Karen Madden/Gleaner Writer

News
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Tertiary schools back in session after Melissa

Despite a threat from disgruntled students at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, to stage a sit in, the St Andrew-located institution resumed classes on Monday. Like other tertiary…
Workmen trying to restore vehicular or pedestrian access stop to assess the situation.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Raging Yallahs River carves new path, leaving communities cut off

Vehicular and pedestrian access between St Thomas and St Andrew has been severed after the four-lane Yallahs River Bridge, located at the border of the two parishes, was washed away during the passage…
A section of Cave Valley, St Ann, remained submerged on Thursday, two days after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Cave Valley residents count losses after devastating flood

Gloom mixed with resilience hung over Cave Valley, St Ann, as residents and business owners struggled to come to terms with the devastation left behind after the Cave River burst its banks during…
Edward David Marston, farmer of Baillieston, Clarendon, clears a section of his 15-acre farm which was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Farmer Marston reflects on the worst storm of his life

Food security will be a major concern as Jamaica begins to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The issue extends beyond local consumption, as much of the country’s agricultural…
From left: Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr and his assistant Deon Burton during a training session in Trinidad and Tobago.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Opportunities abound

ALTHOUGH MISSING some key players, Reggae Girlz assistant coach Deon Burton is describing today’s game against Trinidad and Tobago as an important rehearsal as Jamaica steps up preparation ahead of…
Deon Burton (left) and Brazilian Rene Simoes, Jamaica’s coach in 1998.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Coach Burton answers the call to serve

One year ago, former Jamaica international Deon Burton accepted a dream offer to be assistant coach to the senior women’s football squad, a role he says is in keeping with his desire to be part of the…
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (second right) prays with his ministers (from left) Matthew Samuda, minister of water, environment and climate change; Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security; Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

PM marshals monetary resources to mitigate potential impact of Melissa

With Tropical Storm Melissa projected to cause major damage to Jamaica’s infrastructure amid widescale flooding and landslides, the country is expected to be forced to draw on several monetary sources…
Heavy equipment and trucks are seen at Sandy Gully clearing debris and garbage ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

Sandy Gully race against time

A major de-silting of sections of the Sandy Gully in St Andrew got under way yesterday morning in a race against time as Tropical Storm Melissa meanders towards Jamaica. Works Minister Robert Morgan,…
Dr Michelle Holt (right) is all smiles as she receives the Order of Distinction from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards on the lawns of King’s House yesterday.
December 9, 2025 by Karen Madden

‘Give them the tools’

SPORTS MEDICINE practitioner Dr Michelle Holt is urging parents of students who show an interest in sports to give them the tools to balance both in order to be successful. Speaking with The Gleaner…