分类： society

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, fishermen in Port Royal, Jamaica, have banded together to safeguard their livelihoods. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the community worked tirelessly to pull their boats ashore, ensuring they would be protected from the impending storm. Despite some boat owners being absent, the fishermen demonstrated remarkable solidarity, helping one another without hesitation. ‘Just do what you can do. If you can help another man, you help another man, and that’s it,’ one fisherman declared. John Whimsy, a local fisherman, emphasized the importance of reciprocity, stating, ‘Me have a boat inna the sea so me haffi come out and help them because me ago want help. The boats them heavy.’ Rupert Ramsey, a 73-year-old fisherman, shared that this collaborative effort is a longstanding tradition in the face of storms. ‘Every year we work together. When we ago get high tides, those who fear it might get higher, we draw them up,’ he explained. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has warned that Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the island over the weekend. Small craft operators, including fishermen, have been urged to take immediate safety precautions. Having weathered numerous storms, Whimsy stressed the necessity of preparation: ‘Every time the hurricane come, you have to draw the boat them up because once the hurricane come, them can’t stay inna the sea.’ The community’s resilience and unity highlight their determination to protect their way of life amidst nature’s unpredictability.

A member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been hospitalized following a severe vehicle accident that occurred on Thursday morning. According to police reports, the incident took place shortly after 9:00 am when the JDF unit, en route to Mandeville town centre, lost control upon reaching New Green Road. The vehicle veered left, collided with an embankment, and overturned, reportedly trapping the soldier underneath. Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured soldier to Mandeville Regional Hospital, where he remains under medical care. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about road safety and the conditions of military vehicles. This incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel even during routine operations.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) has initiated comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents, particularly those at the Trelawny Infirmary. Located near Falmouth’s coastline, the infirmary is highly susceptible to storm surges and powerful winds, prompting authorities to relocate its 54 residents to a secure shelter at Hague Primary and Infant School. This precautionary action mirrors last year’s response to Hurricane Beryl, which forced an extended stay at the same shelter due to severe damage to the infirmary. Mayor of Falmouth and TMC Chairman, Councillor C Junior Gager, emphasized the readiness of 42 parish-wide shelters, managed by a dedicated team of 68 shelter managers. Gager assured that all relevant agencies are fully engaged, with shelters operational and staff prepared for the impending storm. Additionally, provisions have been made for the homeless population, who will find temporary refuge at the Falmouth drop-in center until the storm subsides.

Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has issued a stark warning about potential increases in electricity bills for Jamaicans as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Speaking at a special press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Grant highlighted the challenges posed by the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has assured the public that the nation’s state-owned oil refinery, Petrojam, is fully prepared to meet the country’s fuel needs. Vaz confirmed that Petrojam has activated all emergency systems and maintains robust fuel reserves, including over two weeks’ worth of refined products and 10 days’ supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These measures are critical as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas already saturated from weeks of persistent rain. Speaking at a special Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday morning, Vaz emphasized the importance of readiness and outlined additional steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability. Petrojam’s loading facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay will operate extended hours to facilitate pre-storm deliveries. Furthermore, Jamaica Aircraft Refueling Services has ensured ample stocks of jet fuel and aviation gasoline to maintain continuous aircraft refueling operations. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate potential disruptions and safeguard essential services during the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has announced comprehensive preparations to mitigate the potential effects of Tropical Storm Melissa. Emphasizing the safety and welfare of its citizens, the ministry has implemented a coordinated response strategy across all 14 parishes. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no individual is overlooked during disaster scenarios. He stated, ‘Our teams are fully prepared, equipped, and mobilized to address any needs that may arise.’

In preparation for the storm, all parish offices have been activated and are ready to handle emergencies. The Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC) has convened to finalize coordination among essential partners, while training sessions on the Jamaica Household Disaster Impact Needs Assessment (JHDINA) Lite tool are ongoing. Preemptive measures include the distribution of care packages and supplies to the parishes of St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary. Additionally, the ministry has bolstered its communication systems, ensuring swift contact with field officers through a Closed User Group (CUG) network, with each parish manager, administrator, and social worker assigned a mobile phone.

Minister Charles Jr. reassured the public, stating, ‘All mechanisms are in place to provide effective and timely assistance to those affected.’ The ministry is also collaborating with telecommunications partner Starlink to enhance connectivity during and after the storm. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and adhere to local authorities’ instructions as Jamaica braces for potential severe weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Melissa.

Dantay Brooks, the son of renowned dancehall artist Mavado, has once again been embroiled in legal issues. According to reports from Observer Online, Brooks is now confronting charges of unlawful wounding and assault at common law. Police sources indicate that these charges were formally filed on Wednesday. Additionally, Brooks is accused of possessing a prohibited weapon and using it to commit a scheduled offense. The charges are linked to an incident that occurred in July in Cassava Piece, Mavado’s hometown. While specific details of the incident remain undisclosed, it is understood that Brooks is also under investigation for a gun-related offense. This marks the second time Brooks has faced official charges. Earlier this year, in March, his 2021 murder conviction for the 2018 killing of Lorenzo Thomas was overturned by the Court of Appeal, leading to his release. His co-accused, Andre Hinds, was also freed. The recent legal troubles come amidst a family reunion, as Mavado returned to Jamaica last week for the first time in nearly a decade, following the recent vacating of a 2018 arrest warrant for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has announced proactive measures to mitigate the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, expected to hit the island later this week. Speaking at a Jamaica House press briefing on Thursday, Grant emphasized that while power outages are anticipated, the recovery process will be significantly faster compared to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in July 2023.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the impending threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all schools across the island maintain remote learning operations on Friday, October 24, 2025. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff as the storm approaches.