Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has announced urgent measures to ensure the safety of Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa looms, with potential to escalate into a hurricane. The storm, currently drifting north-northwestward, is forecasted to intensify, prompting a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for Jamaica. In response, Prime Minister Davis has directed Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper to coordinate an evacuation flight for the students. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining constant communication with the students and will provide ongoing updates. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, life-threatening floods, and strong winds, expected to impact Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola over the weekend. Alveta Knight, the Bahamian Consul General in Jamaica, reported that her office is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that Bahamian nationals, particularly students, are adequately prepared. Approximately 160 Bahamian students are enrolled in Jamaican universities, alongside 20 to 70 permanent residents, though these numbers vary.
Govt to arrange evacuation flight for Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa may soon be hurricane
