KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa poised to bring severe weather conditions, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has issued an urgent call to its member organizations to prioritize the safety of workers, worksites, and assets. The Council is also advising the public to exercise heightened caution around construction zones, particularly avoiding unsecured or partially completed sites during and after the storm.
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Moonilal, Young spar over increased ministry allowances
During the final session of the Standing Finance Committee on October 25, a heated exchange erupted between Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young and Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal over an $82,000 increase in electricity allowances within the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries’ budget. Young, a former energy minister, questioned whether the hike was tied to the establishment of additional offices for Moonilal and junior minister Ernesto Kesar in south Trinidad. The increase was listed under the sub-heading ‘goods and services – general administration.’ Young argued that the additional offices were an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, particularly since the Ministry already operates from Port of Spain. Moonilal countered that the funds were allocated to cover arrears owed to TTEC, the national electricity provider, which he claimed were left unpaid by Young during his tenure. He further defended the southern offices, stating they were a long-standing presence in San Fernando and provided convenience for stakeholders in the energy sector. The debate intensified as Young also challenged a $150,000 increase in rent, which Moonilal attributed to unpaid arrears from the previous administration. Young accused Moonilal of excessive spending on office renovations, emphasizing that most energy sector stakeholders are based in Port of Spain. The session concluded without resolution, highlighting ongoing tensions over fiscal responsibility and resource allocation within the Ministry.
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$59.2 b budget approved by Lower House
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has officially approved the $59.2 billion national budget for the fiscal year 2025/2026, following an extensive five-day review by the Standing Finance Committee. The final vote, held on October 25, saw unanimous support from the 28 government members, while all 12 opposition members voted against the proposal. The budget, initially presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on October 13, is based on projected oil and gas prices of US$73.25 per barrel and US$4.35 per mmbtu, respectively. Despite these optimistic projections, the fiscal package carries a deficit of $3.865 billion. The next phase of the budgetary process will commence on October 27, when Senators are scheduled to debate the financial plan at 10 am.
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Hurricane Melissa 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 Hurricane 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 importance of ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had upgraded the alert level from a hurricane watch to a warning on October 24, prompting the change. Additionally, the all-Dominican Republic semifinal clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC has also been postponed. The first leg of this matchup will now take place on October 30, with the second leg scheduled for November 6. In the first leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant, the latter dominated with a 5-1 victory, maintaining their flawless record in this year’s tournament. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Defence Force’s Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal. The rescheduled second leg will be held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the second- and third-placed teams advancing to the first round.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ‘Prioritise your mental health,’ says Health Ministry
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging citizens to prioritize not only their physical safety but also their mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, emphasized the importance of mental health during such stressful times, encouraging individuals to utilize available resources. These include the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline (888-NEW-LIFE) and the U-Matter Chatline, which supports young people aged 16 to 24. The Ministry also advises staying informed through credible sources, checking on vulnerable individuals, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking help if overwhelmed. Mental health professionals remain on standby to assist during and after the storm. For additional support, the public can contact the Health Emergency Operations Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa strengthens into hurricane as it takes aims at Jamaica
MIAMI, United States — Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 1 storm, posing a significant threat as it moves at an alarmingly slow pace toward Jamaica, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane, currently generating winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, is forecasted to intensify rapidly into a major hurricane within the next 24 hours. The NHC’s latest advisory highlights the potential for devastating flash floods and landslides in Jamaica and Haiti, with the storm expected to linger over the region for several days.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay preparing for the storm
As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, residents and authorities are ramping up efforts to minimize the potential destruction. The storm, which is predicted to intensify into Hurricane Melissa, has prompted widespread preparations across the island. In Montego Bay, workers were observed dismantling a large sign atop a building on Saturday, a precautionary measure to prevent it from becoming a hazardous projectile in the anticipated strong winds. The Western Parks and Markets agency has also initiated extensive clean-up operations to reduce the risk of garbage clogging drains and exacerbating flooding. With heavy rains and flooding expected, the accumulation of debris could severely impact drainage systems, leading to more extensive water damage. The community remains on high alert, taking proactive steps to safeguard lives and property as the storm approaches.
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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.
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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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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.