Commentary

Members of the Jamaica Defence Force, aided by a volunteer from Australia, pull a downed concrete power pole from the roadway on October 29, after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

Basil Jarrett | The need for a strong volunteer army

IT PAINS me, no, shames me to say this, but prior to the events of October 28, I had never heard of the Council of Volunteer and Support Services (CVSS). I know. I’m utterly embarrassed to admit this.…
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon (left), listens to Hidran McKulsky, principal of Manchester-based Holmwood Technical High School, while on a visit to the institution on Sunday to see the extent of the hurr
December 9, 2025

Editorial | Melissa, reading and rebuilding

T he Gleaner welcomes the appreciation by Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon of the urgency of placing children back into a learning mode after last week’s destruction by Hurricane Melissa,…
Rising underground water, which occurred after Hurricane Melissa in a section of Content, Williamsfield, Manchester, has flooded several houses and the roadway, making it impassable. On Wednesday, persons were drawn to the community to witness the strange
December 9, 2025

Elizabeth Morgan | After Melissa: Have we weathered the storm and passed the worst?

LAST WEEK in this column, we were anticipating the arrival of the unknown quantity for Jamaica, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, and lamenting our national disregard for consistent, proper maintenance of…
EU Ambassador Dr Erja Askola delivers remarks during Monday’s handing over of emergency supplies following Hurricane Melissa. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith (right) and European partners look on.
December 9, 2025

John Azar | Transparent and inclusive approach needed to aid distribution

EVEN AS we give thanks that Kingston and other areas in Jamaica were spared the worst of Hurricane Melissa, the scale of devastation elsewhere is heartbreaking. It is far worse than even the most…
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness. - File photo.
December 9, 2025

Editorial | PM should attend COP30

It would be understandable if Prime Minister Andrew Holness wants to remain at home, to directly oversee his government’s response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa a week ago. Not only…
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (left) and Mark Golding, leader of the Opposition, at the 45th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast.
December 9, 2025

Michael Abrahams | We need unity

Melissa, one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record, struck the island as a Category 5 hurricane, causing widespread devastation in Western Jamaica. In the island’s record-keeping history,…
Encouraging notes written by volunteers wait to be placed in feminine hygiene packages bound for Jamaica, at Food for the Poor in Coconut Creek, Florida.
December 9, 2025

Gordon Robinson | How can I help?

For once, a Tuesday column won’t include shaggy dog tales, domino metaphors or Oma D’unn’s parables. There’s nothing funny about last week’s demonic invasion by a blowhard named Melissa. Social media…
This photos shows debris from sections St. Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) buildings damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

Editorial | A carve-out for education

Jamaica plans its recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, education demands a deliberate, urgent and specific carve-out. In other words, the education is so vital the country’s…
Ronald Thwaites writes: If ever there were a time for a true national front to ensure fairness, revive spirits and downplay divisions, it is now.
December 9, 2025

Ronald Thwaites | Opportunity to unite?

The pain and loss being experienced by the western half of Jamaica raises serious questions as to the calibre of national leadership and the ethical basis of public expenditure. Look how there were…