KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to address potential water disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has readied over 50 triple-phase generators for deployment. These generators aim to restore potable water to 80% of National Water Commission (NWC) customers within 72 hours post-storm. The announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Friday. This initiative follows the lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which caused significant delays in water restoration for several communities. Additionally, four mobile generators have been rented to support vulnerable areas at risk of prolonged water supply disruptions. Samuda emphasized that this approach marks a significant improvement from previous responses, enabling communities to replenish water storage facilities and stabilize distribution systems. The NWC is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritize the restoration of water pumps serving critical infrastructure, including hospitals and detention centers. Furthermore, the ministry is coordinating with municipal corporations and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to ensure water trucking services are promptly delivered to affected areas once the storm has passed.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa forecast to strike Jamaica as major hurricane early next week
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane and make landfall in Jamaica early next week, according to the latest updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The storm is currently positioned approximately 360 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 254 kilometers southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. As it advances, Melissa is expected to traverse central Jamaica from south to north, potentially reaching Category 4 or 5 intensity upon impact. Principal Director Evan Thompson emphasized the severity of the impending storm, warning of catastrophic consequences including structural damage and widespread flooding. The island is bracing for torrential rainfall, with estimates of 300 to 400 millimeters expected to drench eastern parishes initially, spreading westward over the coming days. Residents are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds and potential hurricane-force conditions by Sunday.
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WATCH: Frantic buying empties store shelves across Corporate Area amid storm fears
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, Jamaicans in the Corporate Area have rushed to stores, leaving shelves bare in preparation for the potential impact. Despite the tropical storm warning and hurricane watch issued since Thursday morning, some shoppers expressed doubts about the necessity of their frantic purchases, citing past experiences where storms veered away from the island. Andrew Sinclair, a customer at the National Bakery on Balmoral Avenue, voiced his skepticism, recalling instances where warnings led to excessive spending without significant consequences. However, most residents are erring on the side of caution, with long lines and increased sales reported at supermarkets and bakeries. At Brooklyn Supermarket, Jamela Anderson remained unfazed, expecting only heavy rain, while Diana Mendez stocked up on essentials for her granddaughter but expressed concern over the storm’s slow movement. Richie Bramwell, shopping with his son, focused on canned goods and emphasized the importance of preparedness, despite feeling minimally threatened. Stores like MegaMart and Sampers Supermarket reported unprecedented activity, with items like bottled water, canned food, and batteries flying off the shelves. Customers like Omar Mills expressed hope for minimal damage and the safety of all residents as the island braces for Melissa’s arrival.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Area 4 cops on alert during Tropical Storm Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, threatening to escalate into a major hurricane, the Area 4 police team has pledged its full support to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure. Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Area 4, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable areas during and after the storm.
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Jamaica Food and Drink festival wins third Caribbean title
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) has once again been honored as the “Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival” at the prestigious World Culinary Awards, marking its third consecutive win after triumphs in 2021 and 2022. This accolade solidifies Kingston’s reputation as a hub for regional gastronomy and underscores the festival’s remarkable evolution over its 11-year history. What began as a local celebration has blossomed into a regional phenomenon, attracting renowned international chefs, global media outlets like Forbes, and food enthusiasts eager to savor authentic Jamaican flavors.
Festival Director Alicia Bouges expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, ‘This win means everything to us. Three-time winners…that’s not luck. That’s legacy. It’s proof that when Jamaica shows up, we set the standard. JFDF has become the blueprint for how a culinary festival in this region should look, feel, and taste. We’ve built something the world is watching; something that honors our culture, celebrates our people, and inspires others across the Caribbean. Kingston is no longer just hosting a festival; we are leading a movement. And this award is a reminder that the flavor of the Caribbean begins right here in Jamaica.’
The 2025 edition of the festival is set to take place from November 13 to 16, promising an array of culinary delights with events such as Kuyah, Decade 2.0, Meet Street & The Market, and the grand Brunch finale. For further details, visit www.jamaicafoodanddrink.com or follow @jfdfja on Instagram.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Dedicated Whatsapp line for persons with disabilities
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to safeguard vulnerable populations, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line, 876-447-0444, specifically for persons with disabilities to communicate their needs as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The announcement was made by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr during a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday.
