KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck the island’s southwest coast on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie emphasized that authorities have not received any reports of deaths linked to the hurricane. ‘We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he stated. McKenzie expressed hope that the situation remains unchanged, adding, ‘I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.’ The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent years, caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, but the absence of reported fatalities has been a rare positive note in the wake of the disaster. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to affected communities.
分类： society
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Brasso Village man charged with double murder
A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village, Clevon Alexander, has been formally charged with the murders of two young individuals, Ricky Joseph, 20, and Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary. The charges also include wounding with intent against two additional victims, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Alexander appeared before Master Whitney Franklin at the South Criminal Court C on October 27, following his arrest on October 22. The tragic incident occurred on October 15, when Joseph, Shadrack, and two others were ambushed in a wooden structure in the Brasso district. Multiple gunshots were reported, resulting in fatal injuries to Joseph at the scene and Shadrack two days later. The other two victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Facility for treatment. The charges were filed on October 24 by W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste, based on advice from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal. The case, supervised by Supt Steve Persad and ASP Maharaj of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region Three, is set for a sufficiency hearing on September 18, 2026.
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Bodies found in Black River in aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, authorities in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, have reported the discovery of two unidentified bodies in the Black River area. Superintendent Coleidge Minto confirmed the findings, noting that one body was located along Crane Road, while the other was found in Black River. The identities of the deceased remain unknown as investigations are ongoing. Police personnel are currently at the scene, working diligently to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic discoveries. The incident has raised concerns about the broader impact of the hurricane on the region, prompting calls for heightened safety measures and disaster response efforts.
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Anger over funds for wedding party – but not for others
The Bahamian government’s decision to fund accommodations for a group of citizens stranded in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa has ignited widespread criticism, particularly from a grieving family struggling to repatriate their loved one’s remains from Haiti. The controversy centers on the government’s assistance to approximately 50 Bahamians who attended a wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica, while others in similar situations claim they were left without support. The wedding group, which included relatives of former Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield, received accommodations at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa as Hurricane Melissa approached. However, other Bahamians in Jamaica reported receiving no aid, with one traveler expressing frustration online about having to cover her own expenses despite arriving on the same flight. Meanwhile, Sherry Russell of Moore’s Island revealed her family’s three-month struggle to bring home her brother Joey’s body from Haiti, where he was killed in July. The family has spent over $7,000 on related costs but claims their requests for government assistance have gone unanswered. The disparity in aid has fueled anger, with Ms. Russell questioning why the government prioritized the wedding group over her family’s urgent needs. Former Foreign Minister Darren Henfield defended the assistance, stating that Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper helped secure accommodations for those unable to afford extended stays.
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OUR grants US$5 million from Electricity Disaster Fund to JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.
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NMIA, Ian Fleming International Airport to open for relief flights
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant update, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced the phased reopening of Jamaica’s key airports following a period of closure due to a recent crisis. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, are set to resume operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, initially for relief flights only. Commercial operations, including both incoming and outgoing flights, will commence at 7:00 am on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday to facilitate relief efforts. Vaz emphasized that assessments are ongoing, with commercial passenger flights expected to resume no later than Friday morning. The minister highlighted the extensive devastation observed during his aerial tour, urging collective efforts for recovery. ‘The devastation is enormous. Words can’t describe it. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. God bless Jamaica,’ Vaz stated. The arrival of relief flights will mark the beginning of the recovery process, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.
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‘Most terrible thing we ever see’
The rural community of Grierfield in Moneague, St Ann, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected residents is Garry Dawson, who, along with his neighbors, is racing against time to repair his roof before nightfall. The powerful winds not only tore off roofs but also destroyed furniture and other household essentials, leaving many counting the staggering costs of the disaster.
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DPP defends lack of jail time for rich businessman
Bahamas Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier has defended the controversial decision to impose a non-custodial sentence on wealthy American businessman James Finkl, who was convicted of firearm-related offenses. Finkl, the former head of global steel giant Finkl Steel, admitted to bringing 14 firearms and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition into The Bahamas aboard his yacht in Bimini last week. Despite public outcry, Frazier emphasized that sentencing is based on individual case merits, not wealth or nationality. She highlighted Finkl’s medical issues as a key factor in the decision, stating that a prison sentence would have been impractical. Frazier also noted that mandatory minimum sentences for firearm offenses have been abolished, and fines have been imposed on Bahamians in similar cases when justified. The ruling has sparked debate, with some senior lawyers labeling it ‘highly irregular.’ Frazier cited a 2022 Court of Appeal case involving a diabetic American man, Ronald Ralph Moorhead Jr, whose prison sentence was reduced due to medical concerns. While the court acknowledged firearm offenses typically warrant jail time, it stressed that Moorhead’s case was exceptional and not a precedent. Frazier reiterated that magistrates retain discretion to impose non-custodial sentences when circumstances warrant, but custodial sentences remain the standard for such crimes.
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‘She gwaan bad’: Piggery resident says Hurricane Melissa destroyed his home
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.
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Neighbours help Tobago family after gas tank explodes
A potentially catastrophic incident unfolded in Bon Accord, Tobago, on October 26, when a defective LPG gas tank caused an explosion at the home of Tamecia Cox. The explosion occurred during the bustling carnival celebrations in Scarborough, but thanks to the quick actions of Cox’s family and the solidarity of her neighbors, disaster was averted. Cox, visibly relieved, recounted the harrowing experience in an interview on October 28. She and her family were in their kitchen on Gaskin Bay Road when the explosion ignited a sudden blaze. Fortunately, the house was equipped with two fire extinguishers, which her children knew how to use, slowing the fire’s spread. Cox emphasized the importance of community support, stating, ‘It pays to live good with people. Everybody in the community came out to help.’ Her daughter sustained minor burns, but the family emerged otherwise unharmed. Devon Thomas, a neighbor, was particularly praised for risking his life to remove the gas tank from the house. Cox also expressed gratitude to the Crown Point Fire Station and Police Station for their swift response. Tobago East MP David Thomas, a retired Assistant Chief Fire Officer, urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution with gas cylinders, recalling a similar fatal incident four years ago. He explained that while gas tanks rarely explode, leaks can create highly volatile environments, especially when combined with flammable materials. Thomas stressed the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance to prevent such tragedies.