标签： Jamaica

Jamaica’s coffee industry is grappling with profound emotional and economic challenges in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, according to Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Grant highlighted the deep-seated frustration and depression among farmers, who have faced repeated setbacks over the past four years due to climate change. ‘Every time you build, you then break as there’s another setback,’ Grant lamented, emphasizing the toll of constant recovery efforts. The sector has suffered an estimated $2.5 billion in losses since 2019, with Blue Mountain coffee farmers alone losing approximately $1 billion due to the hurricane. Grant warned that these figures could rise as the full extent of the damage becomes apparent. Beyond financial losses, Grant stressed the emotional strain on farmers, many of whom are struggling to envision a return to normalcy. He called for a comprehensive recovery approach that addresses both mental health and financial needs, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize support for the sector. ‘We need to move beyond the narrative of resilience and provide tangible assistance,’ Grant argued, underscoring the critical role of rural development in Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

American actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, alongside renowned business mogul and television producer Mona Scott-Young, has arrived in Jamaica to deliver essential relief packages to communities devastated by recent hurricanes. The duo shared their journey on social media as they touched down on the island on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Jamaican people during this challenging time. Their mission involved transporting critical supplies via private jets, underscoring the urgency and humanitarian nature of their efforts. Scott-Young highlighted the importance of connectivity, bringing Starlink devices to help locals communicate with their families. Both celebrities expressed their deep affection for Jamaica, with Gibson stating, ‘We’re not only here to give but to give with all of this love attached.’ Their initiative follows similar relief efforts by international stars like Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Walt Disney World, and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, showcasing a united front in aiding hurricane recovery.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward restoring normalcy, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has announced the reopening of two major public spaces: Dunn’s River Falls and Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, and Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James. Both locations will welcome the public starting Tuesday, November 11.

Jamaican students have once again demonstrated their academic prowess, securing top positions in the June 2025 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) conducted by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). The recently released CAPE Merit List highlights Jamaica’s dominance across various subjects, with students excelling in both traditional and non-traditional high schools. Campion College emerged as a standout institution, with Jonathan Harvey claiming the top spot in Accounting Unit 1 and Dominic Kyle Haisley earning the regional prize for Computer Science. Other notable achievements include Daniel Peart of Jamaica College in French, Keira Halliburton of Campion College in Geography, and Dajanae Dawkins of Immaculate Conception High School in Law. Non-traditional schools like Guy’s Hill High School and McGrath High School also made significant contributions, particularly in Agricultural Science. Jamaican students secured nine of the top ten spots in Law and achieved first-place finishes in subjects such as Management of Business, Animation and Design, and Tourism. The success extended to CAPE Unit 2, with students like Kayla Wright in Biology and Brianna Barrett in Economics leading the region. These results underscore Jamaica’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to nurture talent across diverse educational institutions.

Residents of Catherine Hall and West Green in Montego Bay, Jamaica, can expect water to be restored to their taps by Monday, according to Mayor Richard Vernon. The National Water Commission (NWC) confirmed the timeline, attributing the delay to extensive infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm necessitated significant repairs and technical interventions, which have now been completed.

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa Hutchinson Malcolm found herself in an ironic and perilous situation. While attempting to secure her mother’s house in Jericho, Hanover, Hutchinson Malcolm broke her right leg as the storm ravaged the area. The house, which included an attached shop, collapsed, trapping her, her two sons, her mother, and three others. As they tried to escape, the hurricane lifted part of the shop, striking her foot and causing the injury. Despite the trauma, Hutchinson Malcolm found humor in the irony of being injured by a hurricane bearing her name. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging that many others were not as fortunate. The 41-year-old chef, now temporarily unemployed due to the storm’s impact on the tourism industry, faces challenges in her recovery. She relies on crutches and a chair to move around her home, which is on an incline. Hutchinson Malcolm has appealed for assistance to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses. Her mother, Janet Gray, also shared her harrowing experience of losing her home and shop but remains hopeful about rebuilding. Gray emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Both women are thankful to be alive, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.