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In a proactive move to combat potential flooding, Councillor Daedre Moulton of the Jamaica Labour Party has announced that the National Works Agency (NWA) is actively clearing critical drains across St Mary Western. This initiative is part of broader flood mitigation efforts in anticipation of severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds. Moulton emphasized the importance of addressing both major and minor drainage systems in key areas such as Content, Rio Nuevo, Emerald Estate, Jamaica Beach, Prospect, Dry Gully, and ‘Bruk Weh.’ While acknowledging the limitations of disaster preparedness, she urged residents to take necessary precautions and assured them of timely assistance if needed. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for St Mary Central, Omar Newell, joined NWA teams on the ground to oversee the clearing of debris from major drains. Newell described the efforts as ‘late mitigation work’ and highlighted the need for additional funding to address the escalating severity of the approaching storm, Melissa. He also expressed satisfaction with the NWA’s progress, particularly given the late allocation of resources. Work has already commenced in several areas, including Pagee, Moncrieffe, Hillside Primary, and Gully Road, though long-standing drainage issues remain a challenge.

The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber crowd, predominantly dressed in black, took to the streets of Mandeville on Friday in a unified call for answers regarding the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Jayden Smith. The young boy vanished exactly one month ago, leaving his family and community in distress.

PORTLAND, Jamaica — Authorities in Portland are urging residents planning to seek refuge in shelters to bring sufficient food and supplies to last up to 72 hours as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Maxwell Hamilton, Parish Manager for the Portland office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, emphasized the importance of preparedness during a meeting of the Parish Disaster Committee on Thursday. The meeting was held at the Portland Municipal Corporation offices.

Hamilton highlighted the potential duration of the storm, stating, ‘This event is setting up to be one that might extend over several days. We want to avoid the need to rush food supplies into shelters because people arrive unprepared. Additionally, we cannot risk the safety of our officers.’ He urged local councillors to assist by encouraging residents in their divisions to bring adequate provisions.

In its latest bulletin on Friday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica maintained a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for the island. A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that Jamaica could experience sustained wind speeds of 63-118 km/h within 36 hours. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Watch suggests that hurricane conditions, including winds of 119 km/h or higher, may pose a threat within 48 hours. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official updates as the situation develops.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa nearing Jamaica, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) has issued a stern warning to motorists to exercise heightened caution on the roads. Owen Smith, General Manager of the JAA, emphasized the dangers of driving in flood-prone areas and urged drivers to plan their routes carefully to avoid high-risk zones such as Marcus Garvey Drive in the Corporate Area, as well as parts of St. James, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and St. Thomas. Smith highlighted that floodwaters pose severe risks, including potential vehicle shutdowns, engine damage, and life-threatening situations for drivers and passengers. He also warned that floodwaters can be deceptive, often hiding debris, potholes, and other hazards. Even one to two feet of water can sweep away most vehicles, including SUVs. Smith advised motorists to turn around if they encounter flooded roads and to seek higher ground immediately if their vehicle stalls. Beyond flooding, heavy rainfall reduces visibility and increases stopping distances. Smith recommended using headlights, maintaining extra space between vehicles, and reducing speed by at least a third on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning. He also cautioned against using cruise control during rain, as it can hinder proper deceleration, while traction control should be engaged to enhance stability. In extreme conditions, Smith advised pulling over and waiting for the weather to improve. The JAA remains on standby to assist motorists 24/7, as it did during Hurricane Beryl, but Smith urged drivers to prioritize safety during the storm season.

Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which continues its steady advance toward the island. The Government has escalated emergency preparations as meteorologists warn of potential hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Rohan Brown, Weather Services Manager at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, stated during a press conference at Jamaica House that Melissa could intensify into a major hurricane by the weekend, posing significant threats to the region. The storm’s slow but relentless progression has prompted widespread readiness measures. The island’s international airports have activated emergency protocols, public hospitals are on high alert, and utility companies have mobilized resources. The Jamaica Public Service Company has introduced a new incident command structure to ensure faster and safer power restoration. Telecommunications providers Flow and Digicel, along with the National Water Commission, have also declared full preparedness. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain.

Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to unleash days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides. The storm, which could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to linger over the island from Saturday through midweek, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The slow-moving system has prompted essential service providers to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to supplies and infrastructure while safeguarding employees and customers.