Jamaica reports low flu vaccine uptake despite influenza and SARI levels remaining at seasonal norms, with no reported deaths so far this season. Health officials urge vigilance due to the aggressive flu strain in the US and ongoing travel, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, hygiene, and routine health checks to mitigate risks. Regional health authorities are coordinating outreach and monitoring vaccine distribution, with no shortages reported.
Less than 1% of Jamaica's coastline is accessible to locals due to privatization driven by laws and private developments, leading to community displacement and loss of cultural ties; residents and activists are fighting for the repeal of laws to restore public access, while responsible tourism advocates support visiting public beaches and supporting local businesses.
The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness assures the public that the chemicals used in mosquito fogging are safe and approved by the WHO, emphasizing that the method is necessary to control mosquito-borne diseases post-Hurricane Melissa, with minimal health risks when used as directed.
A 15-month-old child died in Queens, and his mother is in custody with self-inflicted wrist wounds; the cause of death is pending medical examiner’s report, and few details have been released.
A former high-level executive of Stocks and Securities Limited in Jamaica is in police custody as part of ongoing investigations into a multi-million dollar fraud, with coordinated raids conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies across the country.
Hugh Croskery, founder of the collapsed SSL investment firm in Jamaica, was seen leaving a police operation related to an investigation into alleged fraud involving over US$30 million and 200 client accounts. Croskery denies involvement, and authorities are conducting coordinated searches at multiple premises, with plans to question him further. This marks the first major law enforcement action in the case in over a year.
Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised the swift and coordinated effort to repatriate 25,000 tourists within a week after Hurricane Melissa, demonstrating the country's resilience and effective crisis management, with strong support from industry stakeholders and quick restoration of essential services.
Hurricane Melissa caused extensive physical damage in Jamaica, but the storm also left a significant psychological impact, with many survivors experiencing trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. Experts emphasize the need to integrate mental health support into disaster response, highlighting community resilience and international aid efforts, while noting that long-term recovery requires addressing both physical and emotional wounds.
Jamaica has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections in 2024, with young adults aged 20-24 being the most affected, primarily due to low condom use and multiple partners. Women account for the majority of cases, and the rise includes infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Despite the increase in STI cases, HIV new infections have slightly declined, and the overall HIV prevalence remains steady at 1.1%. Health authorities emphasize prevention through safe sex practices and regular testing.
A church ministry founder and his daughter died in a plane crash in Florida while flying hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica, with the crash under investigation by the NTSB.
A Christian missionary father and daughter, Alexander and Serena Wurm, were killed in a plane crash in South Florida while en route to Jamaica for hurricane relief efforts. The aircraft, recently acquired for humanitarian missions, crashed shortly after takeoff, and investigations are ongoing. The Wurm family was dedicated to humanitarian work and their faith, with the father having recently helped deliver aid to Jamaica.
A father and daughter, Alexander and Serena Wurm, died in a small plane crash in Florida while en route to Jamaica to deliver hurricane relief supplies. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, and the cause is under investigation. The Wurm family was known for their humanitarian work, and their deaths are a significant loss amid ongoing hurricane recovery efforts in Jamaica.
A small plane en route to Jamaica for hurricane relief crashed into a Coral Springs neighborhood, damaging property and prompting an ongoing investigation, with the condition of the occupants unknown.
David Hale, a man from Cornwall working in Jamaica, has decided to stay after Hurricane Melissa to assist with rebuilding efforts, helping clear debris, repair homes, and deliver supplies, while raising funds to support affected communities.
Gordon Robinson emphasizes the importance of national unity and collective action in Jamaica’s disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, criticizing political divisiveness and urging all Jamaicans to help and support each other, while warning about future climate-related disasters and the need for political cooperation.
