标签： Jamaica

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.

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.

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.

The Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has issued a heartfelt appeal to property owners across the nation, urging them to list their vacant homes, apartments, warehouses, and investment properties for both short and long-term rentals. This initiative aims to tackle the severe housing and storage shortages exacerbated by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement released on Monday, the RAJ emphasized that property owners are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s recovery efforts. RAJ President Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson highlighted the importance of compassion and collaboration during this critical time. ‘This is a moment for compassion and partnership,’ she stated. ‘We encourage owners of vacant properties to put them to good use by listing them on the market to support relief efforts. This is our opportunity to make a tangible difference while ensuring investments serve a meaningful purpose.’ The RAJ has assured property owners of its members’ readiness to provide professional and efficient assistance in preparing, listing, and renting properties. Additionally, the association is committed to helping families and businesses identify suitable spaces for housing or storage. ‘Our realtors are trained to make the listing and rental process seamless and transparent for both owners and tenants,’ Gilpin-Hudson added. ‘Together, we can help families find stability and enable businesses to resume serving their communities.’

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.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Direct Relief, a venerable 77-year-old American charity, has swiftly mobilized to deliver critical aid to Jamaica. Renowned for its targeted and respectful approach to disaster relief, the organization has once again demonstrated its commitment to alleviating human suffering and enhancing the quality of life for those in dire need. This weekend, Direct Relief prepared a substantial shipment of medical supplies, valued at approximately US$1 million, from its Santa Barbara warehouse to the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness. The consignment includes essential items such as antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and protective equipment, tailored to address the immediate healthcare needs of the hurricane-affected population. Genevieve Bitter, Vice President of Program Operations at Direct Relief, highlighted the organization’s enduring partnership with Jamaica, spanning two decades and encompassing over 160 shipments of humanitarian medical aid, totaling more than US$75 million. Bitter emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to bridge healthcare gaps, with recent shipments including hygiene supplies. Additional aid, including diabetes medications, mental health supplies, oral hydration solutions, insect repellents, cough and cold medicines, and tents, is slated to arrive in Jamaica by November 8. Direct Relief personnel are currently on-site, working alongside the Ministry of Health, PAHO, and local partners to assess needs and coordinate response efforts effectively.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rising dancehall sensation Jay-A Gullyside, alongside his 1Nato team, embarked on a humanitarian mission in St Elizabeth over the weekend, distributing over 85 care packages to elderly residents and those left homeless and destitute by the devastating Hurricane Melissa. The artiste, visibly moved by the widespread destruction, described the scenes as heart-wrenching. ‘It was an emotional experience for me…the devastation…just to see it up close. We saw decaying bodies in communities around Black River, dead animals, and the overwhelming stench was unbearable,’ Jay-A recounted. The team ventured beyond Treasure Beach, providing aid in Southfield and focusing on areas severely affected beyond Black River, including Billy’s Bay and Jack Sprat. Jay-A painted a grim picture of the aftermath: downed trees, demolished homes, and communities isolated by stagnant, foul-smelling waters. ‘Some people lost everything. I saw mothers begging for diapers. These are proud people, farmers, and fishermen who are used to self-sufficiency, now reduced to begging. It’s heart-breaking,’ he shared. One particularly poignant moment involved a Rastafarian man who lost his boat and saw his parents’ graves washed away. ‘All he could say was, ‘Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life.’ It was very touching,’ Jay-A recalled. The mission was cut short in Goshen, where floodwaters forced the team to retreat. ‘Goshen is still in bad shape. We encountered water and had to turn back. People are still trapped in their homes,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Jay-A spent time comforting residents, listening to their harrowing survival stories, and offering hope. ‘I’m not rich, but I hope the little I gave can inspire others to help. I love my country, Jamaica,’ he said. Jay-A, known for his collaborations with dancehall icons like Mavado and Dexta Daps, demonstrated that his commitment to his community extends beyond music.