In an unprecedented move, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters were compelled to cut short their reconnaissance mission on Monday as Hurricane Melissa unleashed ferocious winds exceeding 200 miles per hour. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence in the storm’s southwestern eyewall, prompting the rare decision to abort the mission. Melissa, now a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, is on a collision course with Jamaica, raising alarms across the Caribbean region. Forecasters predict the storm will approach or directly hit Jamaica late Monday night or early Tuesday, October 28–29, before traversing eastern Cuba and heading toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that hurricane-force winds extend nearly 195 miles from the storm’s center, with Melissa’s sluggish 3 mph forward motion expected to prolong devastating conditions, including destructive winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Even before making landfall, Melissa has already claimed lives in Jamaica, with at least three fatalities reported. Among the victims was a healthcare worker in St Elizabeth, tragically killed by a falling tree during storm preparations. Jamaican authorities have issued urgent warnings, urging residents to remain in safe shelters as catastrophic flooding and landslides loom. The NHC emphasized that whether Melissa strikes as a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, the impact will be equally devastating, with both categories capable of causing catastrophic wind damage. As the storm continues its menacing path, the Caribbean braces for days of destruction and peril.
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Government evaluates Hurricane Melissa damage to determine possible state of emergency
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader revealed on Monday that the government is actively assessing the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa to determine the necessity of declaring a state of emergency. Such a declaration, which would require congressional approval for additional funding, hinges on the ongoing evaluation of the storm’s lingering effects. Abinader stressed that the full impact of the hurricane, which brought torrential rains, widespread flooding, and significant property damage across the nation, is still being analyzed.
In a public address, the president reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting affected families and communities. “As we have demonstrated in past storms, we stand firmly with our people and will not abandon them in their time of need,” he declared. Emergency response teams are currently deployed in the hardest-hit regions, providing aid and assessing infrastructural damage.
According to the latest update from the Emergency Operations Center (COE), the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left 3,785 individuals displaced, 737 homes damaged, and critical infrastructure such as two roads and two bridges compromised. Additionally, 38 people remain in shelters, and 48 communities are isolated due to the storm’s devastation. Hurricane Melissa, the 13th cyclone of the Atlantic hurricane season, has already claimed one life in the Dominican Republic, further exacerbating the region’s challenges in a year marked by a series of destructive storms.
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Guyana on standby to provide humanitarian support to Jamaica after monster hurricane passes
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the most devastating storm in Jamaica’s history, Guyana has announced its readiness to provide humanitarian support to the affected nation. The Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has confirmed its preparedness to dispatch emergency assistance, including technical, logistical, and relief supplies, to aid in Jamaica’s response and recovery efforts. The CDC is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with regional partners, such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to coordinate potential support. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour and gusts up to 215 miles per hour, is expected to make landfall near Kingston, Jamaica, late Monday or Tuesday, October 2025. The Government of Guyana is also assessing the safety of Guyanese nationals in Jamaica, ensuring they have access to emergency assistance and arranging for possible repatriation. The government has urged citizens in Guyana and the wider Caribbean to stay informed through official advisories and support regional preparedness efforts.
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Global experts converge in Saint Lucia for high-level workshops
From October 28 to 30, Saint Lucia will host two high-profile international workshops at the Harbor Club in Rodney Bay, bringing together global experts in trade, policy, and sustainability. These events are part of the Remaking Trade for a Sustainable Future Project (RTP), a global initiative co-led by Dr. Jan Yves Remy, a prominent Saint Lucian trade expert and director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus. Launched in 2023, the RTP aims to align global trade policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After successful dialogues in cities like Brussels, Washington DC, and Nairobi, the project now focuses on the Caribbean, highlighting the region’s potential to lead in sustainable trade transformation. The workshops will feature over 70 participants, including policymakers, private-sector leaders, academics, and civil society representatives, collaborating to shape a greener and more inclusive Caribbean economy. The first workshop, on October 28, will focus on advancing the CARICOM Industrial Policy and Strategy (CIPS), exploring how trade incentives and regional value chains can bolster critical sectors like agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. The second workshop, on October 29-30, will delve into the burgeoning global bioeconomy, valued at over $4 trillion and projected to reach $30 trillion by 2050. Discussions will center on sustainable agriculture, marine biotechnology, and eco-tourism, culminating in a draft Caribbean Sustainable Trade and Bioeconomy Action Plan to guide climate-smart development.
