The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning that it is likely to escalate into a hurricane by the end of this week or early next week. As of October 23, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Melissa remains stationary over the central Caribbean Sea, posing a significant threat to Haiti and neighboring regions. The storm’s slow movement, at approximately 6 km/h, increases the risk of prolonged strong winds, particularly affecting the Tiburon Peninsula in Haiti. Authorities have urged residents to expedite preparations to safeguard lives and property, as severe weather conditions are expected to intensify starting Friday. The storm’s center is currently located at 15.0 degrees North latitude and 74.9 degrees West longitude, about 485 km southwest of Port-au-Prince. Melissa is projected to bring heavy rainfall, ranging from 12 to 25 cm, across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, potentially triggering life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 85 km/h, with higher gusts, and further strengthening is anticipated by the weekend. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all cabotage activities in the southern coastal area until further notice. The Hydrometeorological Unit, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection, has placed five departments—South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and West—under an Orange Alert. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid crossing waterways, and follow safety guidelines issued by civil protection authorities.
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‘Nurses and Pharmacists Scarce!’
Belize is grappling with a persistent shortage of nurses and pharmacists, a challenge that Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard has highlighted as a pressing issue. Despite increased government support for training and retention, the country continues to lose healthcare professionals to larger nations. Bernard emphasized the critical need for nursing, stating, “Nursing is a necessity. We have been losing some of our nurses to bigger countries, so we must invest in encouraging more Belizeans to pursue this profession.” Similarly, the pharmacy sector faces a talent drain, with newly qualified pharmacists often being recruited by private entities. Bernard noted, “Pharmacy is a profession where graduates are quickly snapped up. We compete with the private sector to retain pharmacists, as every drugstore requires one.” To address this, the ministry has raised pharmacists’ salaries and plans to offer additional scholarships next year. Looking ahead, Bernard stressed the importance of strategic staffing for new healthcare facilities, including the San Pedro Hospital and the upcoming Belmopan tertiary hospital. “Training in these fields takes three to five years, so we must plan to ensure adequate staffing when these hospitals become operational,” he explained.
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Health Ministry Expands Scholarships for Medical Students
In a significant move to bolster its healthcare workforce, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has announced the expansion of its scholarship program for medical students. The initiative, which now offers 60 scholarships, aims to support students pursuing careers in nursing, midwifery, and pharmacy. This marks a substantial increase from the 40 scholarships awarded last year. Minister Kevin Bernard emphasized the program’s importance, stating, ‘This is about investing in our people and ensuring we can train professionals in fields where Belize faces shortages.’ The Ministry of Education has contributed to 15 bachelor’s nursing scholarships, while the Ministry of Health has secured funding for 14 bachelor’s scholarships, nine practical nursing scholarships, and 20 midwifery scholarships. Additionally, the Inter-American Development Bank has funded two pharmacy scholarships. With a total value exceeding $1.1 million, the ministry plans to further increase the number of scholarships annually to address the nation’s healthcare needs.
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MISSING: 14-Year-Old Tamarley Kentish
Authorities have issued an urgent plea to the public for assistance in finding 14-year-old Tamarley Kentish, who was reported missing on Tuesday. Kentish was last spotted around noon on October 21 in the Sea View Farm area, reportedly en route to All Saints Secondary School. Since then, his family has had no contact with him and remains deeply concerned about his safety. The police are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to come forward immediately. Contacts for reporting include the following numbers: 734-8105, 773-9775, 773-3834, or 723-0518. The community is encouraged to share this information widely to aid in the search efforts.
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Museumnacht groeit verder; bezoekers krijgen zelf de hoofdrol
The eighth edition of Suriname’s Museum Night is set to take place on Saturday, October 25, followed by Museum Day on Sunday, October 26. This year’s event promises an extraordinary cultural experience, expanding its reach across five districts with more locations than ever before. Among the highlights, visitors will have the unique opportunity to participate in a mock trial at the Court of Justice, taking on roles such as judge, defendant, lawyer, or bailiff. At the synagogue on Keizerstraat, attendees can witness a Jewish ritual bath and enjoy performances of orchestral bigi poku, Jewish pom, and wine. Organizer Astria Faneite, speaking at a press conference held at the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, noted the growing popularity of the event. “In 2014, we had three participants and around 300 visitors per location. Now, we’re seeing about 800 visitors, with over 1,000 at the synagogue,” she shared. Since 2014, Suriname has been part of this globally celebrated event, with this year’s theme being ‘Bigi Yari… and Beyond.’ Museum Night will run from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at various venues, including Clevia Park, the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, the Court of Justice, the synagogue, the Koto Museum, Readytex Art Gallery, Villa Zapakara, and the National Archives. The following day, Museum Day will feature special bus tours to museum locations in Para, Coronie, Commewijne, and Marowijne, with registration required and transportation provided by the organizers. While most museums will offer free admission, some locations will require prior registration.
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Who Will Replace Cansino as KHMH CEO?
