social media influencer, might have left Jamaica through an illegal port of entry. The director emphasized that PICA’s records only document legal entries and exits, leaving gaps in tracking unauthorized departures. The testimony came during cross-examination by Chadwick Berry, an attorney representing Constable Noel Maitland, who faces charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of a corpse in connection with Donaldson’s disappearance on July 12, 2022. Donaldson was last seen at Maitland’s apartment in the Chelsea Manor complex in St Andrew, where forensic evidence, including blood matching her DNA, was discovered. Berry questioned the witness about the possibility of Donaldson leaving Jamaica via unconventional means, such as a banana boat or an unregistered aircraft using illegal ports. The director confirmed that such departures would not be reflected in PICA’s computerized border management system, which logs only authorized travel. She also disclosed that Donaldson’s last recorded travel date was March 12, 2021, and provided details about her passport and an alternate name, Donna-Lee Sophia White, which was linked to a child’s passport last used in 2013. The trial continues today.

In the wake of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast on October 28, Stewart’s Automotive Group has spearheaded a substantial relief effort, mobilizing over $30 million to aid affected communities across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. Through its philanthropic arms, the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and the Kind Hearts Foundation, the group has distributed essential supplies—including food, water, mattresses, and clothing—to more than 2,000 families in western Jamaica.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, the National Housing Trust (NHT) is urging contributors and mortgagors to seek assistance as they navigate the challenging path to recovery. Shara Luke Cooper, Manager for Customer Relations Management at the NHT, emphasized the organization’s commitment to alleviating the emotional and financial burdens faced by affected families nearly a month after the category five hurricane struck. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on November 25, Luke Cooper encouraged individuals to take a moment to regroup and then reach out for support. ‘We understand the circumstances, and we want these persons to take some time to breathe then reach out to us. We can hold their hand through this recovery process,’ she stated. To facilitate this, NHT teams are actively visiting communities, enabling individuals to engage directly with staff, ask questions, and receive personalized guidance. The NHT has rolled out a series of disaster-response measures tailored to assist those whose homes or livelihoods have been impacted. These include a Hurricane Relief Loan offering up to $3.5 million, a Special Disaster Grant of up to $500,000, and a six-month Moratorium on Mortgage Payments. Additionally, individuals can file peril insurance claims for damages sustained. Luke Cooper also directed affected individuals to the NHT’s website, www.nht.gov.jm/recover, for comprehensive resources and application guidance. She highlighted that Jamaicans can assist neighbors and relatives in submitting applications if they are unable to do so themselves. Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, underscored the inclusivity of the NHT’s initiatives, which are designed to benefit a broad spectrum of individuals, including current contributors, mortgagors, former mortgagors, and pensioners. ‘And if for any reason they’re in a niche area and feel that none of these initiatives are somehow reaching them, [we want them] to reach out to us and let us know the kind of support that we can provide,’ Berbick told JIS News. He reiterated the NHT’s flexibility in adjusting processes and requirements to ensure that all Jamaicans receive the necessary support to recover effectively as the nation rebuilds in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, a leading property expert is calling on homeowners and contractors to seize this opportunity to fortify roof structures during repair efforts. Kerry Scott, Head of Real Estate and Properties at JN Properties, emphasizes that rebuilding presents a critical window to elevate construction standards and enhance the long-term durability of roofs. ‘While many are focused on replacing what was lost, this is the moment to build stronger,’ Scott stated. He advises that repairs to zinc roofs should include tightening fasteners and adding hurricane straps to bolster a home’s resilience against future storms. Scott, whose firm oversees more than 130 properties across Jamaica, underscores that a roof’s strength hinges on its design, material quality, and maintenance. Roofs constructed with hurricane-rated materials and reinforced connections between the roof and walls are far more likely to withstand extreme weather. ‘Secure truss connections and hurricane straps distribute wind forces evenly, reducing the risk of uplift. Proper installation of these elements significantly increases the roof’s chances of remaining intact under intense pressure,’ Scott explained. He also stressed the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, noting that seemingly minor issues like leaks or lifted sheets can escalate into major vulnerabilities during storms. Scott urged homeowners to address both visible damage and hidden weaknesses caused by the hurricane’s stress. Despite some roofs surviving the recent hurricane, Scott warned against complacency. ‘Even if a roof remains intact, strong winds can loosen connections or create hairline cracks. Professional inspections can identify these issues before they become costly or dangerous,’ he advised. Material choice is another critical factor, with galvanized steel, concrete tiles, and modern composites offering superior durability. Scott highlighted that lightweight or deteriorated materials are more susceptible to being blown away, urging homeowners to invest in high wind-resistant options installed by qualified professionals. For those considering long-term upgrades, Scott recommended concrete slab roofs, which provide added protection despite higher costs and maintenance requirements. ‘A well-constructed concrete roof can endure hurricane-force winds and even serve as a foundation for an upper floor. However, proper waterproofing and crack inspections are essential to prevent leaks and structural damage,’ he added. Verna McBean, a retired teacher from St. Elizabeth, shared her experience of transitioning to a concrete slab roof after losing her zinc roof during Hurricanes Ivan and Dean. ‘The house would have been destroyed if we had reinstalled the metal roof,’ McBean said, reflecting on Hurricane Melissa. Initially hesitant, she now feels secure and relaxed, noting that several neighbors have also adopted slab roofs. With Jamaica situated in a hurricane-prone region, Scott emphasized that reinforced roofing should be a national priority. ‘A sturdy roof not only reduces losses but also safeguards lives and livelihoods when the next hurricane strikes,’ he concluded.