标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Laughlands, St Ann, Jamaica, the community’s spirit remains unbroken. Residents like Ferdinand King and Richie exemplify resilience and camaraderie as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. King, whose home was flattened by the storm, found moments of laughter amidst the chaos, recalling how he narrowly escaped the collapsing structure. Despite the loss, he remains focused on moving forward, drawing strength from his past experiences with hurricanes like Gilbert and Ivan. Richie, a farmer and carpenter, also shared his story of survival, using his ingenuity to create a makeshift bridge from fallen tree limbs after the storm washed away the original. Both men emphasize the importance of community support and are calling for assistance to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Their stories highlight the enduring Jamaican spirit of joy, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to aid communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, the People’s National Party (PNP) initiated its first official hurricane relief mission in Westmoreland on Sunday. This effort is part of the Party’s broader islandwide recovery strategy aimed at addressing the widespread devastation caused by the storm. The mission, spearheaded by the PNP Youth Organisation (PNPYO), the Patriots, and the Women’s Movement, united Party representatives and independent volunteers in a collaborative drive to provide essential supplies and emotional support to the most affected families. PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from both the private sector and individual Jamaicans. He highlighted that the initiative exemplifies the nation’s collective spirit and commitment to unity. “We are deeply moved by the compassion and generosity shown by Jamaicans everywhere,” Golding remarked. “This is what true nation-building looks like: people helping people, regardless of politics. The recovery ahead will be long, but we are committed to standing with our fellow Jamaicans every step of the way.” The PNP underscored that this mission marks the beginning of a series of coordinated relief efforts targeting other impacted parishes. The Party plans to collaborate closely with community leaders, government agencies, and private partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. “We are one Jamaica, and this moment calls for unity and action,” the Party’s statement concluded. “Together, we will rebuild stronger.”

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has unveiled plans to establish multiple field hospitals across the island as the death toll rises to 28. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, severely damaged healthcare facilities in western Jamaica, prompting urgent measures to address the crisis. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced during a media briefing on Saturday that the first field hospital will be constructed in Black River, St. Elizabeth, with assistance from the international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse. The facility, equipped with an operating theater and critical diagnostic equipment, is expected to begin operations on Sunday, November 2. Additional field hospitals will be set up in Savanna-la-mar, Falmouth, Noel Holmes, and Cornwall Regional. The Indian, Canadian, and Spanish governments have also pledged support by providing field hospitals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has distributed essential supplies such as food, water, and care packages to patients and staff at Black River Hospital. International aid continues to pour in, with the World Food Programme delivering 5,000 food kits to feed 15,000 people for a week and the Dominican Republic sending a Navy vessel loaded with over 1,050,000 food rations and other relief supplies. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported significant progress in clearing major roads, including the reopening of the Class A road from Kingston to Lucea and the southern route from Santa Cruz to Black River. Additionally, the Jamaica Public Service Company has restored electricity to 150,000 customers across several parishes. The Jamaica Defence Force has also been actively involved, delivering relief packages to affected communities in Black River.

Ferncourt High School in St Ann, Jamaica, is in the midst of cleanup and restoration efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Principal Sheldon Thomas, recently honored as the LASCO/Ministry of Education/Jamaica Teaching Council Principal of the Year for 2024–2025, has been overseeing the recovery process to ensure the school can return to normal operations promptly.

The COVID-19 pandemic was not merely a global health crisis; it fundamentally transformed the landscape of education. As classrooms emptied and screens became the new learning hubs, teaching and learning underwent a dramatic redefinition. From makeshift roadside schoolrooms to teachers delivering materials door-to-door, the pandemic forced a rapid shift to remote education. For those with access to digital devices and the internet, online learning became an academic lifeline. However, the crisis also exposed the stark digital divide in many countries, highlighting the challenges faced by students and educators in underserved communities.

