KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s imminent landfall, Springs Plaza on Constant Spring Road has become a focal point of robust security measures. The iconic commercial hub, a cornerstone of the Half-Way Tree business district for over four decades, has been fortified with dozens of armed security personnel to prevent potential vandalism and looting.
分类： society
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# EyeOnMelissa: Councillor raises concerns over Little Haiti residents refusal to seek shelter
Residents of Little Haiti, a squatter settlement in Negril, Jamaica, are facing a dire situation as Hurricane Melissa, forecasted to hit as a Category 5 storm, approaches. The fragile structures of their homes are unlikely to withstand the hurricane’s powerful winds, raising significant concerns for their safety. Councillor Arthel Colley, representing the Negril Division of the People’s National Party, emphasized the urgency of evacuation, stating, ‘My greatest concern is the hurricane wind and Little Haiti. The houses are not sturdy enough to endure such conditions.’ Despite efforts to relocate residents, many are reluctant to leave, fearing theft of their belongings if they abandon their homes. The area, located within the Nonpareil Road/Whitehall zone, is also prone to severe flooding, particularly during heavy rains when water flows from Mount Airy onto the main road near the Texaco Service Station. Elaine Allen Bradley, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, expressed additional worries about the lack of nearby shelters, noting that the closest options are in Sheffield or Mount Airy. In preparation, Councillor Colley reported that several drains in Negril have been cleaned to mitigate flooding risks. However, the community remains vulnerable as the storm looms, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster response and long-term infrastructure improvements.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Prison visits suspended ahead of hurricane
In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Jamaica has announced the immediate suspension of all visits to correctional facilities until further notice. The decision, effective immediately, also prohibits the public from delivering food or care packages to these institutions. The DCS emphasized that the safety and well-being of individuals under their care remain their top priority, and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their protection during the storm. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a Category 5 hurricane earlier on Monday, is currently positioned south of Jamaica and is projected to make its way toward the island later in the day. Forecasts indicate that the hurricane will likely pass near or over Jamaica on Monday night and Tuesday, prompting heightened safety measures across the region.
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#EyeonMelissa: Residents of New Haven fear smelly overflow, crocs in Hurricane Melissa rains
Residents of New Haven, Jamaica, are bracing for potential flooding and crocodile sightings as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The community, already plagued by blocked gullies filled with trash and debris, fears that heavy rainfall could exacerbate the situation, leading to dangerous backwater spillage into homes. Residents have expressed concerns about the safety of children in the area, as crocodiles are known to inhabit the clogged waterways.
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Woman to be charged after viral video
A woman captured on video violently assaulting her young son is set to appear in court today, following widespread public outrage sparked by the disturbing footage. The video, which circulated on social media over the weekend, depicts the woman slamming, kicking, and stomping on the crying child, who is believed to be her son. In one harrowing scene, she throws him to the ground as he wails in pain. Another clip shows her dragging him by the hair, slamming his face into a door, and later stomping on his head. The woman, described as having a slim build, is also seen picking up a rock and seemingly threatening the person recording the incident, while a man’s voice is heard in the background. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 1,000 shares and thousands of comments within hours. Viewers expressed shock and disgust, labeling the footage “sickening” and “unbearable to watch.” Many called for her immediate arrest and harsher penalties for child abuse. Police confirmed the woman’s arrest and charges, stating that she is due in court today. While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have declined to provide additional details.
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#EyesonMelissa: Wilkinson demands halt to constructions on the beach in Falmouth
In Trelawny, Jamaica, Councillor Garth Wilkinson of the People’s National Party (Falmouth Division) has issued a stern warning against the unchecked construction of shops and storerooms along the shoreline of Falmouth Fishing Beach. Wilkinson emphasized that this unregulated development is obstructing fisherfolk from safely mooring their boats, particularly during emergencies such as the impending Hurricane Melissa.
Wilkinson passionately stated, ‘One of my most urgent appeals is for everyone constructing on the beach to recognize that there are critical times, like now, when boats must be brought ashore. Building shops that occupy the entire shoreline is unacceptable and must cease immediately.’
