The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to close at 8:00 PM on Saturday or upon the arrival of the last scheduled flight, as the country braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm is advancing toward Jamaica’s southern coast, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision during a media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the need to ensure safety while accommodating travelers. Initially, both NMIA and Sangster’s International Airport in Montego Bay were expected to remain operational for scheduled flights. However, the plan was revised following consultations with the Airports Authority of Jamaica. Vaz stated that the closure would occur at 8:00 PM or after the last arriving flight, whichever comes later. Delayed flights will still be accommodated to facilitate travel. Vaz urged travelers to adjust their plans and leave Jamaica today if possible. A meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM to determine the closure time for Sangster International Airport, with updates to be communicated afterward. The minister highlighted the importance of these measures for both local residents and the tourism industry. Hotels are coordinating with airlines to increase flight capacities and evacuate vacationers before the storm intensifies.
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Scenes from J’Ouvert celebrations for Tobago carnival
The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revellers gathered for the vibrant J’Ouvert celebrations, marking the largest street festival of the still relatively new Tobago Carnival on the global calendar. The event, characterized by its infectious energy and colorful displays, saw a mix of locals, returning Trinbagonians from abroad, and international visitors joining in the festivities. The standout band, Fog Angels, led the parade, while spectators and participants alike reveled in the lively atmosphere. Despite the large presence of police and defense forces, the event maintained its reputation as a clean and safe celebration, with revellers freely taking command of the streets. Soca music blared from speakers, and foam-covered partygoers danced with unbridled joy. The event also featured unique moments, such as a mas player being towed in a wheelbarrow and others proudly waving their national flags. Tobago Carnival, though new to the global stage, has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, drawing thousands to its vibrant and inclusive celebrations.
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Woodland farmer robbed after fake Facebook cattle sale
A Woodland farmer fell victim to a brazen armed robbery after responding to a social media advertisement to purchase cattle. The incident occurred on October 24, when the farmer traveled to Pangola Road, Point Fortin, in his pickup truck at approximately 9:30 a.m. to meet a seller he had contacted through a Facebook group. Upon arrival, the farmer engaged in a conversation with two men. Suddenly, one of the individuals brandished a firearm and declared a robbery. The second suspect swiftly seized the farmer’s phone and wallet containing $2,400, which had been concealed under the passenger seat of the pickup. The assailants then fled into nearby bushes. Authorities from the Point Fortin Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made yet. This case highlights the risks associated with online transactions and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers for business purposes.
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Manchester police seize firearm in abandoned car
In a significant operation on Saturday morning, the Manchester Police successfully confiscated a firearm in the Scott Town district of Greenvale, located in the central parish of Jamaica. The incident unfolded around 10:15 am when law enforcement officers, acting on credible intelligence, arrived at a specific area in Greenvale. There, they discovered an abandoned Honda Accord motor car. Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, the police uncovered a Ruger semi-automatic rifle concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Despite the successful seizure, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The Manchester Police have not released further details regarding the investigation or the potential suspects involved. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Jamaican law enforcement to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety in the region.
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#EyeOnMelissa: NMIA to temporarily close at 9pm as Melissa approaches island
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the impending Tropical Storm Melissa, PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the operator of Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), has announced the temporary closure of the airport effective 9:00 PM tonight. The shutdown will follow the departure of the last scheduled flight on Saturday.