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Dominican and Israeli authorities launch joint risk management training in Israel
The Israeli Embassy in the Dominican Republic, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (Mispas), has facilitated the participation of a multidisciplinary Dominican team in the international course “Emergency Situations Management.” This training, scheduled from October 19 to 31, 2025, in Israel, is a joint effort supported by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mispas’s Department of Risk Management and Environmental Health. The initiative underscores the deepening collaboration between the two nations in emergency healthcare and disaster response. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum on emergency management, encompassing hospital and community response systems, coordination with security forces, and strategies for community resilience. Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials management, and hospital organization. Additionally, they will exchange insights with Israeli health authorities, rescue teams, and hospitals to bolster national and international crisis response capabilities. The delegation includes representatives from key Dominican institutions such as Mispas, the National Emergency Operations Center (COE), the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Assistance (DAEH), the Dominican Red Cross, the National Police Hospital, Plaza de la Salud General Hospital, and the Dominican Air Force. The Israeli Embassy emphasized that this initiative enhances bilateral cooperation in public safety and health preparedness. Mispas further highlighted that the knowledge acquired will be disseminated nationwide to refine hospital response plans, rapid action protocols, and inter-institutional coordination.
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PM Briceño Reaffirms Support for Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace” Amid Tensions
Prime Minister John Briceño of Belize has reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to preserving the Caribbean as a ‘zone of peace,’ aligning with the collective stance of CARICOM Heads of Government. This declaration comes amid escalating tensions fueled by increased U.S. military presence near Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Briceño emphasized the importance of regional unity, stating, ‘The Caribbean is a zone of peace, and we must do everything to maintain it.’ He highlighted Venezuela as a key partner and Trinidad and Tobago as a valued member of CARICOM. The Prime Minister’s remarks were prompted by recent developments, including the arrival of U.S. warships in the region and reports of strikes on suspected drug vessels. Briceño condemned attacks on fishing boats, acknowledging the possibility of drug-related activities but stressing the need for lawful and peaceful resolutions. On October 18, 2025, CARICOM leaders, excluding Trinidad and Tobago, issued a statement endorsing the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. The statement advocated for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution while reinforcing cooperation against narcotrafficking and the illegal trade of small arms and light weapons within the framework of international law.
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La Clery keeps rising in SPFL
The Saint Lucia Semi Professional Football League witnessed a weekend of intense action and unexpected outcomes, with defending champions La Clery solidifying their position at the top of the table. Despite having a game in hand, La Clery showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Castries. The match marked their return to the field after a three-week hiatus following the tragic passing of young talent Ajani Hippolyte. Yanic Noel, Daniel Martie, and Mervin St Romain scored in the first half, while Malik St Prix added another in the second half, securing La Clery’s continued supremacy. Meanwhile, former leaders Mabouya Valley stumbled, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Soufrière, who capitalized on home advantage to secure only their third win in 12 matches. Jahzani Henry’s early goal proved decisive, leaving Mabouya Valley struggling to close the gap on La Clery, who now lead by 11 points. In other matches, Canaries edged Central Castries 2-1, with Jadan Longville and David Henry scoring either side of halftime. Despite a late goal from Messiah Pinel, Central Castries failed to salvage a draw, extending their winless streak since early September. Dennery also made strides, climbing off the bottom of the table with a resounding 4-1 victory over Choiseul, thanks to goals from Elijah Joseph and a brace from Denelson Jones. The weekend’s results have reshaped the league standings, with La Clery firmly in control and several teams battling to avoid relegation.
