标签： Jamaica

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), the exclusive promoter of horse racing in Jamaica, has detailed its recovery plans for Caymanas Park in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. In a recent press release, the company expressed its heartfelt concern for all Jamaicans affected by the storm, emphasizing its commitment to safety and swift restoration.

Initial assessments at Caymanas Park revealed damage to five stables, with repair teams already mobilized to address the issues. SVREL is prioritizing the resolution of electrical, structural, and technological challenges to ensure the facility’s safety and operational efficiency. Notably, the racing surface remains intact and ready for use.

To minimize disruptions for racing enthusiasts, SVREL has confirmed that simulcast racing will resume on October 31, 2025, at Caymanas Park and select Off-Track Betting (OTB) locations in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine. Live racing, however, remains temporarily suspended, with a resumption date to be announced later. OTB locations in other parishes will stay closed as recovery efforts continue, with updates to follow when it is safe to reopen.

SVREL concluded its statement with a message of solidarity: ‘Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa. We stand together with you in strength and solidarity as we rebuild. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.’

In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, attorney and social justice advocate Christina Williams has urgently called for a unified approach to coordinate volunteer relief efforts across Jamaica. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on Monday and Tuesday, unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and displacing numerous residents.

Romario ‘ZJ Romzii’ Clarke, alongside a coalition of entertainment industry figures, is leading the ‘Rhythm + Relief’ initiative to support residents in southwest Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on Tuesday, has left a trail of destruction across parishes such as St Elizabeth, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St James, displacing numerous residents and severely damaging critical infrastructure, including hospitals. The death toll has risen to 19.

On Friday, October 31, ZJ Romzii and his team will gather essential supplies, including hygiene products, personal care items, and emergency utilities, at the Devon House Courtyard in St Andrew from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. The initiative has garnered support from prominent DJs like DJ Mac, DJ Insaneo, Cyclone, and 1 Jav, as well as small business owners and promoters such as Sheyenne Leslie, Jamaul Hall, Timothy South, and Nachel Kirkland.

ZJ Romzii emphasized that the initiative has no fixed donation target, aiming instead to maximize assistance for affected communities. Priority areas include Black River, Treasure Beach, Savanna-la-Mar, and Montego Bay. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the entertainment industry’s influence and resources to aid those in need, stating, ‘It’s a human thing to do. If we are in a position to offer assistance, we should jump at the chance.’

The DJ also called on the broader community to unite in this time of crisis, urging, ‘We are one country, one tribe, one community. Now is the time to act and support our fellow brothers and sisters.’ The ‘Rhythm + Relief’ initiative underscores the power of collective action in addressing the aftermath of natural disasters.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has been tasked with escorting fuel tankers into the most severely affected parishes. This critical measure aims to facilitate the recovery of communities by ensuring uninterrupted fuel distribution. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz announced during a media briefing that Petrojam, the state-owned oil refinery, commenced loading tankers for islandwide delivery at 6:00 AM on Friday. Vaz emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that fuel supplies in some areas, particularly in the western part of the island, are critically low or depleted. To address this, he convened a meeting with marketing companies and fuel suppliers at 11:30 AM on Friday to coordinate efforts through the National Works Agency and the police. The focus is on delivering fuel, including alternative sources and LPG, to sustain operations and support affected residents. Vaz expressed optimism that, with roads being cleared or partially cleared, fuel deliveries could be expedited with police escorts to ensure timely access.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has activated the entire first class of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR). Effective Thursday, October 30, 2025, all reserve members are required to report to their designated duty stations. This mobilization is a critical component of the nation’s comprehensive response and recovery strategy following the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane. Reserve personnel will play a pivotal role in relief distribution, search and rescue operations, logistics management, and the safeguarding of vulnerable areas. Their efforts will be coordinated in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other governmental bodies. The activation, authorized by Governor General Sir Patrick Allem, is part of Jamaica’s national emergency management framework, designed to protect lives, secure property, and expedite the restoration of normalcy in storm-affected communities.

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the coastal community of Priory in St Ann, Jamaica, grappling with devastation and uncertainty. Kayan Davis, a mother of three, faced the harrowing reality of losing her roof during the Category 5 storm, which struck with winds reaching 185 miles per hour. ‘The zinc was flying off,’ Davis recounted, clutching her nine-year-old daughter. ‘I have nowhere to sleep.’ Her plight mirrors that of her neighbor, fisherman George Brown, who described the hurricane as the worst he has ever witnessed, surpassing even Hurricane Gilbert in intensity. Marvin Thomas, a janitorial services provider, also suffered significant damage when a mango tree crashed onto his home, destroying the roof. Despite the despair, stories of resilience emerged. Adina Higgins, a 62-year-old resident, opened her home to neighbors seeking refuge during the storm. ‘We took them in and they slept for the night,’ Higgins said, providing beds and warm clothes to those in need. As the community begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the scars of Hurricane Melissa serve as a stark reminder of nature’s fury and the strength of human compassion.