Allison Alexander, a hotel bar attendant in St Ann, Jamaica, faced unimaginable devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, flattened her home while she was tending to tourists. Now, she and her seven-year-old daughter are among the countless Jamaicans left homeless by the disaster. Alexander’s home, a two-bedroom wooden structure, was completely destroyed, with a fallen tree crushing its walls and scattering her belongings. Despite her personal loss, Alexander remained dedicated to her job, ensuring the safety and comfort of hotel guests throughout the storm. She shared her harrowing story with the Jamaica Observer, revealing that she and her daughter now have nothing but the clothes on their backs. The hotel provided temporary shelter for staff and their families during the hurricane, but Alexander is uncertain about her next steps as the arrangement is set to end. She expressed frustration over the inadequacy of her minimum wage salary, which she says is insufficient to rebuild her life. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to increase the national minimum wage, but for Alexander, the immediate need for shelter and basic necessities remains urgent. She has appealed for help, stating, ‘If anybody can help me, please, I am begging you. I don’t have anything.’

Michael Capponi, Founder and President of the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), has announced a significant initiative to repair or replace up to 50,000 roofs in southwestern Jamaica, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Capponi, leading a team that arrived in Jamaica last Thursday, has been actively engaged in relief efforts, including visiting a transitional center in Kingston to distribute care packages to the homeless. Over the weekend, the team, accompanied by representatives from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, traveled to the heavily affected areas of Black River in St. Elizabeth and Whitehouse in Westmoreland to provide immediate relief and assess the damage firsthand. At a media briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, Capponi highlighted GEM’s extensive experience in large-scale logistics and its commitment to long-term recovery. He emphasized the importance of the rebuilding phase, noting that GEM, in collaboration with the National Bank of Commerce and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), had previously repaired 724 roofs after Hurricane Beryl. This time, the scale of destruction is much larger, potentially affecting 50,000 roofs, requiring a significantly scaled-up response. Capponi assured that GEM is committed to staying in Jamaica for the long haul to ensure comprehensive recovery and rebuilding efforts.

In Jamaica, architecture transcends mere shelter, embodying a cultural ethos that celebrates community, resilience, and vibrant living. Traditional designs, with their expansive verandas, thick walls, and bold colors, have long reflected the island’s spirit. However, as Jamaica faces modern challenges—scarce land, harsher weather, and technological advancements—the need for a reimagined architectural approach has never been more urgent. This article explores a vision for the future of Jamaican architecture, one that harmonizes tradition with innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The foundation of this vision lies in listening to the land. Historical homes, designed with tall ceilings, deep eaves, and natural ventilation, offer timeless lessons in comfort and climate adaptation. Modern designs must build on these principles, incorporating features like storm-resistant roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and thermally efficient materials. Vertical living, a necessity in growing cities, should retain the essence of traditional low-rise homes, with balconies functioning as verandas and rooftops serving as communal spaces. Resilience is paramount in an era of increasing hurricanes and rising sea levels. Coastal homes must respect the environment, stepping back from the shoreline and integrating natural barriers like mangroves. Technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can enhance comfort and efficiency, from smart shutters that respond to weather conditions to energy storage systems that ensure uninterrupted power. Affordability and dignity must be central to housing solutions. Thoughtful designs that cater to diverse family needs, coupled with mixed-income developments that foster inclusivity, are essential. Jamaican architecture should also embrace its unique identity, using local materials like limestone and timber, and reinterpreting traditional elements like breeze blocks and verandas in contemporary ways. Public spaces must be welcoming and accessible, designed for all ages and abilities. Sustainability should be foundational, not an afterthought, with designs that prioritize passive cooling, water conservation, and local materials. The home itself must adapt to modern lifestyles, offering flexible spaces that accommodate work, rest, and play. Craftsmanship and local labor should be celebrated, embedding economic value into every structure. This vision calls for collaboration among architects, policymakers, builders, and communities to create a built environment that reflects Jamaica’s resilience, warmth, and identity. By building wisely and inclusively, Jamaica can craft a future where architecture not only shelters but also strengthens its people and culture.

The historic Greenwood Great House in St James, Jamaica, has suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked havoc across the western part of the island. The 225-year-old structure, which once stood as a testament to Jamaican history, lost its roof and significant portions of its infrastructure during the hurricane’s onslaught. Situated at the border of Trelawny and St James, the Great House was among numerous homes and businesses devastated by the storm, which made landfall in the island’s southwest on Tuesday. Greenwood Great House, a landmark connected to the Barrett family—including the famed poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning—had served as a museum and cultural site for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Jamaica’s rich heritage. The destruction of this iconic structure marks a significant loss for the island’s historical and cultural preservation efforts.