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Son After Father Dies Waiting at NRH: “If You Don’t Love the Job, Leave It”
A tragic incident at Belize’s Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) has reignited concerns over the country’s public healthcare system. Eusebio Espinosa Senior, a 92-year-old man, passed away over the weekend while awaiting medical attention. His son, Eusebio Espinosa Junior, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that despite repeated pleas for help, his father was left unattended until it was too late. The elderly man was brought to the hospital on Saturday evening after experiencing severe pain and discomfort. Despite undergoing triage, they were instructed to wait outside as staff attended to other patients. Espinosa Junior claimed that by the time medical personnel responded, his father had already stopped breathing. The emergency area was reportedly overcrowded, with limited staff on duty. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard has ordered a full investigation into the incident, vowing to hold those responsible accountable if negligence is confirmed. Espinosa Junior expressed skepticism about the investigation’s outcome but emphasized the need for systemic improvements, including increased staffing and better emergency response protocols. He also urged healthcare workers to reconsider their roles if they lack passion for their jobs, stating, ‘If you don’t love what you’re doing, you need to carry on with another occupation.’ The incident has sparked widespread calls for urgent reforms in Belize’s healthcare system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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FLASH : 3 departments in red, 4 in orange, the worst to come
Haiti and several Caribbean nations are bracing for the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which has already triggered widespread alerts and emergency preparations. As of October 28, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Melissa, with maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h and higher gusts, was located 640 km southwest of Port-au-Prince. The hurricane is moving slowly westward but is expected to shift northeastward, bringing catastrophic conditions to Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Hispaniola. Haiti’s southern regions, including the departments of South, Grande Anse, and Nippes, are under red alert, while other areas are on orange alert. The storm is predicted to cause flash floods, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 40 inches (1 meter) in some areas. Coastal regions face life-threatening storm surges and rip currents. Authorities have issued urgent warnings, advising residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow safety guidelines. Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and eastern Cuba are also preparing for severe impacts, including torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges. The Southeast and central Bahamas, along with the Turks and Caicos Islands, are under hurricane warnings, with significant rainfall and storm surges anticipated. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service has suspended all coastal activities in the southern zone until further notice. Civil protection agencies across the region are urging communities to prioritize safety and stay informed through official channels.
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New York/Stubbs Masters, North East Masters continue to win
The 2025 SVG International Masters T20 Cricket Festival witnessed thrilling performances on Day 2, with New York/Stubbs Masters and North East Masters securing their second consecutive victories in the Festival Division. New York/Stubbs Masters triumphed over Clarke Road Veterans by 51 runs at the Sion Hill Playing Field, thanks to a strong batting display. Mark Audain’s 54, Max Richardson’s 41, and Nurlon Williams’ 25 propelled their total to 177 for 7 in 20 overs. Clarke Road Veterans, despite Gregory Mahabir’s 53 and Ravi Samaroo’s 25, were restricted to 126 for 9, with Orlando Mofford’s impressive 4 for 16 sealing the win. Meanwhile, North East Masters edged past Cricket Canada Masters Council by 1 wicket with 2 balls remaining. Cricket Canada Masters Council posted 101 all out, with Vinay Devisetty scoring 34. North East Masters, led by Shane Shillingford’s 42 and Deighton Butler’s unbeaten 36, narrowly reached the target. In another exciting match, RSVG Police Masters defeated Sarasota International Cricket Club 40+ by 6 runs, with Hyron Shallow’s 58 being the highlight. The Fete Division also saw intense action, with Windies Masters, Monroe Road Masters, and Canada Masters Cricket Club securing victories. Windies Masters defeated D & D Auto World by 6 wickets, while Monroe Road Masters overcame AMAAS Sporting Services Barbados Veterans by 5 wickets. Canada Masters Cricket Club dominated Trinbago Leatherbacks with a 10-wicket win, thanks to Naveed Sehrai’s explosive 109 not out. AMAAS also shone in Group B, defeating VJ’s North Windward Masters by 153 runs, with Andy Payne’s 109 leading the charge. Day 3 promises more excitement with 10 matches scheduled across both divisions.