标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, licensed medical marijuana farmer Errol Whyte is grappling with significant losses, estimating damages in the millions of dollars. His one-acre ganja farm in Claremont, St Ann, was severely impacted by the storm. Despite the setback, Whyte, who has operated Mellow Bud Ganja Farms for five years, remains hopeful. He sees an opportunity for licensed ganja farmers in the northern and eastern regions of Jamaica to ramp up production and compensate for the losses suffered by their counterparts in the storm-ravaged southwestern areas. Whyte emphasizes the urgent need for the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and the government to provide relief and support to affected farmers. ‘This isn’t just about me or a few farmers; it’s about the entire industry,’ he stated. Whyte believes that with adequate support, northern and eastern farmers can meet the rising demand for medical marijuana. He calls for a more proactive approach from the CLA to ensure the industry’s sustainability, highlighting the role of farmers as entrepreneurs and job creators. ‘We are committed to this industry, and we need the CLA to be committed to us,’ he asserted.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive impact on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, Black River High School is spearheading efforts to restore normalcy for its 1,500 students. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, caused extensive damage to the school’s infrastructure, including classrooms, the auditorium, and the computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory. Principal Christopher Romans emphasized the urgency of resuming classes, particularly for upper-school students preparing for exams, to minimize learning loss.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a moment brimming with raw emotion, 22-year-old Tiana Dinham was declared Jamaica’s 2026 Rhodes Scholar during a ceremony at King’s House on November 13. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen made the formal announcement, marking a pivotal milestone in Dinham’s life. Overwhelmed with joy, Dinham immediately called her mother on speakerphone, who exclaimed, “Oh my God!” 13 times before tearfully expressing her pride.

The St James Parish Court in Jamaica has officially resumed its full operations as of Monday, November 17, 2025, after significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made by the Judiciary of Jamaica in a public statement on the same day. The court is currently addressing Gun Court and Circuit Court matters while continuing efforts to stabilize infrastructure and ensure a safe environment for both staff and court users. The Judiciary emphasized its commitment to restoring full operations swiftly and expressed gratitude to staff, stakeholders, and the public for their patience and understanding during the recovery period.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that devastated western Jamaica, students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus have expressed mixed feelings about the institution’s response. While acknowledging the university’s efforts, they argue that certain measures need to be extended or reassessed to better address their ongoing challenges. Classes resumed on November 3, less than a week after the hurricane struck, despite widespread damage and disruption. Campus Registrar Donovan Stanberry defended the decision, citing the availability of facilities and the implementation of support measures, including recorded classes, a 50% fee waiver for qualifying students, mental health services, and options for exam and semester deferrals. However, students claim these measures fall short of addressing their immediate and long-term needs. Many pointed out that the fee waiver, while appreciated, would be more beneficial if applied to the upcoming January semester, as the storm occurred after midterms, when most students had already paid a significant portion of their tuition. Additionally, students highlighted logistical challenges, such as power outages and poor internet connectivity, which hindered their ability to access online classes. Some lecturers reportedly failed to comply with the directive to record sessions, leaving affected students struggling to catch up. Concerns were also raised about the rigidity of final exams, with students suggesting alternative assessment methods, such as increased coursework or presentations, to alleviate stress. In response, Stanberry emphasized the university’s ongoing efforts through its Student Solidarity Programme, which offers alternative assessments and extended deadlines. He urged students to communicate their needs to the campus registrar and assured that the university is actively working to locate and assist all affected students.