The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is set to begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer after Chandra Cansino announced she will not renew her contract. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard confirmed that the hospital’s board is actively preparing to advertise the position. ‘The board has already convened and is drafting the terms of reference for the advertisement,’ Bernard stated. He emphasized that while he does not directly engage with board matters, his ministry is committed to ensuring a swift and effective transition. The minister expressed his best wishes for Cansino’s future endeavors, acknowledging her contributions to the institution. Bernard highlighted the importance of selecting a capable leader who can collaborate effectively with the board to maintain continuity, drive improvements, and ensure the hospital’s sustainability. However, he noted that no specific timeline has been set for the recruitment process, as the board is still finalizing the details. The ministry aims to expedite the hiring process to secure a suitable replacement who can uphold KHMH’s mission and operational excellence.
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Reds Perreira calls for early preparation ahead of West Indies tour to New Zealand
The West Indies men’s cricket team is gearing up for a challenging Test series against New Zealand next month, following a disappointing sweep by India in the subcontinent. With little time to regroup, the Men in Maroon must quickly address their preparation and strategy to avoid another setback. Legendary West Indian cricket commentator Dr. Joseph Reds Perreira has emphasized the critical need for thorough preparation ahead of the series, particularly given New Zealand’s formidable position as fifth in the World Test Championship standings. Perreira stressed the importance of acclimatizing to New Zealand’s unique playing conditions, including green pitches and seaming balls, and suggested sending Test players ahead for at least a week of practice at a local academy. He also highlighted the urgency of immediate planning to avoid the short preparation time that plagued the team during the India series. Regarding the squad composition, Perreira advocated for the inclusion of Jason Holder and Jommel Warrican, despite the latter’s limited success as a spinner in New Zealand. Additionally, concerns were raised about the fitness and availability of key fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzzari Joseph, whose participation could significantly impact the team’s performance. As the series approaches, the West Indies’ ability to manage injuries, plan effectively, and arrive well-prepared will be pivotal in determining whether they can deliver a competitive showing or face another disappointment. For a team striving to rebuild its reputation in Test cricket, meticulous preparation may be the cornerstone of progress.
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YASCO bathroom now projected for early 2026 completion
The long-awaited bathroom facility at the YASCO Sports Complex continues to face significant delays, despite initial promises from the government. Originally announced by Cabinet in May, the project was projected for completion by the end of 2025. However, the timeline has now been pushed to early 2026, with no definitive deadline in sight. On-site observations reveal partial progress, including the installation of rafters and some plumbing work. National coach and former athlete Teddy Daley expressed cautious optimism, stating that workers indicated a potential completion by January, which would align with the Christmas training camp schedule. ‘The pace is slow, but we’re encouraged because we’re seeing more progress now than in the last decade,’ Daley remarked. The project, initiated over 15 years ago under the former UPP administration, had been abandoned for years and overtaken by vegetation before recent efforts to revive it. Sports Minister Daryll Matthew estimated in May that completing the project would cost approximately EC$350,000. National Housing is overseeing the construction, though delays in material deliveries continue to hinder consistent progress.
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CWI Thanks West Indies Legends For Supporting “Mission India” Corporate Engagement Tour
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the iconic West Indies cricket legends for their unwavering support during the recently concluded ‘Mission India’ Corporate Engagement Tour. This initiative, aimed at strengthening ties between West Indies cricket and Indian corporate entities, saw the participation of several legendary cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their involvement not only added prestige to the tour but also played a pivotal role in fostering deeper collaborations and mutual understanding between the cricketing communities of the Caribbean and India. The tour, which spanned several key Indian cities, included a series of high-profile corporate meetings, networking events, and interactive sessions designed to explore new avenues for partnership and investment in West Indies cricket. CWI President, Ricky Skerritt, expressed his appreciation, stating, ‘The dedication and enthusiasm of our legends have been instrumental in the success of this mission. Their contributions have significantly enhanced our efforts to build a sustainable future for West Indies cricket.’ The ‘Mission India’ tour is part of CWI’s broader strategy to secure long-term financial stability and growth for cricket in the region, leveraging the immense popularity and commercial potential of the sport in India.
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Residents attending major climate conference in Brazil told to get yellow fever and measles vaccine
As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches, set to take place from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is issuing a critical health advisory. With an estimated 60,000 participants from 198 countries expected to attend, including heads of state, scientists, activists, and civil society representatives, PAHO/WHO emphasizes the importance of reviewing vaccination statuses for yellow fever and measles before traveling. Yellow fever, a severe mosquito-borne viral infection, can lead to high fever, liver damage, and, in severe cases, death. In 2025 alone, the Americas have reported 294 cases and 121 fatalities across six countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Although Belém has not reported any cases this year, its location in the Amazon region, a high-risk area, necessitates vigilance. Measles, another highly contagious viral disease, has seen a global resurgence, with 177,469 cases worldwide and 12,163 in the Americas as of mid-October. Canada leads in regional cases, while Brazil has recorded 35 cases, none in Belém. PAHO/WHO recommends that unvaccinated individuals receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel and the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) at least 15 days prior. For those aged 60 and older, yellow fever vaccination should be approached cautiously after a medical evaluation. Both vaccines can be administered simultaneously or with a four-week interval. PAHO/WHO also calls for enhanced epidemiological surveillance, vaccine availability, and risk communication across the region. Health systems are urged to monitor COP30 attendees for symptoms such as fever, rash, or jaundice during and after the event.