In response to the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has issued a mandatory evacuation order for over 1,400 residents in the southeast Bahamas. The order, effective from October 27 to November 1, targets vulnerable islands including Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island. Priority is given to the elderly, the sick, and children, with air and sea transportation provided to relocate evacuees to New Providence, where shelters and accommodations have been arranged. The decision follows consultations with the Disaster Risk Management Authority and the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, emphasizing the precautionary nature of the evacuation to ensure safety before conditions worsen. Forecasts predict hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges of up to six feet in the southeast Bahamas. Supplies and emergency personnel have been pre-positioned, and all government agencies are operating under the National Disaster Response Framework. Deputy Director of Meteorology Jeffrey Green reported that Hurricane Melissa, currently a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 mph, is expected to impact Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Evacuation flights began early yesterday and will continue today, with over 370 people already relocated. Authorities anticipate the number of evacuees to exceed 1,400. Prime Minister Davis expressed solidarity with Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti, which are already experiencing the storm’s effects, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty such storms bring.
分类： society
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#EyeOnMelissa: JN activates ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa
The Jamaica National Group has mobilized its ISupportJamaica Fund to assist in the anticipated recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which is projected to be the most severe storm in Jamaica’s history. In a recent press release, the financial institution emphasized that meteorologists predict Melissa’s impact will surpass that of Hurricane Charlie in 1951 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, two of the country’s most devastating hurricanes.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Some 35% of JPS customers without power
Jamaica is grappling with severe disruptions as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, continues to wreak havoc across the island. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has reported a significant surge in power outages, affecting approximately 240,000 customers, or 35% of its total clientele. The hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where around 75% of residents are without electricity. In contrast, areas such as St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann have experienced minimal impact, with fewer than 10% of customers affected as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring power safely and promptly, addressing the media at the National Emergency Operation Centre in New Kingston. Despite false social media claims suggesting a complete shutdown of the national grid, JPS has confirmed that no such action is planned. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified that outages are solely due to the hurricane’s impact on the grid, which has damaged generating units, substations, and transmission lines. While most hospitals remain powered by JPS, facilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, including Black River, Mandeville, and Percy Junior hospitals, are relying on standby generators. JPS crews are actively working to restore critical services and urges residents to prioritize safety during this crisis.
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‘I am not uncaring’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dennis Gordon, Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Central, has been actively addressing the critical issue of a breakaway in the Sandy Gully affecting Cassia Park residents, despite being bedridden due to a knee injury. Gordon expressed his distress over being perceived as uncaring, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the issue even while incapacitated.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ‘St Elizabeth is under water’ — McKenzie
The parish of St Elizabeth has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with extensive infrastructural damage reported across the region. Essential facilities, including hospitals and police stations, have been significantly affected, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government, provided a preliminary assessment during a press briefing with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management on Tuesday evening. He described the situation as dire, with St Elizabeth ‘under water’ and sections of Clarendon also experiencing severe conditions. The Santa Cruz infirmary was flooded, forcing the relocation of 50 residents to another section of the facility. The local fire brigade station in Santa Cruz was also inundated. Rescue operations faced immense challenges, particularly in Black River, where several families were trapped in their homes. McKenzie highlighted the difficulty of reaching those in need due to waist-high floodwaters and flying debris. While no fatalities were confirmed at the time, at least three families were stranded, including a firefighter who had gone to assist others. Black River Hospital suffered roof damage and a power outage, leading to the evacuation of 75 patients. The Black River police station also sustained structural damage. Superintendent Colridge Minto noted that many parish roads were impassable, with several families seeking refuge at the police station. Authorities remain hopeful but are bracing for further challenges as recovery efforts continue.
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Murder victim joked with family how he enjoyed life
The Bahamas was struck by tragedy over the weekend as two young men lost their lives in separate violent incidents. Mekhi Taylor, a 20-year-old beach attendant, was fatally shot early Saturday morning in a parking lot on University Drive. According to police reports, a Japanese vehicle pulled up shortly before 2 a.m., and its occupants opened fire on a group of people standing in the area. Taylor’s family believes he was not the intended target but was tragically caught in the crossfire. His older sister, K’nelle Taylor, described him as a jovial and carefree individual who often joked about enjoying life to the fullest, even in the face of danger. Just hours before the shooting, Taylor had dined with his younger brother and friends at Carnivale Bahamas, promising to return home after dropping off a neighbor. His workplace, The Blue Zone Experience, paid tribute to him, calling him a hard-working and irreplaceable asset to their team. In a separate incident, 25-year-old Philip Lockhart, a twin and restaurant server, was killed following a brawl at Arawak Cay on Sunday morning. His best friend, Iranique, expressed profound grief, remembering him as an extraordinary and caring individual who had been a pillar of support in her life. Police have detained a 29-year-old man in connection with Lockhart’s death. These latest homicides have brought the country’s murder count to 70 for the year, according to records from The Tribune.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Gov’t launches relief website to support recovery efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has introduced a comprehensive online platform, supportjamaica.gov.jm, to centralize and streamline national relief operations. This initiative aims to provide real-time updates, facilitate secure donations, and enable efficient incident reporting for citizens affected by the hurricane.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Miami Heat donate US$1 million to Melissa recovery efforts
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Miami Heat NBA team, in collaboration with the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, has contributed $1 million to support recovery initiatives in Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This donation, channeled through Direct Relief, a renowned humanitarian aid organization, aims to provide essential medical and emergency supplies to those affected by the devastating storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Citizens urged to remain indoors during Hurricane Melissa’s passage
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category Five storm, looms over Jamaica, authorities are issuing urgent warnings for all citizens, particularly the younger population, to remain indoors. The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall on Tuesday, bringing with it potentially devastating winds and rainfall.
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Fire officers hold teens after theft at fire station
On October 27, fire officers at the Sangre Grande Fire Station apprehended four teenagers suspected of stealing several items while the officers were asleep. The incident unfolded during a routine security check in the early hours of the morning when a fire officer noticed missing items. Upon alerting his colleagues, it was discovered that personal belongings were also stolen. Nearby witnesses reported seeing a group of six teenagers loitering near the station before leaving the compound. The officers, with the assistance of the police, located and detained four of the suspects a short distance away. All stolen items were successfully recovered. Keone Guy, President of the Fire Officers Association, expressed relief over the recovery but highlighted long-standing security vulnerabilities at fire stations, including inadequate fencing, lighting, and technological investments. He emphasized that such incidents could have severe consequences, including potential harm to officers. Guy called on senior officials to address these security challenges and announced plans to engage with relevant authorities to improve security measures. He also expressed concern over the young age of the suspects and the officers’ willingness to assist in guiding them toward better life choices.