In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the global sports community has rallied to support the island’s recovery efforts. The hurricane, which caused extensive damage to rural areas, particularly in parishes like St Elizabeth, St James, and Clarendon, has prompted an outpouring of aid from athletes, teams, and sports organizations worldwide.
标签： Jamaica
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Rainforest Caribbean opens soup kitchen for hurricane victims
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St James, Jamaica, Rainforest Caribbean has initiated a soup kitchen to provide essential support to affected residents. The facility officially commenced operations on Saturday, November 1, at Catherine Hall, located near the company’s headquarters. This initiative underscores Rainforest Caribbean’s ongoing dedication to the welfare of the Jamaican population.
Ben Jardim, Director of Rainforest Caribbean, shared insights into the project with Observer Online. He explained that the effort is starting modestly, as many team members are also grappling with the hurricane’s aftermath. The soup kitchen aims to serve communities severely impacted by the disaster, including Catherine Hall, by distributing meals throughout the week.
Jardim emphasized the company’s dual focus on organizing staff and conducting clean-up operations while maintaining their commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. ‘We remain steadfast in our mission to feed the nation,’ he stated, highlighting the broader goal of supporting recovery efforts in the wake of the natural disaster.
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REVERSE SWEEP!
The West Indies concluded their T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh with a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 series sweep. In the final match held at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, the Windies triumphed by five wickets, showcasing their depth and resilience. Stand-in captain Roston Chase and Ackeem Auguste both scored half-centuries, forming a crucial 93-run partnership that steered the team to victory. Romario Shepherd etched his name in history by becoming only the second West Indian to claim a T20I hat-trick, playing a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh to 151 runs. Despite a valiant 89 from Tanzid Hasan, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered, losing their last eight wickets for just 44 runs. Shepherd’s 3-36, supported by Khary Pierre (2-23) and Jason Holder (2-32), ensured the Windies’ dominance. Chase and Auguste’s aggressive batting, combined with Shepherd’s heroics, underscored the team’s all-round strength. The Windies’ comprehensive victory highlighted their tactical prowess and ability to perform under pressure, cementing their status as a formidable force in T20 cricket.
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#MelissaAftermath: Tufton says teams accessing reports of dead bodies in remote areas
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a coordinated effort involving environmental health teams, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and other agencies to address critical issues in remote communities. Reports of deceased individuals and animals stranded in isolated areas have prompted urgent action. Dr. Tufton emphasized that while access to some regions remains challenging due to damaged roadways, progress is being made. ‘With improved communication, cleared roads, and enhanced mobility, we are now able to target specific areas and collaborate with authorities to secure others,’ he stated during a press briefing on Saturday. The minister highlighted the challenges of reaching marooned bodies and ensuring proper disposal of animal carcasses, noting that the JDF is providing air support to access affected zones. Additionally, Dr. Tufton mentioned that injured individuals, such as a man who suffered a broken leg and waited three days for medical attention, are being assisted. While official death toll figures are pending, the current count stands at 19, with updates expected from the Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, once police reports are finalized.
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Vinicius Junior in the clear over Clasico outburst
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid’s star forward Vinicius Junior will not face any disciplinary measures following his emotional reaction to being substituted during last weekend’s high-stakes Clasico match against Barcelona. The 25-year-old Brazilian was visibly upset when he was replaced in the 72nd minute of the tense 2-1 victory, storming off the pitch and down the tunnel. While Vinicius later issued a public apology to fans, teammates, and club president Florentino Perez, he notably did not extend the same to head coach Xabi Alonso. However, Alonso confirmed on Friday that the matter has been resolved. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga clash with Valencia, Alonso revealed that Vinicius delivered a heartfelt and sincere speech during a team meeting, effectively closing the chapter on the incident. Alonso emphasized unity within the squad, stating, “We are all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.” He also highlighted the competitive spirit of the players as a positive force. The incident occurred amid ongoing contract negotiations for Vinicius, whose current deal runs until 2027. Despite contributing five goals this season, Vinicius has been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe’s stellar performance, with the Frenchman netting 16 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. Real Madrid currently leads La Liga with 27 points, five ahead of Barcelona, and will face Valencia on Saturday.
