Hurricane Melissa has emerged as one of the most formidable storms in Atlantic history, now ranked as the fifth most powerful on record. According to The New York Times, the hurricane is approaching landfall as a Category 5 storm, boasting sustained winds of 185 miles per hour—merely five miles shy of the record set by Hurricane Allen in 1980. This unprecedented intensity has triggered flash flooding and storm surges, prompting urgent warnings from officials. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s disaster response coordinator, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave. Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.’ The hurricane’s eye wall, with its ferocious winds, poses a severe threat, potentially causing ‘total structural failure’ and widespread power and communication outages, as reported by the hurricane center on Monday. Tragically, at least three fatalities and thirteen injuries have already been linked to storm preparations. The Jamaica Observer noted that two deaths resulted from falling trees, while one individual was electrocuted. Injuries were primarily caused by accidental falls from ladders and roofs during preparation efforts. Fueled by the unusually warm Caribbean waters, Melissa is expected to maintain its destructive force as it moves through the region. Meanwhile, the World Food Program has pre-positioned 450 metric tons of food in Haiti, a significantly reduced stockpile due to donor focus shifting to crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
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183 Million Email Passwords Leaked Online?
In a shocking cybersecurity incident, approximately 183 million email passwords have reportedly been leaked online, exposing users of major email services such as Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo to significant risks. Security experts have labeled this as one of the largest password breaches in history, attributing much of the data theft to malware covertly installed on compromised devices. Despite widespread concerns, Google has vehemently denied claims of a Gmail breach, stating that the incident does not involve a hack of its systems but rather the theft of user credentials. The tech giant has advised users to enhance their security by enabling two-step verification and adopting passkeys. Cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt revealed that the leak includes 16 million email addresses that had never appeared in previous breaches. The stolen data was primarily sourced from illicit online forums and Telegram channels, where hackers trade compromised login details. While Gmail itself remained secure, many users fell victim to malware on their personal devices, leading to password theft. Experts have issued stern warnings about the dangers of reused passwords, emphasizing that such practices can grant hackers access to sensitive accounts, including banking and social media profiles. To mitigate risks, users are urged to employ unique passwords for each account, utilize password managers, and ensure their antivirus software is up to date.
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“All Hands on Deck” Effort as Jamaica Braces for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is in a state of high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds surpassing 170 mph, nears the island. The hurricane, now the most powerful storm globally this year, is expected to make landfall this afternoon, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to prepare for the impending disaster, with a collective effort to ensure safety and minimize damage. Amoy Harriott, a Jamaican reporter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that three fatalities and 13 injuries have already occurred due to storm-related incidents. Over 200,000 residents are currently without power, and shelters are rapidly filling up. Agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Works Agency are actively working to restore services and mitigate further disruptions. Harriott highlighted the increasing severity of the situation, with flooding and landslides already affecting parts of the island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, comparing the potential impact to that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to affect Cuba and other Caribbean regions, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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UPP Mobilizes Support for Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
In a recent interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Jamale Pringle, Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), announced plans to support Jamaica in its recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. Pringle emphasized the UPP’s commitment to organizing resources and aid for the storm-affected nation, highlighting the shared identity and history between Caribbean nations. ‘Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe hardship on our Caribbean brothers and sisters,’ Pringle stated, underscoring the moral obligation of Antiguans and Barbudans to assist. The UPP’s relief efforts will include fundraising initiatives, such as the upcoming Independence Banquet on November 2 at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union Banquet Hall, as well as collaborations with local organizations and churches to mobilize donations and support recovery. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica earlier this week, causing catastrophic winds, flooding, landslides, and multiple fatalities, leaving behind widespread destruction.
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Adrian Morales of Dominican Today receives special mention at the PEL 2025 National Tourism Journalism Awards
Journalist Adrian Morales, renowned for his incisive feature in Dominican Today, has been awarded a special mention in the “Opinion Journalism” category at the 21st Premio Nacional de Periodismo Turístico Epifanio Lantigua (PEL 2025). Organized by the Asociación Dominicana de Prensa Turística (Adompretur) under the leadership of Sarah Hernández, the event celebrated excellence in tourism journalism. Morales was recognized for his article, “Influencers, ‘sinvergüencers,’ ‘fakevergüencers,’ and other figures in tourism promotion,” which critically examines the role of social media influencers in tourism marketing. The piece, praised for its clarity and ethical rigor, incorporates insights from communications analyst Edgar Argüello, who coined the terms “sinvergüencers” and “fakevergüencers” to describe unqualified influencers. Morales’s work calls for greater accountability in tourism communication, urging media and policymakers to prioritize accuracy and sustainability over viral metrics. The article had previously garnered international acclaim, winning the “Pasaporte Abierto” prize from the World Travel Journalism Organization (WTJO) in August 2025. This dual recognition underscores the article’s significance as a critical contribution to tourism journalism. Morales’s achievement highlights the growing importance of ethical, well-researched commentary in an era dominated by superficial content. The PEL 2025 ceremony, held at the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel, celebrated Dominican identity and the legacy of Epifanio Lantigua, a pioneer in tourism journalism. The event also honored other outstanding contributors across various categories, reaffirming Adompretur’s commitment to ethical and creative communication in the tourism sector.
