标签： Jamaica

SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Municipal operations in St Elizabeth remain severely disrupted more than two months after Hurricane Melissa devastated the parish capital of Black River. Councillors of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation convened their first monthly meeting of 2026 at Levon’s commercial plaza in Santa Cruz, forced from their regular meeting venue which now serves as emergency office space for displaced municipal staff.

The hurricane’s late October onslaught, characterized by towering tidal waves and powerful winds, rendered the corporation’s aging office buildings and the adjacent historic Black River Courthouse unusable. The only structurally sound building—a concrete and steel meeting hall constructed over a decade ago—now accommodates scores of employees from multiple departments including the mayor’s office, CEO’s office, engineering, accounts, planning, and disaster coordination.

A Jamaica Observer visit last Friday revealed severely cramped working conditions within the 25×40 foot meeting room. Staff reported extreme frustration, lack of privacy, and concentration difficulties exacerbated by the constant hum of a fuel-driven generator providing emergency power. Deputy Mayor Donald Simpson (JLP, Malvern Division) described the situation as “almost impossible to function properly” and “traumatizing” for personnel attempting to maintain services.

During Thursday’s meeting, councillors emphasized the urgent need for central government intervention. Councillor Karl Whyte (JLP, Pedro Plains Division) highlighted both physical and psychological damage, calling for immediate resource allocation including reconditioned laptops and hurricane relief funding. He stressed that millions in donated relief funds should be directed to areas of greatest need.

Mayor Richard Solomon (JLP, New Market Division) acknowledged ongoing representations to central government but cautioned against expecting “a magic wand” solution given the widespread destruction. The meeting also addressed concerns about inadequate consultation regarding Black River’s rebuilding process, with former Mayor Everton Fisher (PNP, Balaclava Division) criticizing Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie for not meeting with all councillors since the disaster.

The hurricane’s impact extended beyond municipal offices, severely damaging Black River Hospital, schools, markets, heritage sites, and commercial enterprises. Iconic Independence Park, the parish’s primary recreation and event venue, has been transformed into a temporary dump site for hurricane debris—a decision that sparked controversy during the meeting. While Councillor Dwight Salmon (PNP, Black River Division) criticized the use of the park for dumping, Mayor Solomon explained it was a necessary emergency measure given blocked roads and collapsed communication networks.

Despite cleanup efforts continuing as an immediate priority, Mayor Solomon committed to restoring Independence Park and dismissed rumors of plans to repurpose the facility for infrastructure development. The corporation continues to navigate both short-term recovery challenges and long-term rebuilding planning while operating under severely compromised conditions.

NEW YORK—Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Sister Carol is transforming her birthday celebration into a humanitarian mission by organizing a fundraising event for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica. The benefit concert, dubbed Royal Birthday Bash, is scheduled for January 17 at Cultcha Palace in Brooklyn—just two days after her personal milestone.

The decision came following Sister Carol’s emotionally charged visit to affected regions including Falmouth, Trelawny, and Montego Bay one month after the hurricane struck. Witnessing widespread destruction firsthand moved the artist to repurpose her annual celebration into a relief initiative.

“This birthday carries profound significance due to the hurricane’s aftermath,” Sister Carol explained in an interview with Observer Online. “It becomes a dual-purpose gathering—celebrating life while mobilizing support for hurricane victims. Every contribution, however modest, accumulates into substantial aid.”

Hurricane Melissa, recorded as a Category 5 storm with wind speeds reaching 185 mph, caused extensive damage across multiple parishes including St. James, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover. Official reports confirm 45 fatalities alongside severe impacts on housing, businesses, and critical infrastructure. This represents the most destructive weather event to hit Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

The Brooklyn-based artist emphasized the diaspora’s emotional connection to their homeland: “We cannot decline assistance when offered with genuine compassion. Our love for Jamaica and humanity compels this response.”

Joining Sister Carol at the benefit event will be prominent acts including Kulture Kartel, Alistar Vaughn, Joseph Deminsion, and the Tippatone sound system. Born in West Kingston before relocating to the United States in the 1970s, Sister Carol launched her musical career through Brooklyn’s sound system culture, maintaining deep ties to both communities.

Her initiative adds to growing recovery efforts led by Jamaican artists worldwide, many of whom have personally visited affected areas to coordinate relief distribution and support rebuilding campaigns.

In the wake of the 2021 Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries scandal, Jamaican religious leader Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller has provided crucial insights into distinguishing legitimate religious organizations from dangerous cults. The controversy erupted when two congregants died during an alleged human sacrifice ritual, culminating in the death of pastor Kevin Smith while facing criminal charges.

Reverend Miller, founder of Whole Life Ministries, emphasizes that authentic churches operate under established principles with Jesus Christ as the head, guided by biblical teachings about love and humanity. “Most churches have their beliefs and teachings but… it’s open for dialogue all the time,” Miller explained to the Jamaica Observer. “People are free to interact. It’s not about control.”

In contrast, Miller identifies cults as organizations centered around charismatic leaders whose personal beliefs supersede scripture. These groups typically discourage critical thinking and demand strict adherence to the leader’s ideology. The Pathways scandal exemplified these characteristics, with reports indicating Smith exercised extreme control over followers—fining them for tardiness, demanding money, and even threatening death for non-compliance.

Miller highlights several warning signs of cultish behavior: leaders who prioritize themselves above doctrine, demonstrate excessive pride, and emphasize money, pleasure, and fleshly desires. “When these signs appear,” Miller warns, “it means something is not going right here.”

The clergyman stresses the profound responsibility religious leaders bear as representatives of God, noting that love must form the foundation of all church operations. He advocates for strong accountability systems within religious communities, emphasizing that both leaders and congregants should maintain mutual oversight to prevent extremist developments.

