Authorities have initiated an investigation into a suspected suicide following the discovery of a man’s lifeless body at a residence in Garden Hills early Tuesday morning. The incident unfolded at a home on Chenille Street, near Soldier Road, where distraught family members and friends gathered in an emotionally charged scene. According to Inspector Gerard Culmer, law enforcement was alerted by a family member who found the victim in a state consistent with hanging around 6:30 a.m. Emergency medical personnel reportedly made efforts to resuscitate the man but were unable to save him. The coroner subsequently pronounced the man dead. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation as the community grapples with the tragic loss.
分类： society
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#EyeOnMelissa: ‘Ackee war’ in Arnett and Trench Town amid Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds across Jamaica, most residents sought refuge indoors or in shelters. However, the neighborhoods of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town defied the storm’s fury, continuing a unique local tradition known as the ‘ackee war.’ Despite the hazardous weather, scores of young people gathered outdoors to engage in the spirited game, showcasing resilience and community spirit. ‘The storm can’t stop us. We are water ourselves. We’re out here playing ackee war and enjoying ourselves—no violence,’ one resident proudly declared. ‘Every storm, we’re out here, just love and love alone.’ The friendly competition pitted Arnett Gardens against Trench Town residents, highlighting a tradition that thrives even in the face of adversity. This event underscores the deep-rooted cultural practices and unity within these west Kingston communities, offering a glimpse into how they turn challenges into moments of joy and camaraderie.
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1,400 people evacuated from hurricane’s path
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.
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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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NOTICE:Single lane traffic
The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has issued a public advisory regarding ongoing infrastructure repairs that necessitate single-lane traffic on major roads. On Sir Sydney Walling Highway (SSWH), activities such as asphalt repairs, junction repairs, concrete works, and guardrail installation will proceed daily, commencing at approximately 8:00 a.m. Similarly, on Old Parham Road (OPR), drainage works near Beautyrama will continue starting Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Flag persons will be stationed to guide motorists, who are urged to adhere to all instructions to ensure safe passage, especially given the operation of heavy-duty equipment in the vicinity. Despite the disruptions, all businesses remain operational. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. These roadworks are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project initiated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Stakeholders are advised to adjust their travel plans to accommodate potential delays. For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573.
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Pastor Calls for National Unity: ‘Political Division Has Reached the Church’
During Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Fitzgerald Semper delivered a powerful sermon urging national unity, highlighting the pervasive impact of political and social divisions on the country. Speaking to a packed congregation at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Creekside, Semper emphasized that the nation’s Independence theme, “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” could only be realized by addressing the deep-seated fractures caused by partisan politics and mistrust. He lamented that even the church has not been immune to these divisions, stating, “The political divide has even reached inside of the church. We must break down those walls if we are to be solid as a people.” Semper warned that progress is impossible when citizens “pull in different directions,” questioning, “Half the people doing one thing and half pulling the other way — how can we be solid?” His message resonated deeply with the audience, which included the governor general, acting prime minister, opposition leader, and members of Parliament. Many attendees applauded his call to transcend political allegiances, with one church elder describing it as “refreshing” and another noting that the sermon “hit home.” Semper urged leaders to model transparency, humility, and dialogue, emphasizing that governance requires accountability and openness to counsel. Grounded in scripture and civic reflection, his sermon framed unity as a moral imperative for the nation’s advancement. As the congregation prayed for national harmony, Semper’s words served as both a caution and a vision for Antigua and Barbuda to overcome division and rediscover its shared purpose.
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Spanish-speaking man seen with bulky bags shortly before explosion
A tragic explosion at a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana, has left a six-year-old child dead and four others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday night, October 26, 2025, near the intersection of Regent and King Streets. According to the Guyana Police Force, a Spanish-speaking man was seen attempting to dispose of two bulky black plastic bags into a waste bin at the gas station moments before the blast. Authorities suspect the bags may have contained explosives. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and forensic analysis of recovered items, including fragments of black plastic and adhesive tape, is underway. The explosion caused extensive damage to the gas station, nearby vehicles, and properties. This marks the third such incident in Georgetown this year, with previous explosions occurring in May 2025. Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the suspect and ensure justice for the victims.