In a significant blow to the world of athletics, Kenyan marathon sensation Ruth Chepngetich has been handed a three-year ban for doping violations, as confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday. The 31-year-old, who holds the women’s marathon world record and boasts multiple prestigious titles, including the 2019 World Marathon Championship and three Chicago Marathon victories, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in March. Her provisional suspension began in July.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Higher electricity bills possible due to Melissa, warns JPS President
Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has issued a stark warning about potential increases in electricity bills for Jamaicans as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Speaking at a special press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Grant highlighted the challenges posed by the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Petrojam has enough fuel to ride out storm, says Vaz
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has assured the public that the nation’s state-owned oil refinery, Petrojam, is fully prepared to meet the country’s fuel needs. Vaz confirmed that Petrojam has activated all emergency systems and maintains robust fuel reserves, including over two weeks’ worth of refined products and 10 days’ supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These measures are critical as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas already saturated from weeks of persistent rain. Speaking at a special Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday morning, Vaz emphasized the importance of readiness and outlined additional steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability. Petrojam’s loading facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay will operate extended hours to facilitate pre-storm deliveries. Furthermore, Jamaica Aircraft Refueling Services has ensured ample stocks of jet fuel and aviation gasoline to maintain continuous aircraft refueling operations. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate potential disruptions and safeguard essential services during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Ministry of Labour gears up for storm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has announced comprehensive preparations to mitigate the potential effects of Tropical Storm Melissa. Emphasizing the safety and welfare of its citizens, the ministry has implemented a coordinated response strategy across all 14 parishes. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no individual is overlooked during disaster scenarios. He stated, ‘Our teams are fully prepared, equipped, and mobilized to address any needs that may arise.’
In preparation for the storm, all parish offices have been activated and are ready to handle emergencies. The Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC) has convened to finalize coordination among essential partners, while training sessions on the Jamaica Household Disaster Impact Needs Assessment (JHDINA) Lite tool are ongoing. Preemptive measures include the distribution of care packages and supplies to the parishes of St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary. Additionally, the ministry has bolstered its communication systems, ensuring swift contact with field officers through a Closed User Group (CUG) network, with each parish manager, administrator, and social worker assigned a mobile phone.
Minister Charles Jr. reassured the public, stating, ‘All mechanisms are in place to provide effective and timely assistance to those affected.’ The ministry is also collaborating with telecommunications partner Starlink to enhance connectivity during and after the storm. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and adhere to local authorities’ instructions as Jamaica braces for potential severe weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Melissa.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Elderly Haitian dies after being hit by falling tree
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Tropical Storm Melissa has claimed its first victim in Haiti, as an elderly man in the coastal town of Marigot lost his life due to severe flooding caused by the storm. According to Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, the man was tragically struck by a falling tree, while five others sustained injuries in the central Artibonite region. The storm, which continues to intensify over the warm Caribbean waters, poses a significant threat of dangerous landslides and life-threatening flooding to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that as of 11:00 AM local time, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was positioned near latitude 15.4 North, longitude 74.9 West. The storm is currently moving north-northwest at a slow pace of 2 mph (4 km/h), with a forecasted northward motion over the next day or two, followed by a westward turn by the weekend. Meteorologists predict that Melissa will strengthen into a hurricane within the next couple of days, potentially becoming a major hurricane by the end of the weekend. Residents in the affected areas are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Sangster International Airport ‘remains open under normal operations’
ST JAMES, Jamaica — As Jamaica braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, has confirmed that the facility remains fully operational. The island is currently under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch, heightening concerns about potential disruptions.
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LATT: CJ appointment consultation process not followed
The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has raised concerns over the appointment of Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh as the new Chief Justice, questioning whether proper constitutional procedures were followed. In a statement issued on October 23, LATT congratulated Boodoosingh on his new role but highlighted the “hastened and truncated process” that led to his appointment. The association emphasized that Section 102 of the Constitution mandates the President to consult with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition before making such a significant judicial appointment. According to LATT, the consultation process should involve informing the consultees about the proposed candidate(s) and the rationale behind the choice, allowing adequate time for consideration and response. However, LATT expressed doubts that these principles were adhered to, given the unusually short timeframe of the consultation. The association stressed the importance of transparency and constitutional compliance in appointing the highest judicial officer. Despite these concerns, LATT expressed confidence in Boodoosingh’s capabilities and extended its best wishes for his tenure. The association also acknowledged his significant contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s jurisprudence and his role as a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School. Additionally, LATT thanked outgoing Chief Justice Ivor Archie for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
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Works Minister upbeat on infrastructure progress
Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John brought her characteristic enthusiasm and poise to Parliament on October 23, addressing key national projects, budget priorities, and the state of the country’s infrastructure. During a media briefing, John emphasized the ongoing progress of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway Widening Project, which received a $2.15 billion allocation from her ministry. She assured that no projects had been halted by the ministry, attributing any delays to contractors rather than government directives. According to a September 9 update on the ministry’s website, the Chaguanas to Chase Village segment of the project is now 83% complete, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency for daily commuters. John hinted at major infrastructure projects to be announced by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar next week, describing them as transformative initiatives that will drive national progress. Currently, her focus remains on remedial works, including road repairs, drain clearing, and improving road conditions. She stressed the importance of addressing issues like potholes and unmarked roads to restore order and organization. Additionally, John highlighted efforts to build connector roads for rural communities, ensuring they receive adequate attention. With 94 active projects under her ministry, 70% of which are overdue by up to six years, John acknowledged the challenges of delays and rising costs, vowing to bring projects to completion. When questioned about political opposition, she dismissed concerns, criticizing the opposition’s lack of strategy and imbalanced focus during parliamentary sessions.
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Carib Cement says ‘contributions’ made to both JLP and PNP, no ‘fees’ paid
Caribbean Cement Company Limited has addressed recent allegations regarding political contributions, emphasizing that its donations to Jamaica’s major political parties were voluntary and compliant with local laws. The clarification comes after reports surfaced that its parent company, Mexico-based Cemex, disclosed a payment of US$201,538 to the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Initially described as ‘fees’ in the filing, the reference was later removed in an amended version. In a statement released on Thursday, Carib Cement asserted that the contributions adhered to legal and regulatory standards and clarified that the amendment to the SEC filing was merely a correction of the original report. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called for transparency, with PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell expressing concerns over the reported payment and its implications.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JUTC buses to continue to operate as long as conditions allow, says Vaz
Commuters depending on the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) can rest assured that bus services will remain operational as long as safety permits. This assurance was provided by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz during a Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday, where he outlined the government’s preparedness measures for Tropical Storm Melissa. Vaz emphasized that JUTC will continue its regular bus operations unless weather conditions pose a risk. Updates on service status will be disseminated through social media and public communication channels. To bolster emergency response, 30 buses have been allocated for deployment across key depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort, and Montego Bay. Each depot has activated an emergency operations committee, and JUTC representatives are stationed at national and parish emergency centers to ensure coordinated efforts. Additionally, all depots, fuel stations, and assets have been secured, and the company stands ready to assist with evacuation and transportation if required. Montego Bay Metro and Western Transport Operations are also fully operational and will continue services as long as weather conditions allow. Vaz further noted that toll road operators are on standby to implement emergency measures, including waiving toll fees if necessary to alleviate highway congestion during the storm.