Regarding the 2021 tragedy, Miller expressed astonishment that such extreme activities could occur unnoticed, though he acknowledged the secrecy cults often enforce through sworn commitments to leaders perceived as messianic figures.

For survivors of the Pathways incident, Miller offers a message of healing and hope: “Don’t give up on God. Men fail, God can’t.” He encourages victims to learn from the experience without self-blame, maintaining their faith and relationship with God.

Ultimately, Miller identifies four protective elements against cult formation: love-driven faith, complete trust in God rather than oneself, humility of heart, and proper respect for divine authority. These principles, he contends, counteract the pride, power, and pleasure seeking that enable cult mentalities to flourish.

A tranquil afternoon on the western coast of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, turned tragic on Thursday when a shark fatally attacked a US tourist swimming near the shore. The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis, a regular visitor to the territory.

The incident occurred in shallow waters during the afternoon hours. Local authorities and emergency medical teams responded immediately to the distress call. According to official reports, first responders performed with exceptional speed and professionalism despite confronting extremely challenging and gruesome conditions at the scene.

Lillis was rapidly transported from the beach to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. However, she succumbed to her severe injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, despite all efforts to save her life.

The specific species responsible for the lethal encounter remains undetermined, as marine officials have launched an investigation into the attack. While shark sightings are not uncommon in the biodiverse waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands, actual attacks on humans are statistically rare events that generate significant community concern and international attention. This incident marks a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with marine environments, even in frequently visited tourist areas.

BRISTOL ALEXANDRIA, St. Ann — A late-night robbery attempt turned deadly on Friday, resulting in one fatality and leaving a local business owner hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The incident occurred approximately at 9:00 p.m. in the vicinity of Aabuthnott Gallimore High School.

According to law enforcement officials from the St. Ann police division, 33-year-old Kemar Brown, popularly known as Mars, was fatally shot during the violent encounter. Norma Linton, who also goes by Barbara, sustained serious injuries but managed to survive the attack.

Investigative reports indicate that both individuals were concluding business operations at Linton’s commercial establishment when an unidentified assailant brandishing a firearm approached them. The solitary gunman explicitly demanded monetary compensation from the victims. When the demands remained unfulfilled, the perpetrator discharged multiple rounds at close range.

Brown suffered critical injuries to his upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the crime scene. Linton, despite sustaining comparable injuries to her upper body, successfully escaped the immediate danger zone through pedestrian evacuation. Bystanders and community members provided crucial assistance by transporting the wounded shop owner to a medical facility where she remains under professional care.

This violent episode has generated widespread anxiety among Bristol residents, with many expressing heightened concerns about public safety. While criminal activities involving firearms have previously occurred in the district, the brutality of this particular incident has profoundly disturbed the community.

Local authorities have confirmed that this tragedy represents the second homicide recorded in St. Ann since the commencement of the calendar year. Police investigators continue to pursue active leads in the case, examining evidence and seeking witnesses who might provide critical information regarding the perpetrator’s identity and whereabouts.

PORTMORE, Jamaica – A tragic altercation between two taxi operators has resulted in homicide charges after a fatal stabbing incident in the St Catherine parish. Lloyd Armstrong, a 33-year-old resident of Gregory Park known locally as ‘Juju Frass,’ now faces murder charges for the death of fellow driver Damion Lawrence.

The violent encounter occurred on the evening of July 25, 2025, when what began as a verbal dispute escalated dramatically. According to official reports from the Portmore Police Division, the confrontation turned physical approximately at 6:15 p.m., culminating in Armstrong allegedly producing a knife and delivering multiple stab wounds to Lawrence’s upper torso.

Emergency services transported the critically injured 45-year-old victim, who was colloquially known as ‘Trainer’ within the Spanish Town community, to the nearest medical facility. Despite immediate intervention by healthcare professionals, Lawrence succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

In a significant development following the incident, Armstrong voluntarily surrendered to authorities accompanied by legal representation. His attorney facilitated the coordinated surrender with law enforcement officials, after which formal murder charges were filed against the suspect.

The Homicide Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has confirmed the ongoing judicial process, with court proceedings currently being scheduled. The case has drawn attention to tensions within the transportation sector and prompted discussions about conflict resolution mechanisms among professional drivers.

Community leaders in Portmore have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for peaceful dispute resolution while awaiting justice through the formal legal system.

A devastating high-speed collision between a passenger vehicle and a utility truck resulted in four fatalities Saturday evening near the St Elizabeth-Westmoreland parish boundary. The catastrophic incident occurred approximately at 5:27 PM along the Crawford-Font Hill thoroughfare, according to official police reports.

Law enforcement authorities have identified three of the deceased: 30-year-old Jeneen Dawkins, who operated the 2011 black Toyota Voxy; 10-year-old Antwasia Ledgister; and a 17-year-old female known only as Ashley. A fourth victim, a 12-year-old child, remains unidentified pending formal notification of relatives.

Preliminary investigation indicates the Toyota Voxy, transporting all four victims, was traveling at excessive velocity when it deviated from its proper lane. The vehicle crossed into the opposing traffic path, directly confronting a 2013 white Freightliner M2 160 utility truck operated by a Canadian national working in infrastructure services.

The force of the head-on impact catastrophically deformed the passenger vehicle, requiring emergency extraction of all occupants. Despite rapid medical response, all four individuals were declared deceased upon arrival at a nearby medical facility. The truck driver emerged physically unharmed from the incident but received psychological trauma support.

Jamaican Constabulary Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances precipitating the tragedy, examining road conditions, vehicle mechanical status, and potential contributing factors to the lane violation. This incident marks one of the most severe road accidents in the parish this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety practices in rural Jamaican thoroughfares.