Jamaica Observer Media Group recently recognised team members for their excellent coverage of Hurricane Melissa and its aftermath during a presentation ceremony at the company’s Beechwood Avenue headquarters.

The O Team members were hailed as Hurricane Heroes for making exceptional personal sacrifices in extremely difficult circumstances to provide Observer readers and audiences across the company’s print, digital, and online platforms with credible and useful information delivered in real time in the days leading up to the arrival of the Category 5 storm, during its rampage across sections of the island, and after its departure.

The Hurricane Heroes initiative also saw hundreds of Sandals and Beaches resorts team members across Jamaica being lauded for going above and beyond the call of duty to safeguard their respective properties, support each other, and drive the company’s recovery efforts during and immediately after Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28, 2025.

The initiative is the brainchild of the group’s Executive Chairman Adam Stewart to show appreciation to team members for their dedication and commitment to the companies in the group and to Jamaica, as well as their selfless actions that became powerful symbols of resilience, unity, and care.

Jamaica Observer Media Group Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun (right) stands with some of the O Team members who have been hailed as Hurricane Heroes for covergage of Hurricane Melissa and its aftermath as they display their certificates at the recent presentation. From left: Jeffrey Lynch, digital media specialist; Gavin Jones, videographer; Tamoy Ashman, Sunday staff reorter; Kelsey Thomas, online co-ordinator; Andre Henry, driver; and Garfield Robinson, photographer. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Observer driver Michael Simpson is presented with his Hurricane Hero certificate by Natalie Chin-Samuda, deputy managing director of the media group.

Observer Media Group team members Ricardo McDonald (left), audio visual engineer; Dana Malcolm, online reporter; and Maurice Chalmers (second right), audio visual engineer, take a group photo with Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun after he presented them with theirHurricane Heroes certificates.