标签： Jamaica

Dena ‘DJ Brownin’ Morrison, a Rhode Island resident with deep ties to Jamaica, has become a beacon of hope for the island’s hurricane-affected communities. After Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, Morrison, who has long been involved in charity work in West Kingston and other areas, sprang into action. She mobilized her high school RESPECT students at Juanita Sanchez High School to launch the ‘Boxes of Hope’ initiative, aiming to bring joy and essential supplies to teenagers impacted by the disaster. Her ultimate dream? To one day call Jamaica her permanent home.

Furthering her commitment, Morrison has partnered with Dynamite Promotion to host the ‘Thanksgiving Reggae Explosion’ on November 26 at Kulture Nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island. The event will feature Jamaican reggae artist Chuck Fenda, alongside DJ Matik, DJ Gambit, and Dynamite Sounds. A portion of the proceeds will directly support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.

Morrison emphasized the deeper significance of the event, stating, ‘This is more than a concert—it’s an act of collective healing.’ She outlined multiple avenues for relief, including Give Back Jamaica for school support, JA Patty’s relief fund for displaced elderly individuals, and a personal partnership with Chuck Fenda to collect, ship, and distribute supplies. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to the concert, which will be sent directly to Jamaica.

Drawing inspiration from Jamaican wisdom, Morrison shared, ‘Every mickle mek a muckle. Every small offering becomes part of something greater.’ Her efforts are bolstered by collaborations with organizations like Give Back Jamaica, led by Hopeton Brown, and vlogger DJSlick44, who ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable communities.

Morrison’s passion for Jamaica extends beyond charity. She has cultivated meaningful relationships with Jamaican cultural icons, including Major Mackerel, Dennis Walks, and Chuck Fenda, who has become a mentor in her burgeoning career as a reggae promoter. As an educator, Morrison integrates her advocacy for ethnic studies and Black Lives Matter into her curriculum, earning recognition from the Secretary of State.

Her dedication to mentorship and community building continues to inspire. ‘I am grateful for the guidance of DJ Goldfinger, DJ Daney, and Mark Tenn, who have helped me grow as a DJ and promoter,’ she said. Morrison also mentors Jamaican adults in the U.S. and supports Jamaican students in her classroom, helping them navigate new paths while celebrating their cultural heritage.