He further stressed the necessity of designated safe zones for fisherfolk to secure their vessels during such crises. ‘There must be accessible areas where fisherfolk can safely pull in their boats. It’s not feasible for every fisherman to decide to build a shop or storeroom along the shoreline,’ he added.
Despite the challenges, Wilkinson acknowledged that fisherfolk in key areas such as Half Moon Bay, Falmouth Fishing Beach on Rodney Street, and Rock have already taken proactive measures to safeguard their boats. ‘In Rock, most fisherfolk have relocated their boats to safety, storing them in the lagoon near the Excellence Resort,’ noted the former mayor of Falmouth.
Wilkinson’s call highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight to balance development with the safety and livelihoods of coastal communities, especially in the face of natural disasters.
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Govt considering storm evacuation
The Bahamas government is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 145 mph, threatens the southern and central islands. Officials have warned of life-threatening flooding, hurricane-force winds, and coastal inundation, particularly in Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Ragged Island, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A formal evacuation order from the Prime Minister may be issued in the coming days, contingent on the storm’s trajectory and intensity. Jeffrey Greene, Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, confirmed that a hurricane alert is now active for the central and southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for severe weather conditions expected to begin late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Hurricane Melissa is forecast to pass over Jamaica on Tuesday, cross southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and reach the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday. Currently located several hundred miles southwest of The Bahamas, the storm is moving west at approximately five mph but is predicted to shift north and northeast on Monday and Tuesday. While hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles from its center, tropical storm-force winds reach 205 miles. Officials noted that interactions with Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola might slightly weaken the storm before it impacts Bahamian territory. Leon Lundy, Minister responsible for Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the government’s full mobilization, including resource positioning, community briefings, and inter-agency coordination to ensure an effective response. He urged residents to stay informed through official channels and avoid relying on rumors. Aaron Sargent, Director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority, highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor the storm, coordinate with local administrators, and identify vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, for potential evacuation. Sargent praised the proactive response of residents, noting a trend of swift action even before official evacuation orders are issued.
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Fire officers hold teens after theft at fire station
In an early morning incident on October 27, fire officers at the Sangre Grande Fire Station in Port of Spain apprehended four teenagers suspected of stealing several items while the officers were asleep. The theft was discovered during a routine security check when a fire officer noticed missing items. Upon further inspection, colleagues confirmed that personal belongings were also stolen. Nearby witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers loitering near the station and leaving the compound shortly before the theft was discovered. The fire officers immediately alerted the police and initiated a search for the suspects. The teenagers were located a short distance away and detained before being handed over to the police. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of all stolen items. Keone Guy, president of the Fire Officers Association, highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate security measures at some fire stations. He announced plans to engage with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, and acting Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson to address and rectify these security vulnerabilities.
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PM orders mandatory evacuation for Southeast Bahamas as Hurricane Melissa nears
In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has declared a mandatory evacuation for residents in the southeastern Bahamas. The order, effective from October 27, 2025, until November 1, 2025, or until further notice, targets the islands of Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Mayaguana, and Ragged Island. The government has assured that transportation will be provided to relocate evacuees to New Providence, where shelters and family support services are prepared. Priority evacuation is being given to the most vulnerable populations, including the sick, elderly, and children, followed by other residents. This evacuation is enforced under the Disaster Risk Management (Evacuation – Southeast Bahamas) Order, 2025, as per section 56 of the Disaster Risk Management Act 2022. Authorities are urging residents to comply promptly to ensure safety and minimize potential risks associated with the hurricane.
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#EyeOnMelissa: St Elizabeth officials urge residents to stay safe as Hurricane Melissa nears
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica’s south-western coast, authorities in St Elizabeth are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. With the storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday, local officials are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, emphasized that law enforcement is fully mobilized to enforce safety measures and keep citizens off the streets during the hurricane. ‘We are appealing to everybody to remain indoors,’ he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon highlighted that emergency preparations are complete, with 29 shelters already accommodating 360 individuals. This marks a significant increase from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which saw 100 people seeking refuge. Both officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly those in flood-prone and coastal areas, and encouraged residents to heed evacuation advisories and stay updated through official channels.