标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on central Jamaica, the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville took a proactive step towards recovery by organizing a job fair on Wednesday. The event aimed to provide employment opportunities for individuals affected by the hurricane, particularly those in the hospitality sector, which suffered significant disruptions. The job fair featured openings in various roles, including front office, security, maintenance, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This initiative is part of Golfview Hotel’s broader strategy to foster economic recovery and stability in the region. Letesha Whyte, the hotel’s marketing and sales manager, emphasized that the recovery process extends beyond physical repairs. ‘National recovery after Hurricane Melissa is about more than fixing buildings; it’s about restoring livelihoods and providing stability for families,’ she stated. By creating job opportunities, Golfview Hotel seeks to empower households to rebuild their incomes, regain security, and contribute to Jamaica’s economic resurgence. Whyte also highlighted the hospitality industry’s critical role as a driver of employment and local commerce in central Jamaica. Through this effort, the hotel aims to enhance individual well-being and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.

In a landmark decision, the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has decriminalized same-sex sexual relations for members of the police and military, overturning a law that previously imposed up to two years in prison for such acts. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in a nation where same-sex marriage remains illegal and the LGBTQ community faces widespread stigmatization. The court, the highest authority on constitutional matters in the country, declared that provisions in the legal codes of the police and armed forces referencing sodomy were “not in accordance with the Constitution” and ordered their removal. The court emphasized that these norms violated principles of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminated based on sexual orientation, and infringed on privacy, personal development, and the right to work. It further stated that the Constitution mandates equal treatment and respect for all individuals, obliging public authorities to ensure dignified treatment for all Dominicans serving in the military. This decision, while limited in scope, is seen as a progressive move in a predominantly Catholic and conservative Caribbean nation.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s beekeeping industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island’s western region on October 28, 2025, has left a trail of devastation, particularly for local beekeepers like Duhjae Jennings and Hyacinth Wellington. Their apiaries, essential for honey production and bee colony maintenance, have suffered extensive damage, including collapsed structures, destroyed forage, and long-term setbacks in honey production.

The United Kingdom government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to prohibit the resale of event tickets—including concerts, sports matches, and other live performances—at prices exceeding their original face value. This move aims to curb the exploitative practices of ticket touts, who have long profited from inflating prices to the detriment of fans and the entertainment industry. The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes in response to widespread public frustration, particularly over the exorbitant costs of tickets for events like the recent Oasis reunion tour. Business Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the measures are designed to dismantle the touting model, ensuring fair access to live events for all fans. The Labour government, elected in July 2024, had pledged to prioritize consumer protections in its manifesto. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the detrimental impact of touts, who often use automated bots to purchase large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices. An investigation by consumer group Which? revealed that tickets for Oasis’s Wembley Stadium show were listed for over £4,000 on platforms like Viagogo. Under the new regulations, resale platforms will face capped service fees, and individuals will be restricted from reselling more tickets than they initially purchased. The government estimates these measures will save fans £112 million annually, reducing the average resale price by £37. While British music icons, including Coldplay and Dua Lipa, have endorsed the legislation, resale platforms like Viagogo and StubHub have criticized the plans, warning they could push fans toward unregulated markets.

The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, is set to host its annual World Television Day celebration on Thursday, November 20, 2025. This year’s event, themed ‘AI TV: The Beginning or the End’, will be conducted virtually via Zoom due to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated the shift from an in-person gathering to an online format.

Despite the change in venue, the organizing team has pledged to deliver an engaging and interactive experience for attendees, complete with prizes and surprises to maintain the festive spirit of the occasion. The event will feature a keynote presentation by Dushyant Savadia, a renowned social entrepreneur, tech visionary, and global humanitarian. Savadia will delve into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and television, exploring how technological advancements are reshaping content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. His address will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker.

Dr. Patrick Prendergast, director of CARIMAC, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about the impact of technology on storytelling and media. World Television Day, celebrated globally on November 21, recognizes television’s pivotal role in connecting and informing audiences worldwide. Through this annual event, CARIMAC continues to inspire the next generation of communication leaders to navigate the dynamic interplay between media, technology, and society.

The virtual event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, offering a platform for dialogue and innovation in the ever-evolving media landscape.

The Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE) Foundation, spearheaded by Ziggy and Orly Marley, is scaling up its home rebuilding initiatives to support Jamaican families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. This expansion builds on a successful collaboration with Michelle Gordon, founder of the BossMom Network and a goodwill ambassador for Food for the Poor. Gordon emphasized the shared mission of reconstructing homes, restoring hope, and empowering single mothers and children across Jamaica. Initially committing $50,000 to the project, the Marleys have since mobilized additional funding from the music industry to address the heightened need post-Melissa. In a recent media release, Gordon announced upcoming initiatives focusing on immediate hurricane relief and long-term financial support for rebuilding efforts. ‘Ziggy and Orly have been steadfast partners,’ Gordon stated. ‘Their renewed support enables us to transition swiftly from relief to restoration, helping mothers move beyond survival to nurturing their children and rebuilding their futures.’ BossMom Builds, in partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, has historically provided safe, sustainable housing for vulnerable mothers. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the initiative has pivoted to a $100,000 campaign aimed at repairing damaged homes, furnishing new ones, and restoring livelihoods. Marsha Burrell-Rose, Marketing, Public Relations, and Missions Manager at Food for the Poor, highlighted the power of collaboration: ‘This partnership exemplifies unity, combining faith, purpose, and action to rebuild communities and restore lives across Jamaica. It’s compassion in motion.’ Ziggy Marley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to love in action. ‘Jamaica is our home, and helping families rebuild after this storm is our shared responsibility,’ he said. Since its inception in 1992, the URGE Foundation has focused on improving lives through education, health, and community development. Its ongoing collaboration with BossMom Builds underscores the transformative impact of compassion and partnership. Gordon is now calling on individuals, corporate partners, and the Jamaican diaspora to join the mission. ‘Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us rebuild homes, restore hope, and keep mothers and children safe,’ she added. Donations can be made directly to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with all funds allocated to BossMom Builds for reconstruction efforts.