标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the western parishes of Jamaica, ADRA Jamaica, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The organization swiftly activated its National Emergency Management Plan, ensuring a coordinated response to the crisis. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, ADRA Jamaica volunteers prepared and distributed 800 units of food supplies in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, anticipating the immediate needs of affected communities. Pastor Wenford Henry, Director of ADRA Jamaica, emphasized the proactive approach, stating, ‘We chose these parishes as our initial response based on the hurricane’s predicted path.’ Following the disaster, ADRA teams and volunteers conducted daily visits to severely impacted areas such as Black River, Middle Quarters, and Lacovia, providing hot meals and essential support. On November 4, ADRA International leaders, in collaboration with the Adventist Church’s youth department, conducted a volunteer training session at Victor Dixon High School in Mandeville under the ‘Yes with ADRA’ initiative. Over 100 volunteers participated in data collection and clean-up drives on November 5, with plans to distribute food and supplies based on assessed needs. Volunteer Anthia Adderley praised the training, noting its interactive and detailed approach. Pastor Henry reassured affected communities, ‘We will not leave you. ADRA Jamaica and our overseas partners are committed to rebuilding your lives better than before.’ Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, commended ADRA’s efforts, highlighting the collaboration with government and faith-based organizations to alleviate hardships faced by hurricane victims.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Office of the Custos Rotulorum for Manchester has initiated a heartfelt relief effort to aid affected residents in the communities of Alligator Pond and Waterloo. Spearheaded by Custos Garfield Green, the initiative focuses on delivering hot meals and comfort to families grappling with the aftermath of the storm. On Sunday, Green, accompanied by a dedicated team of volunteers, visited Alligator Pond, where freshly prepared meals were served on-site. The endeavor was bolstered by the generous contribution of Junior Lowe of Flamin Wok, who provided a mobile kitchen, and the active participation of several Justices of the Peace, who offered their time and resources. The Office of the Custos emphasized that this initiative exemplifies civic duty and compassion, stating, ‘This act of kindness reinforces the values of dignity and care in times of adversity.’ The outreach extended to Waterloo, where meals were distributed at the emergency shelter located at Waterloo Primary School and to nearby households. Plans are also underway to return with care packages for families in need. The initiative was marked by a profound sense of unity and volunteerism, as community members and Justices of the Peace collaborated to assist those most impacted. Custos Green described the warm reception from residents as ‘humbling,’ reflecting on the belief that ‘service is not just an act, but a calling.’ Guided by empathy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the community, the Office of the Custos of Manchester has pledged to continue supporting recovery efforts across the parish as residents work to rebuild their lives post-storm.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Renowned international dancehall artist Spice has taken a proactive role in aiding the recovery of Bethel Town, Westmoreland, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. On Wednesday, the singer, whose real name is Grace Hamilton, mobilized a significant effort to provide essential building materials to residents left homeless by the disaster.

In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Dr. Joel Sugrim, a general surgeon stationed at Mandeville Regional Hospital, embarked on a grueling 24-hour journey across two parishes in Jamaica to reunite with his wife and children in Westmoreland. His odyssey began early Wednesday morning, shortly after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the island, leaving widespread destruction and disrupted communication lines.

Dr. Sugrim’s journey was fraught with challenges. His car became trapped in mud in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, forcing him to wield a cutlass to clear fallen trees and light posts obstructing his path. Despite these setbacks, he pressed on, driven by concern for his family, who reside in a flood-prone area and were unreachable due to downed communication services.

Along the way, Dr. Sugrim encountered a caravan of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) vehicles and ambulances en route to evacuate patients from Black River Hospital. He joined forces with soldiers, ambulance drivers, and volunteers to clear debris and ensure the safe passage of the convoy. This collaborative effort continued through the night, with Dr. Sugrim working tirelessly despite exhaustion.

By Thursday afternoon, Dr. Sugrim resumed his journey, navigating a dirt track on Holland Estate to bypass the final stages of cleanup efforts. His unwavering determination was fueled by thoughts of his family, whom he had not been able to contact since the storm.

Dr. Sugrim’s story highlights the resilience of individuals in the face of natural disasters and the power of community collaboration in overcoming adversity. His journey serves as a testament to the lengths people will go to protect and reunite with their loved ones.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica last week, Police Commissioner Kevin Blake has been at the forefront of relief and recovery operations. Leading a team of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) volunteers, Commissioner Blake has been instrumental in restoring normalcy to the devastated region. On Wednesday, the team focused their efforts on repairing the Barnett Street Police Station in St James. Collaborating with the Jamaica Fire Brigade, they conducted essential repairs, cleaned the compound and surrounding areas, and provided critical support to both police personnel and local residents. Amidst widespread hardship, with thousands left homeless and struggling to access basic necessities like food and water, the JCF has also been tasked with maintaining public order. Officers have employed persuasive tactics to deter looting and property damage, ensuring stability in the face of adversity. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, lauded the JCF for their dual role in maintaining security and delivering humanitarian aid. He particularly commended Commissioner Blake for his hands-on leadership, highlighting his active involvement in clearing debris and assisting with medical issues. ‘The JCF has proven to be multi-functional in this disaster, stepping up as social workers, firefighters, and medical aides,’ Holness remarked. The hurricane, the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent history, has caused billions in damages to critical infrastructure, including businesses, schools, roadways, and hospitals, making the recovery efforts all the more crucial.