Jamaica pledges earthquake relief for Venezuela as St Elizabeth dump fire and wage debate continue

Jamaica has pledged to assist Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the South American country on Wednesday night, with rescuers racing to reach people still trapped in collapsed buildings.

In a statement, the Government expressed deep sadness over the devastation and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones or have relatives buried in the rubble. Officials said the country stands ready to help with relief and recovery alongside regional and international partners, noting that as a disaster-prone Caribbean state Jamaica understands the need for rapid action. Authorities highlighted strong ties with Venezuela as motivation for the offer, though no details have been given on the form assistance will take.

Reporting from Venezuela describes severe damage in Playa Grande and La Guaira, including heavy debris near the international airport serving Caracas. In Playa Grande, neighbours and rescue teams searched ruined buildings for survivors. Resident Carlos Juarez was among those trying to reach a woman trapped inside one structure; she signalled for help by waving a red cloth.

In St. Elizabeth, firefighters from the Santa Cruz and Junction fire departments have spent several days battling recurring blazes at the Myersville dump. Despite repeated efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire has continued to flare, forcing crews to return daily. On reaching the site, firefighters found the left side of the dump burning and deployed a medium jet with two hose lengths. Officials said the origin of the fire has not been determined. Equipment including a Junction pump and a Santa Cruz water tender has been brought in to contain the spread. Nearby residents say the persistent blaze is threatening their livelihoods. One woman said she cannot seek medical work while caring for four children after losing access tied to the dump and facing housing difficulties.

In Parliament, the opposition has renewed calls for a livable wage following Tuesday's debate on orders to raise the national minimum wage from $16,000 to $17,000 per 40-hour work week, effective July 1. The increase was announced by the Prime Minister in March. Opposition members called the roughly $200 daily rise "really an insult to the hardworking people of Jamaica who are struggling." The Government maintains that "no one should be paid less than $17,000 a week" and continues to encourage employers who can afford more to pay higher rates. Opposition spokespersons urged special consideration for labourers who work in the sun and for tourism workers, citing unpredictable hours and higher travel costs. The Government rejected sector-specific rates, warning that "you'd have different sectors asking for the same special conditions" and that it has moved toward a level fair playing field. Labour Minister Pernell Charles Jr. said the livable wage matter is being considered by the National Minimum Wage Advisory Commission.

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said boys' performance in the 2026 Primary Exit Profile is encouraging, with seven boys among the top ten students. Speaking at Wednesday's post-Cabinet briefing, she said the results are significant because girls have traditionally outperformed boys in the national examination. The ministry is looking at establishing a boys committee and studying innovations at schools that structure classrooms differently, allow more breaks, or separate boys and girls during PEP years. Dr. Morris Dixon said the ministry uses data to guide policy and pointed to a November gathering with Caribbean education ministers and UNESCO to address the regional trend of boys underperforming relative to girls.