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GOB Plans to Keep Majority Share in BEL
The Government of Belize (GOB) has announced plans to retain a majority stake in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) while preparing to divest 33.5% of its shares to the public. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized that the state’s majority ownership is constitutionally mandated and non-negotiable. However, the divestment process is currently on hold due to BEL’s precarious financial situation. Briceño explained that selling shares under current conditions would result in significant undervaluation, prioritizing financial stabilization before any public offering. The initiative aims to provide Belizeans with an opportunity to invest directly in the nation’s primary power provider, with hopes of widespread participation. The sale will be structured in two phases, with shares valued at approximately 160 million Belize dollars. Briceño also highlighted the importance of securing strong returns for the Social Security Board, with local financial institutions already expressing interest in the offering. The move comes amid a backdrop of excess liquidity in the financial system, estimated at 700 to 800 million Belize dollars.
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Public assistance payments for October 2025 begin
The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment has officially launched the disbursement of payments for the Public Assistance Program (PAP) for October 2025. The payment process began on Monday, October 27, 2025, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This initiative targets beneficiaries residing in the Babonneau, Castries, Gros-Islet, San Souci, and Millet regions. All transactions will be processed at the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) Office, situated on Peynier Street in Castries. For additional information or assistance, the public is encouraged to reach out to the ministry via the following contact numbers: Castries at 468-5103/5108 or Vieux Fort at 454-6478.
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Permanent Secretary Colin O’Keiffe Attends Pan-American Highway for Digital Health Meeting in El Salvador
Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Colin Okeiffe, is actively participating in the Pan-American Highway for Digital Health (PH4H) meeting, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, from October 27 to 30, 2025. This high-level regional gathering, themed “Driving Innovation and Connection in the Americas,” unites representatives from all Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Member States to accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. The PH4H initiative aims to create a unified, interoperable digital health ecosystem that fosters interoperability, continuity of care, patient-centered approaches, information verification, and regional resilience. Currently, the Americas’ healthcare systems face challenges due to fragmented technological integration, which impedes information sharing and hampers swift responses to health crises. PH4H seeks to address these issues by transitioning Member States from isolated systems to a fully digitized, interconnected health sector. Organized by PAHO in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the workshop focuses on establishing legal, ethical, and governance frameworks to ensure secure, confidential, and private cross-border data exchange. PAHO will assist Member States in implementing these systems following national readiness assessments. Key anticipated benefits include enhanced regional collaboration, improved cybersecurity, better patient engagement, data-driven decision-making, increased stakeholder participation, and the integration of digitized health registries. Mr. Okeiffe highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “Every person’s health will travel with them, ensuring seamless access to health information across borders, cultures, and backgrounds, with their consent.” The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to fostering regional cooperation, advancing technological innovation, and ensuring equitable participation in the digital transformation of public health.
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Ambassador Daven Joseph Issues Public Apology to Environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes
In a significant development, Ambassador Daven Joseph has publicly apologized to renowned environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes. The apology comes in the wake of a recent controversy where statements made by the ambassador were perceived as dismissive of Watkins-Gilkes’ environmental advocacy efforts. In his statement, Joseph acknowledged the importance of her work in promoting sustainable practices and combating climate change. He expressed regret for any unintended offense caused and emphasized his commitment to supporting environmental initiatives. Watkins-Gilkes, a prominent figure in the environmental community, has accepted the apology, calling it a step toward fostering greater collaboration between policymakers and activists. This incident highlights the growing recognition of environmental issues in public discourse and the need for constructive dialogue between stakeholders.
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‘Most terrible thing we ever see’
The rural community of Grierfield in Moneague, St Ann, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected residents is Garry Dawson, who, along with his neighbors, is racing against time to repair his roof before nightfall. The powerful winds not only tore off roofs but also destroyed furniture and other household essentials, leaving many counting the staggering costs of the disaster.