分类： society

What started as a promising ministry led by a charismatic young pastor culminated in one of Jamaica’s most harrowing tragedies. Kevin Smith, the self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ and leader of the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries, lured his followers with promises of salvation through his ‘ark.’ Instead, they met with death and disgrace. The Jamaica Observer delves into Smith’s meteoric rise, his rapid downfall, and the catastrophic aftermath that left Jamaica’s faith community grappling with the sinister realities that can lurk behind religious leadership. The two-part documentary, titled ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor — Dead or Alive? The Story that Shook Jamaica,’ is now available on YouTube, offering a chilling exploration of this dark chapter in Jamaican history.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, potentially escalating into a hurricane, St. Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis has announced that all government agencies are in active dialogue to bolster preparedness efforts. With the island under both a tropical storm and hurricane watch, state agencies remain on high alert, ready to address any eventualities. Mayor Belnavis emphasized the immediate priority of securing municipal assets, including critical documents and properties, while ensuring the safety of vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, threatening to escalate into a hurricane, the parish of St James in Jamaica has demonstrated remarkable preparedness. Following a critical meeting of the parish’s disaster committee, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon assured the public of their readiness to face the impending storm. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, confirmed that all emergency protocols have been activated, and shelters are prepared for potential evacuations. Mayor Vernon emphasized that 59 shelters across the parish have been inspected and are equipped with necessary supplies, including food. Shelter managers are on standby, ready to assist vulnerable populations such as the homeless, infirm, and tourists, with specific locations like Jarrett Park and the Montego Bay Convention Centre designated for their safety. Additionally, efforts to mitigate flooding risks have been prioritized, with major drains cleaned and bushing exercises conducted to clear utility lines. Stakeholders, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, have also confirmed their readiness. Mayor Vernon expressed confidence in the parish’s ability to respond effectively, stating, ‘St James is ready, and we are waiting to activate our emergency operation centre if necessary.’

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, has assured residents that Westmoreland is fully prepared to face the impending weather system. In an interview with JIS News, Delancy emphasized the coordinated efforts of the municipal corporation, which has been working closely with the Disaster Preparedness Department, key agencies, and shelter managers to ensure all necessary measures are in place.

This Sunday, October 26, marks the celebration of National Jamaican Jerk Day (NJJD), a day dedicated to honoring the rich culinary heritage of Jamaican jerk cuisine. In the United States, the festivities are set to receive an extra boost of excitement, courtesy of Grace Foods USA, a renowned name in authentic Caribbean flavors. Grace Foods is sponsoring the Grace Jerk Sauce competition, where three prominent South Florida restaurants—Casa Dea Amore Restaurant, People’s Choice Restaurant, and Chef Tally’s World-Famous Jerk Chicken—will compete in a Grace Jerk Tapas showdown. Each restaurant will present a three-course jerk experience using Grace Jerk Sauce, vying for a cash prize, a unique saucepan trophy, and the prestigious title of Grace Jerk Champion 2025. Andrea Reynolds, Global Category Manager at Grace Foods USA, expressed her pride in participating in the celebration, emphasizing the growing influence of jerk in American cuisine. ‘Jerk has become a true force in American cuisine—it’s everywhere, from backyard cookouts to restaurant menus nationwide. Grace is proud to be part of that journey, helping people discover authentic Jamaican flavor and inspiring them to make it their own,’ Reynolds told Observer Online. The organizers of NJJD have extended an open invitation to all jerk brands, restaurants, and food innovators to join the celebration by creating special jerk menus, hosting tastings, and running promotions. This initiative aims to spotlight the flavor that is redefining modern cooking and connecting food lovers globally. Originating as a centuries-old Jamaican cooking method, jerk has evolved into an international culinary trend, influencing American grilling culture and inspiring chefs across the spectrum to experiment with jerk rubs, marinades, and sauces. Today, jerk-inspired dishes can be found in a variety of settings, from food trucks and BBQ joints to high-end eateries, proving that jerk is not just a flavor—it’s a movement.

A fatal collision occurred in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of a police officer. The victim has been identified as Corporal Nevada English, who was stationed at the Spanish Town Police Station in St. Catherine North. Details regarding the incident remain scarce, with authorities yet to disclose the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information emerges. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, and the police force has expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues of Corporal English.

Jamaica’s two major international airports, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, are bracing for potential closure within 24 hours if the current hurricane watch escalates to a hurricane warning. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz clarified this during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, emphasizing that the decision hinges on official advisories from the Meteorological Office. While both airports remain operational for now, their closure would depend on the storm’s trajectory and proximity to their coastal locations. The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has already activated emergency protocols, with MBJ Airports Limited and PACKAL implementing pre-hurricane measures such as drainage clearing, generator testing, and securing assets. Vaz assured the public that reopening would be expedited once safety is confirmed, with updates disseminated through official channels, social media, and airline coordination.

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.