In a tragic incident that has shaken Trinidad and Tobago, local government councillor Romona Victor and her husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead at their home in Siparia, southern Trinidad, on Sunday. Authorities have recovered a handwritten note, a bottle of herbicide, two cellphones, and an Apple iPad from the scene. Autopsies are scheduled for this week to determine the cause of death. Initial examinations revealed no visible signs of violence on the bodies of the 36-year-old UNC member and her 45-year-old husband, who leave behind one child. The couple’s bodies were discovered by a relative who, upon receiving no response, entered the home and found them unresponsive on a bed. The incident has prompted widespread mourning and renewed calls to address domestic violence, particularly as the world prepares to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Tuesday. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles emphasized that grief and domestic violence transcend political affiliations, urging compassion and collective action. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar highlighted the importance of supporting those facing personal struggles and encouraged individuals to seek help without fear. Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo paid tribute to Councillor Victor’s legacy of service and compassion, which continues to inspire the community.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has delivered more than one million hot meals to residents in western Jamaica, offering crucial support to those impacted by the disaster. This milestone was announced by Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during a press briefing following an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting on November 20. Mayor Vernon highlighted the significant aid provided to St James and expressed gratitude for WCK’s ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable communities across the municipality. He praised the dedication of volunteers and donors, urging continued contributions to sustain the initiative, which serves a vital humanitarian purpose. WCK, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010, specializes in rapid food relief during emergencies, setting up kitchens and collaborating with local partners to deliver immediate assistance. Shifting focus, Mayor Vernon also addressed the reopening of Montego Bay’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the city’s economy. He emphasized that tourism contributes 30% to Jamaica’s GDP and 25% of national employment, with Montego Bay relying on it for over half of its economic activity and jobs. Vernon detailed efforts to restore hotels safely, ensuring workers regain employment. He commended Sandals for retaining its staff and encouraged other hotels to follow suit. The mayor underscored the importance of reopening tourism facilities to maintain Montego Bay’s appeal to visitors and assured that recovery efforts would balance economic revitalization with addressing residents’ immediate needs.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, announced that 78% of Jamaica’s schools, totaling 791 institutions, have reopened as of November 19, 2025, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The minister highlighted the critical role of resuming normal routines for children in overcoming trauma during a Senate statement on Friday. She praised principals and board chairs for their efforts in restoring educational operations under challenging conditions. Morris Dixon also acknowledged the support of Opposition representative Damion Crawford in expediting the reopening process. Additionally, the government has allocated $325 million in clean-up grants to over 500 schools, with funds ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000 based on the severity of hurricane damage. These grants will support debris removal, sanitation, and the restoration of utilities and essential amenities. The minister commended the collaborative efforts of school leaders, staff, students, and community volunteers in the clean-up process, emphasizing the pivotal role of schools in rebuilding community normalcy.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican firefighters have been inundated with emergency calls, primarily addressing structural and electrical fires. Fire Chief Stewart Beckford revealed that the hardest-hit parishes—Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—are grappling with widespread debris, dry mountain ranges, and downed utility poles, which have become significant fire hazards. Between October 28, when the Category 5 storm struck, and November 19, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) responded to 143 fire-related incidents, including 58 structural fires and 34 electrical or utility pole fires. Additionally, 25 landfill fires, 17 bush fires, and nine vehicle fires were reported. Tragically, seven deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators were also recorded. Beckford emphasized that many structural fires originated in Westmoreland and rural communities, where residents rely on candles for light due to prolonged power outages. He urged caution when using candles, advising against placing them near flammable materials and recommending the use of water-filled containers to prevent accidental fires. The fire chief also highlighted the dangers of burning debris, a common practice post-hurricane, and called for safer disposal methods. Bush fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, have further strained firefighting resources, with some areas remaining inaccessible due to flooding and landslides. Beckford expressed regret over the carbon monoxide-related deaths, reiterating the importance of placing generators at a safe distance from homes and ensuring proper ventilation. He appealed to Jamaicans to prioritize safety and avoid practices that could lead to further disasters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Sunday, November 23, retired sprint legend Asafa Powell transformed his birthday into a humanitarian effort, delivering homes to families devastated by Hurricane Melissa last month. Powell shared his experience on Instagram, stating, ‘Amazing way to spend my birthday! Delivering homes to families affected by the hurricane, who might not get to celebrate holidays like this. It was truly special seeing their smiles and tears of joy.’ He also expressed gratitude to donors who contributed through a GoFundMe campaign. Earlier this month, Powell and his wife, Alyshia, distributed groceries and toiletries to hurricane victims in Georges Valley, St Elizabeth, with support from U.S. Olympian Noah Lyles and his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, along with his fiancée, track athlete Junelle Bromfield. Powell’s efforts highlight his commitment to giving back to communities in need.

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly impacting the lives of Jamaica’s firefighters. The catastrophic storm rendered 25 firefighters homeless and caused substantial damage to the residences of nearly 170 others. These brave individuals, whose roles often require them to risk their lives to protect others and safeguard property, now face immense personal challenges. The devastation has forced 15 of these national heroes to take refuge in the very fire stations where they serve, highlighting the severity of their plight. In response, Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from corporate Jamaica. Beckford emphasized the critical need for support to help these firefighters rebuild their lives and continue their vital work in the community. The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of those who dedicate their lives to public service, even as they confront the dual burdens of professional duty and personal loss.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Classique Group, along with its subsidiaries SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management, has pledged $20 million to aid rural Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm left communities submerged, families displaced, and infrastructure in ruins, prompting immediate action from the conglomerate.