标签： Jamaica

The Derek Walcott Library, located at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia, has been officially added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This prestigious recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting held in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out for its cultural and historical significance. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the profound value of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering a unique glimpse into the life, influences, and creative genius of the Nobel Laureate. The library houses Walcott’s original bookshelves, including works he authored, gifts from peers, and materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the college in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative legacy and the broader literary conversations that shaped him. The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO also acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, head librarian of the Hunter J Francois Library, for her role as vice president of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her efforts continue to support the protection and promotion of documentary heritage across the region. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of Caribbean literary memory and cultural heritage.

The Westmoreland Fire Department in Jamaica faced a challenging day on Wednesday as it responded to two separate bushfires in the Beeston Spring and Watercress areas. The first emergency call was received at approximately 5:27 pm for the Watercress area, followed by another at 7:22 pm for Beeston Spring. Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton, overseeing Area Four of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, reported that much of the fire was inaccessible to firefighters. Despite this, the brigade managed to extinguish flames in accessible areas using water. Seaton explained that the inaccessible sections were left to burn out naturally, and as of now, there is no active fire in the vicinity. The cause of the fires remains unknown, but Seaton noted that dry vegetation and debris left by Hurricane Melissa likely exacerbated the situation. He reiterated the fire department’s ongoing public education campaign, emphasizing the illegality of setting unattended fires and advising residents to bury waste instead of burning it, especially given the scarcity of water in pipe tops. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life or property.

In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon, three men lost their lives following a police-involved shooting along Mandela Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica. The event reportedly occurred shortly after 12:00 pm, when the men were traveling in a Honda Fit motor car. Authorities have confirmed the fatalities and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While specific details remain scarce, the incident has sparked concerns and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The community awaits clarity on the events that led to this fatal encounter.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The recent visit by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to Whitehouse and surrounding communities in Westmoreland on November 17 has sparked a glimmer of hope among residents still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. While the visit, which included representatives from international lending agencies, is not expected to immediately resolve the widespread destruction caused by the October 28 hurricane, locals view it as a crucial step toward addressing their dire circumstances.