标签： Jamaica

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path through western Jamaica has left the residents of Westmoreland grappling with profound devastation. The storm, which struck last Tuesday, has reduced homes to rubble, wiped out livestock, and left many communities, such as McAlpine, in dire straits. Families have endured days without adequate meals, and the scarcity of essential supplies in nearby Whitehouse has exacerbated the crisis. In the face of these overwhelming challenges, the community has banded together, relying on mutual support and resilience to navigate this harrowing period. The full extent of the damage and the ongoing struggles of the affected population can be seen in the accompanying video.

A violent altercation over a mere $1,000 culminated in a fatal machete attack in East Kingston on Sunday, leaving 36-year-old Donandrew Campbell dead. The incident occurred at Hippolyte Road, where Campbell, also known as ‘Don’, resided. Police have identified Derrick Shaw, alias ‘Fighter’, as a person of interest in the case, urging him to report to the Elletson Road CIB by 6 pm on Tuesday. According to reports, the deadly confrontation erupted around noon between Campbell and Shaw, who shared the same living premises. Authorities revealed that Shaw allegedly used a machete to inflict severe chop wounds on Campbell’s neck, left hand, and both wrists, with one hand reportedly severed. Campbell was rushed to Kingston Public Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations uncovered that the dispute originated from a $1,000 bill that fell from Shaw’s pocket, which Campbell claimed as his own. Further inquiries revealed that the two men had a long-standing feud spanning several years, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic incident.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has announced that it has surpassed its initial power restoration targets in several key parishes and cities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. CEO Hugh Grant shared this update during a special media briefing on Monday, highlighting significant advancements in the recovery efforts.

Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, are preparing for a peaceful sit-out on Monday to protest the university’s decision to resume in-person classes following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In an open letter issued on Sunday, a coalition of students called for a one-week suspension of academic activities and the adoption of a hybrid learning model to support those still recovering from the storm’s impact. The letter criticized the university’s move as “irresponsible” and “tone-deaf,” highlighting that many students remain displaced, lack access to basic utilities, and are emotionally unprepared to return to studies. The protest is framed as an act of solidarity with peers in western Jamaica, one of the regions hardest hit by the hurricane, where thousands are still in shelters and critical healthcare facilities remain non-operational. Official reports cited in the letter reveal that 25,000 people are displaced, and at least 28 Jamaicans have lost their lives due to the disaster. The students expressed concern that the university lacks the capacity to assess how many of its own students are homeless, injured, trapped, or deceased, and argued that reopening campus “prematurely” disregards the physical and emotional toll of the crisis. Comparisons were drawn with other institutions, such as the University of Technology (UTech), which has indefinitely suspended in-person classes, and UWI’s Western Jamaica Campus, which delayed reopening by a week. The letter also condemned the Mona administration for demanding rent payments for accommodations students were forced to evacuate, labeling it a “class issue” and “a profound abdication of empathy.” The mental strain on students was emphasized, with the letter describing a “frozen mental and emotional state” caused by trauma and uncertainty. The group urged students to exercise their “agency to resist” by not attending classes on Monday, concluding with a call to “resist the insensitivity and impracticalness of this decision.” The letter was signed by several students.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Authorities in Manchester are urging motorists to steer clear of the Content roadway in Williamsfield, which has been rendered impassable due to severe flooding. Rising water levels have created hazardous conditions, making sections of the road unsafe for vehicles. Law enforcement officials are advising drivers to seek alternative routes and exercise heightened caution when navigating the affected area. The police have pledged to provide ongoing updates as the situation evolves, ensuring the public remains informed about the latest developments. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay vigilant and prioritize safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, has unveiled the National Registry of Volunteers. This innovative initiative aims to streamline and coordinate volunteer efforts to provide effective relief to affected communities. The registry is now live on the Support Jamaica portal, accessible at supportjamaica.gov.jm.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica has stepped up its efforts to aid affected communities by donating beverages worth US$50,000. This contribution includes approximately 9,000 cases of water, Gatorade, and Pepsi products, aimed at providing essential relief to those impacted by the disaster.