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Turbulence among stars featured on Dasvibes’ ‘Dancehall Nice Again’ compilation
From his humble beginnings as a sound system operator in Seaview Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica, Dasvibes has always been driven by a singular mission: to spotlight emerging dancehall talent from underserved communities. Now based in Brisbane, Australia, where he has resided for 16 years, Dasvibes continues to champion the genre with his latest project, ‘Dancehall Nice Again,’ a compilation album released on October 25. The album features a dynamic mix of established stars like Turbulence and rising artists such as Charly B, Wiski D, and Wilful Skillful, representing a diverse array of countries including Jamaica, Australia, the United States, France, Costa Rica, and Guyana. In an interview with Observer Online, Dasvibes emphasized his deliberate approach to curating the album, stating, ‘I handpicked artistes based on authenticity, originality, and their passion for real dancehall culture. I wanted voices that embody the true spirit of dancehall and bring their own cultural flavour.’ One of the standout tracks, ‘One Life,’ a collaboration with Turbulence, has already gained significant traction in the UK and South Africa. Other notable contributions include Wiski D’s ‘Bring That Come,’ Charly B’s ‘Reda Than Red,’ and Yellow Marshall’s ‘Not Like Dem.’ Dasvibes, who spent four years perfecting the project, aims to showcase the vibrancy and global appeal of dancehall. Beyond music, Dasvibes is a mobile application developer and a key figure in Australia’s burgeoning dancehall scene. His earlier success with the EDM track ‘Stickmen Toys Rock’ and his roots as DJ Wade on the Dub Sonic sound system in Seaview Gardens have cemented his reputation as a multifaceted talent. His journey, blending a passion for information technology with music production, underscores his unique contribution to the dancehall genre.
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Tropical Storm forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant
The semifinal matches of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been rescheduled due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Melissa in Jamaica. The second leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant Football Academy, originally set for October 29, has been moved to November 5. This decision was announced by Concacaf’s chief football competitions officer, Carlos Fernandez, who emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had earlier upgraded the country’s alert level from a hurricane watch to a hurricane warning on October 24. The first leg of the match, held on October 22 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, saw Mount Pleasant dominate with a 5-1 victory over Defence Force. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal for Defence Force. The other semifinal, an all-Dominican Republic clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC, has also been rescheduled. The first leg will now take place on October 30, with the second leg on November 6. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, while the second- and third-placed teams will enter the first round.
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Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmer, Dylan Carter, is set to conclude his 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup journey with a determined push for a podium finish in Toronto, Canada. On October 25, Carter will compete in the men’s 50-meter butterfly final at 6:32 PM (TT time), aiming to cap off his campaign with a medal. Earlier in the day, during the preliminary rounds, the 29-year-old secured second place in heat four with a time of 22.49 seconds, trailing behind Canada’s Ilya Kharun, who dominated with a blistering 21.85 seconds—the fastest time across all heats. Carter’s performance ranked seventh overall in the prelims, signaling the need for a stellar effort in the final to add to his two bronze medals earned earlier in the competition. In the first leg of the Swimming World Cup in Indiana, Kharun claimed gold in the 50m butterfly with a time of 21.86 seconds, while Carter finished fifth in 22.57 seconds. The second leg in Illinois saw Kharun repeat his golden feat in 21.69 seconds, with Carter placing seventh at 22.48 seconds. Carter’s previous successes include bronze medals in the 50m backstroke (first leg) and 50m freestyle (second leg), showcasing his versatility and determination throughout the tournament.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JPS says no to system shut down
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has firmly denied rumors circulating about an imminent electricity shutdown scheduled for 1:30 pm today. In a statement released on Saturday, Winsome Callum, JPS Director of Corporate Communications, clarified that the company has no plans to cut power and emphasized that the system will remain operational as long as conditions permit. Callum urged the public to rely on official JPS communication channels for accurate updates, including the JPS website (jpsco.com), the MyJPS Mobile App, the JPS WhatsApp Channel, and the company’s social media pages (@myjpsonline).
JPS also warned that, depending on the severity of the impending weather system, prolonged power outages could occur. Restoration efforts will prioritize essential services, major industrial zones, and urban centers, with smaller communities and individual customers being addressed afterward. Callum reassured the public, stating, ‘This is a time to remain calm, focused, and properly informed, while we care for each other.’ The company emphasized the importance of staying updated through verified sources to avoid misinformation during this critical period.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ODPEM activates National Emergency Operation Centre
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has escalated its response to Hurricane Melissa by activating the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) at its highest alert level. The tropical storm, rapidly intensifying, is anticipated to unleash severe weather across the island, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated national effort.