标签： Jamaica

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians traveling through the main road near Lacovia, Newton, and Vauxhall in St Elizabeth. The agency highlighted that persistent rainfall over recent days has caused significant damage to sections of the roadway, with mud and debris posing serious hazards. The Rice Piece community has been particularly affected, with the NWA emphasizing the increased risks for those navigating the area. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant while using these routes. The NWA is actively monitoring the situation and has pledged to address the issues promptly to ensure safety for all road users.

Members of Jamaica’s Parliament, particularly those representing areas affected by bauxite mining, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the $400 million allocated to the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP). During a recent House of Representatives session, they argued that the sum, drawn from the Capital Development Fund (CDF) managed by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, is woefully inadequate to address the needs of mining communities. The funds, to be disbursed at $100 million annually from 2025 to 2028, amount to just $4-5 million per constituency each year, a figure MPs described as a mere drop in the bucket. The motion, though approved after a lengthy debate, faced sharp criticism from opposition members. Peter Bunting, MP for Manchester Southern, labeled the allocation an ’embarrassment,’ emphasizing that it falls far short of addressing the extensive damage caused by decades of mining. He highlighted the post-apocalyptic state of some communities, where abandoned open pits and environmental degradation persist. Dr. Kenneth Russell, MP for St Ann South East, echoed these concerns, citing poor relations between mining companies and residents, as well as the adverse effects of noise, dust, and unsafe roads. Damion Crawford, MP for St Catherine North Western, warned of the looming crisis as the bauxite industry nears the end of its productive lifespan, stressing the absence of a viable post-bauxite development plan. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green acknowledged the challenges but defended the industry’s contributions to Jamaica’s development, citing the construction of towns, schools, and community centers funded by bauxite revenues. He pledged to address environmental concerns and ensure no new mining pits are left unrehabilitated.

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green delivered a sobering report to Parliament on Tuesday, revealing the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the nation’s agricultural sector. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused an estimated $29.5 billion in damages, affecting 41,390 hectares of farmland and over 70,000 farmers across the country’s most productive regions. The devastation included the destruction of 32,400 hectares of vegetable crops, significant losses in banana and plantain production, and the death of approximately 1.25 million animals. The fisheries sector also suffered a $5.76 billion blow, with 25% of the national fishing fleet damaged or destroyed. Minister Green, however, expressed unwavering resolve, stating that recovery efforts have already begun. He announced the reactivation of the Agricultural Disaster Recovery Task Force and the reallocation of $450 million from the Production Incentive Programme to emergency recovery. Immediate measures include the importation of essential food items like tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage, as well as chicken, fish, and eggs, to stabilize the food supply. On the ground, seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs are being distributed to farmers, with a focus on early planting in less-affected areas such as Eastern Jamaica and agro-parks. Support for the fisheries sector includes clearing debris to reopen beach access and repairing damaged vessels. For livestock farmers, the Veterinary Services Division is implementing a recovery program to stabilize animal health and reduce further losses. Looking ahead, Minister Green emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural practices and improved infrastructure resilience. He concluded with a rallying call, urging private sector partners to remain committed and praising the resilience of the nation’s farmers and fishers, stating, ‘We shall rise again.’

A severe motor vehicle accident occurred on the Rose Hall main road in St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, resulting in two individuals being rushed to the hospital. The collision involved a Nissan AD Wagon and a Mercedes Benz, both of which sustained substantial damage. According to reports, the incident took place shortly after 8:00 am. The Nissan, driven by a man heading towards Falmouth, reportedly crossed the median and collided with the Mercedes, which was traveling in the opposite direction towards Montego Bay. The impact caused the Mercedes to veer off the road, crash into a tree, and come to a halt in a ditch. The man suffered serious head injuries, leaving a pool of blood at the scene, while the condition of the woman driving the Mercedes remains unclear. The collision dislodged the Nissan’s engine, highlighting the severity of the crash. Emergency response teams, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade and the St James police, were promptly dispatched to manage the aftermath.