The parish of St Elizabeth in Jamaica is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as described by Black River Mayor Richard Solomon. The hurricane has left the region in a state of devastation, with severe damage to infrastructure and limited communication capabilities. Solomon emphasized that the term ‘catastrophic’ barely captures the extent of the destruction witnessed on the ground. Emergency and security forces are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently immobilized and relies on Starlink satellite internet for communication. Solomon revealed that the local hospital has been ‘totally devastated,’ and police units, along with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), are non-operational after being submerged during the hurricane. Rescue operations are currently impossible, and the situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Solomon urged residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are being made to address the crisis. He appealed for external assistance, stressing that the parish urgently needs all the help it can get.
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‘She gwaan bad’: Piggery resident says Hurricane Melissa destroyed his home
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.
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NMIA, Ian Fleming International Airport to open for relief flights
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant update, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced the phased reopening of Jamaica’s key airports following a period of closure due to a recent crisis. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, are set to resume operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, initially for relief flights only. Commercial operations, including both incoming and outgoing flights, will commence at 7:00 am on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday to facilitate relief efforts. Vaz emphasized that assessments are ongoing, with commercial passenger flights expected to resume no later than Friday morning. The minister highlighted the extensive devastation observed during his aerial tour, urging collective efforts for recovery. ‘The devastation is enormous. Words can’t describe it. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. God bless Jamaica,’ Vaz stated. The arrival of relief flights will mark the beginning of the recovery process, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.
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Health Ministry urges blood donations as supplies run low after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an urgent appeal to the public to donate blood as soon as it is safe to do so. The hurricane has severely disrupted blood collection and storage operations across multiple parishes, leaving national blood supplies critically low. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) reported that routine blood drives have been halted, and the transportation of blood and blood products to hospitals has been significantly delayed. This shortage poses a serious risk to patients requiring transfusions for surgeries, trauma care, and childbirth complications. Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, the chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of donations, stating, ‘We are urging all Jamaicans who are able to give blood. Your donation can save lives, especially at a time when hospitals are still in emergency mode and every unit counts.’ Potential donors are advised to ensure safe travel conditions, prepare by eating well and staying hydrated, and bring a valid ID to the Blood Bank. Donations are currently being accepted at the NBTS office located at 21 Slipe Road in Kingston. Updates on additional collection sites and schedules will be communicated through the ministry’s official channels and NBTS social media platforms in the coming days.
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Trinidad and Tobago coach upbeat despite 4-1 loss to ‘Reggae Girlz’
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team faced a challenging return to the pitch after a year-long hiatus, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Jamaica in a friendly match at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva, on October 28. Despite the loss, co-coach Damian Briggs emphasized the positive takeaways, viewing the game as a crucial step in their preparation for the upcoming Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The match marked TT’s first competitive outing in over a year, and the team showed glimpses of potential, particularly in the first half when Nikita Gosine equalized with a stunning strike after Jody Brown had given Jamaica an early lead. However, Jamaica dominated the second half, scoring three unanswered goals, including a fortuitous second for Brown in the closing minutes. Briggs praised his team’s energy and adaptability, highlighting the importance of learning from the experience as they aim to rebuild and refine their style of play. The TT squad, featuring a mix of local and overseas-based players, will next face Barbados on November 30 in their opening Concacaf qualifier. Briggs remains optimistic, stressing the need for continuous improvement and fitness as they navigate a challenging qualifying campaign.
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‘It’s so sad’: St Elizabeth businessman says Hurricane Melissa worst he has seen
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A long-time resident and business operator in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has described Hurricane Melissa as the most severe storm he has encountered during his nearly two decades on the island. Mr Lee, who runs a local supermarket, shared his harrowing experience with Observer Online, recounting the destruction caused by the hurricane. While his property suffered minimal damage, other areas were not as fortunate, experiencing significant losses. ‘I’ve been in Jamaica for almost 20 years, and that was the first hurricane I never expected. It’s the worst. It’s so sad,’ Mr Lee lamented. Despite the challenges, he ensured the safety of his staff and remains hopeful for recovery. ‘We only got some little water and did some cleaning, but I see other places got a lot of losses. I called my staff, ensured everyone is safe, but I think we will be getting better,’ he added. The hurricane has left a trail of devastation, highlighting the resilience of the local community as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding.
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Tufton says efforts underway to relocate patients from Black River Hospital
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, has announced urgent measures to relocate patients from the severely damaged Black River Hospital. The facility has been rendered inaccessible due to the storm’s destruction, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety and care of approximately 71 patients currently housed there.
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Santa Cruz resident says hometown is ‘unrecognisable’
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the town of Santa Cruz in a state of utter devastation, with one resident describing the destruction as ‘unimaginable.’ Yushaine Morgan, a local attorney and lifelong resident, shared his heart-wrenching experience with Observer Online, emphasizing the profound impact of the storm on his community. Morgan, who was seen wearing an ‘I love Santa Cruz’ shirt, explained that the garment symbolized his enduring hope and resilience in the face of catastrophe. ‘What we endured last night and yesterday surpassed anything we could have imagined, no matter how dire our predictions,’ Morgan recounted. He painted a grim picture of the town’s current state, noting that entire sections are now unrecognizable. ‘Roads have been obliterated, countless homes and businesses destroyed, roofs torn off, and many have lost vehicles and livestock,’ he added. Despite the overwhelming devastation, Morgan expressed his unwavering commitment to his hometown, stating, ‘I have no desire of ever vacating.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding, with Morgan admitting uncertainty about where to begin the recovery process.
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Vigil for regional peace in Port of Spain on November 9
In response to escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, eight local organizations in Trinidad and Tobago are set to host a peace vigil at Woodford Square, Port of Spain, on November 9. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 pm, aims to address growing concerns among citizens regarding the increasing US military presence in the southern Caribbean. Organizers emphasized the potential for conflict to disrupt the region, citing the possibility of war and its devastating consequences on human lives, infrastructure, and economic stability. Among the participating groups are the Concerned Muslims of TT, the Emancipation Support Committee, and the Movement for Social Justice. The organizers highlighted the potential for mass migration from Venezuela to neighboring countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, which could severely impact local businesses, investor confidence, and trade. They also expressed concerns about the disruption of tourism, particularly during carnival season, and the livelihoods of fisherfolk already facing challenges. The vigil is not a political initiative but a call for peace, urging the Caribbean to remain a Zone of Peace. The organizers noted the significant increase in US military assets in the region, including destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and B52 Bombers, with over 10,000 military personnel now stationed nearby. They also pointed to the rhetoric from US officials, including statements about targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Venezuela’s preparations for potential conflict, including military exercises and the acquisition of anti-aircraft missiles from Russia. The vigil aims to unite like-minded individuals and groups in advocating for peace and stability in the region.
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Brasso Village man charged with double murder
A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village, Clevon Alexander, has been formally charged with the murders of two young individuals, Ricky Joseph, 20, and Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary. The charges also include wounding with intent against two additional victims, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Alexander appeared before Master Whitney Franklin at the South Criminal Court C on October 27, following his arrest on October 22. The tragic incident occurred on October 15, when Joseph, Shadrack, and two others were ambushed in a wooden structure in the Brasso district. Multiple gunshots were reported, resulting in fatal injuries to Joseph at the scene and Shadrack two days later. The other two victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Facility for treatment. The charges were filed on October 24 by W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste, based on advice from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal. The case, supervised by Supt Steve Persad and ASP Maharaj of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region Three, is set for a sufficiency hearing on September 18, 2026.