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Cayman Islands blood bank sends donation to Jamaica
In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the Cayman Islands Blood Bank has dispatched a vital shipment of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service. This donation, facilitated by the Health Services Authority (HSA), marks the first of several planned contributions to aid Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The initiative was spurred by an overwhelming public response, with 65 donors—including 13 first-time contributors—stepping forward to meet an urgent call for blood. This surge in donations far exceeds the usual daily average of fewer than 10 units, highlighting the community’s generosity. Dr. Lundie Richards, a consultant haematologist-oncologist at the HSA, praised the effort, describing it as a testament to humanity’s capacity for compassion. The HSA emphasized that this donation is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA, lauded the initiative as lifesaving and urged continued donor participation, noting that blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days. Cayman Islands Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks also commended the donors, encouraging eligible individuals to contribute to both regional and local blood supplies. The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, which offers comprehensive blood-banking services, has also expanded its platelet availability and transfusion-medicine capabilities. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has called for public blood donations as soon as conditions permit, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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Efforts underway to reconnect families
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, has highlighted the critical role of Starlink satellite-based Internet systems in reconnecting families and alleviating concerns among the Jamaican diaspora. The hurricane, which struck on October 28, left 70% of the country without electricity and disrupted communication networks, prompting an influx of calls to the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, from worried relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
Anderson announced that a team from Starlink’s headquarters is set to deploy Wi-Fi sites across Jamaica, enabling affected communities to access the internet and communicate with their families. While acknowledging the challenges faced by first responders, he urged patience and emphasized that the lack of communication does not necessarily indicate harm. He also praised the resilience of Jamaicans, noting that many have already found creative ways to inform the world of their safety.
The ambassador assured that the Jamaican government is prioritizing the restoration of communication and power infrastructure, with the Jamaica Public Service working to restore electricity in areas where the grid remains intact. Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed that the Universal Service Fund (USF) is rolling out Starlink systems to provide immediate broadband coverage in key western communities while terrestrial infrastructure is repaired.
Anderson expressed gratitude for the international support Jamaica has received and cautioned against fraudulent donation schemes, urging individuals to use verified channels for contributions. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience as the country transitions from rescue to recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are a strong people, and as supplies flow in and relief efforts intensify, we will see that resilience in action.’
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#MelissaAftermath: JN Bank, JN Money roll out waivers, discounts to customers
In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group has unveiled a series of robust support measures aimed at aiding its members and the broader community in Jamaica. Through its subsidiaries, JN Bank and JN Money Services, the group is offering a range of financial relief options, including loan discounts, moratoria, and fee waivers, to assist those most severely impacted by the disaster.
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‘10 tigers never stronger than me’
When Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury on Montego Bay, Shana-Lee Hull found herself in a life-or-death situation. As floodwaters surged into her Estuary home, she had mere seconds to act. Grabbing her four-year-old daughter, she forced open a door jammed by the weight of the rising water and fled through dense vegetation to higher ground. Hours later, she stood on a hill, watching helplessly as her home and vehicle were swallowed by the flood. ‘I lost everything,’ Hull told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday. ‘I’m standing here today, but I’m homeless.’ Hull is among over 100 residents displaced by the hurricane, which brought torrential rains and fierce winds to western Jamaica on Tuesday, rendering roads impassable and forcing families to abandon their homes. The nightmare began during the storm’s peak, as heavy rains battered Montego Bay. Hull recalled how, within minutes, her home was surrounded by water, and the pressure pinned her door shut. ‘I braced against the door, but it wouldn’t budge. It was only through sheer determination that I managed to open it,’ she said. Clutching her daughter, Hull fled as water rushed into her house. ‘Normally she doesn’t listen to me, but that day she did whatever I said,’ she recounted with a weary smile. Nineteen other residents escaped alongside her, helping each other navigate thorny bushes and climb to safety. However, when they turned back, the devastation was overwhelming. ‘I watched my entire house and vehicle disappear under the water,’ Hull said. Despite preparing for the storm with food and supplies, Hull was unprepared for the aftermath. She attributed the severity of the flooding to poor drainage and the overflow of a nearby pond. ‘The pond overflowed, and the water had nowhere to go but into our homes,’ she explained, appealing to the National Housing Trust (NHT) for urgent repairs. As Hull searches for shelter, her friend Kathy Campbell, a restaurant manager at Rainforest Seafood Market, has been leading relief efforts. ‘I’ve been cooking for displaced families since the storm,’ Campbell said. ‘We need food, water, and essential supplies.’ Both women are pleading for immediate assistance to help their community rebuild. For Hull, the memories of her escape remain vivid, and the thought of returning to her flooded home fills her with dread. ‘I would never want to sleep in that house again,’ she said.
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#MelissaAftermath: Field hospital to be deployed to Black River, says Tufton
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced the deployment of a field hospital to Black River within 24 hours. The initiative aims to restore critical health services disrupted by the hurricane. The field hospital, equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic tools, and medical staff, will be set up by the non-governmental organization Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other government agencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the facility will provide immediate support while assessments of the damaged Black River Hospital are conducted. Additionally, another field hospital is expected from Spain, with ongoing discussions to establish more facilities in Trelawny and Westmoreland through partnerships with Canada and India. The minister highlighted the need for psychological support for traumatized health workers and called for increased blood donations to address the surge in trauma and emergency cases. Over 200 health workers will also participate in a nationwide clean-up effort to assist hospitals in the most affected areas. Restoration of primary health facilities across the island is anticipated within the next week.