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Tobago police expect largest, incident free carnival
The Tobago Carnival 2024, now in its fourth edition, is poised to be the largest yet, with an unprecedented influx of visitors expected to descend on the island this weekend. Senior Superintendent of Police Earl Elie, speaking at a press conference on October 23 at the Scarborough Police Station, emphasized that safety remains the top priority for law enforcement. Elie revealed that approximately 23,000 people are anticipated to arrive via Caribbean Airlines, with additional travelers expected to come by ferry. Despite the surge in attendance, the carnival events have so far been incident-free, and authorities are optimistic this trend will continue. To manage the festivities, over 50 officers from Trinidad will join local police, alongside a significant contingent from the Defence Force, ensuring a robust security presence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Oswain Subero highlighted the collaborative efforts of the TT Police Service, the Tobago House of Assembly, and other agencies in implementing a comprehensive operational and security plan. This plan covers all aspects of carnival activities, from pre-carnival events to the main-day parades, with a focus on traffic management, crowd control, and intelligence-led policing. Subero stressed the importance of both enforcement and community engagement, noting that emergency response units and traffic departments are working in unison to ensure minimal disruptions and rapid incident response. The Tobago Carnival promises to be a vibrant celebration, underpinned by meticulous planning and a commitment to public safety.
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PNM tells PM: Look within UNC for ‘criminal ties’
Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been thrown into disarray following Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s explosive allegations against the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM). In a statement on October 24, Persad-Bissessar accused the PNM of being financially supported by the local drug mafia, a claim the opposition has vehemently denied, labeling it as “baseless, reckless, and defamatory.” The PNM countered that the Prime Minister’s accusations were a desperate attempt to divert attention from her government’s failures and the growing public discontent with her leadership. The opposition further criticized her for refusing to address the nation during a period of heightened regional tensions with Venezuela, accusing her of adopting an erratic and isolationist foreign policy. The PNM emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong international relations, particularly with the United States, citing long-standing security agreements like the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. In response, Persad-Bissessar doubled down on her claims, accusing the PNM of protecting drug traffickers and undermining national security. International relations expert Prof. Anthony Bryan weighed in, describing the Prime Minister’s language as “strong and defamatory,” and potentially libelous given the lack of evidence. The ongoing feud has further polarized the nation, with citizens demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders amidst economic instability and rising hardships.
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Chaguanas North lose appeal, Presentation crowned SSFL central zone champs
Presentation College Chaguanas has officially been crowned the champions of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship division for the 2025 season. This victory was solidified after the league’s appeals committee upheld a prior decision to award the school all three points for a match against Chaguanas North Secondary that was abandoned on September 22. The disciplinary committee had initially ruled in favor of Presentation on October 13, granting them a 3-0 win due to Chaguanas North’s failure to adequately prepare the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground venue. Chaguanas North contested this decision, arguing that they had made every effort to meet the required standards before the scheduled kickoff. However, on October 22, the appeals committee, comprising Forbes Persaud, Rudolph Hope, and chairman Derek West, reviewed the case virtually and unanimously supported the disciplinary committee’s ruling. The final verdict was delivered on October 24, confirming Presentation’s victory. Chaguanas North officials had claimed that the referee overstepped his authority in abandoning the game and cited a precedent from the previous season where a match involving Presentation was rescheduled due to field issues. Nonetheless, the appeals committee emphasized the referee’s ultimate authority under Law 1 of the game, which governs the field of play. Following this decision, Presentation went on to defeat Chaguanas North 3-1 in their reverse fixture on October 14, finishing the central zone with 27 points from ten games. Chaguanas North secured second place with 22 points. With the matter resolved, Presentation now sets its sights on the First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ campaign, aiming for promotion to the premier division. They will begin their campaign on November 1 against Speyside Secondary, the Tobago championship division winners. Hillview College (east) and Mucurapo West Secondary (north) have also secured their spots in the Big 5, with the top three teams earning promotion for the 2026 premier division season.
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PNM MPs: Opposition doing its job at SFC
The Standing Finance Committee of Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives witnessed intense disagreements during its budget deliberations on October 21 and 22, as opposition and government members clashed over time management and the handling of inquiries. Speaker Jagdeo Singh opened the October 22 session by acknowledging the committee’s poor performance the previous day, particularly in managing time effectively. Singh emphasized the need for a balanced approach, urging both sides to collaborate and streamline the process. He suggested that some questions could be addressed in writing to save time, citing Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles’s earlier request for written responses as an example. Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath defended the government, placing the blame squarely on the opposition for the delays and inefficiencies. However, Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales and Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young countered, accusing the government of evading questions and failing to provide clear answers. Young described the government’s responses as a ‘boldface refusal’ to address critical issues. Despite the tension, Singh called for a conciliatory spirit moving forward, and Gonzales pledged the opposition’s commitment to completing the budget review within the allotted five days. The committee approved expenditures for several public bodies without incident, but the heated exchanges underscored the deep political divide. The budget deliberations are set to conclude by October 25, with both sides vowing to continue their respective approaches.