分类： world

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, barrels toward Jamaica, Belizean students studying on the island are voicing their distress over the lack of support from their home country. The hurricane, described as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever faced, has left many students feeling abandoned and unprepared. Among them is a Belizean mother who took to social media to express her desperation, pleading for assistance to secure shelter and essential supplies for herself and her two children. Despite her emotional appeal, no help has arrived.

Isareli Cal, a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), shared that while the university has made significant preparations, including distributing care packages and securing the campus, the support from Belizean authorities has been minimal. Cal and other students have resorted to purchasing their own supplies to weather the storm.

In response to the crisis, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid to affected students. NSUB President Tomas Serrut emphasized the union’s commitment to supporting Belizean citizens during this critical time, calling on the public to contribute to their efforts.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Commonwealth Student Association, led by Ashley Langford, is coordinating with regional student organizations to gather resources and assist students in need. Langford highlighted the challenges students face in securing basic supplies and stressed the importance of collective action.

Despite the challenges, Belize’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica has opened her home to students seeking shelter, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Belizeans on the island are safe. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Belizean community continues to rally together, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has assured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are safe despite the ongoing threat of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement made on October 27, 2025, Briceño highlighted the unique logistical challenges Belize faces in evacuating its students compared to other Caribbean nations. Approximately seventy Belizean students remain in Jamaica, with many sheltered at their schools, the home of Belize’s honorary consul, or designated safe zones. While evacuation is not currently feasible, the government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. Briceño emphasized that the government is in contact with the students and will provide necessary supplies once the hurricane passes. He also noted that the Ministry of Education is coordinating efforts to assist the students, including funding for those who need to leave Jamaica. Despite the difficulties, the Prime Minister reiterated that the safety of Belizean students abroad remains the government’s top priority.

Belize has officially inaugurated the 2025 International Partners Conference, a pivotal event aimed at fostering global collaboration to address the nation’s development challenges amidst the escalating climate crisis. The conference, now in its third iteration, brings together international allies to strategize on sustainable growth and resilience-building initiatives. This year’s theme, “Investing in the Green Transition,” underscores the urgency of transitioning to a climate-resilient economy. Key areas of focus include clean energy, e-mobility, sustainable infrastructure, and green education, all designed to position Belize as a leader in climate-smart development. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘Your presence here signals a commitment to action, not just ideas.’ He highlighted the enduring partnerships that have supported Belize through natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing gratitude for the continued collaboration. The Prime Minister reiterated that the nation’s development efforts are rooted in trust and a shared vision of achieving transformative change. The conference serves as a platform to accelerate Belize’s progress toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into the most powerful storm of 2025, with wind speeds surging to 175 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The Category 5 hurricane is now bearing down on Jamaica, posing a severe threat to the island nation. The NHC reported that Melissa’s winds escalated by 10 mph in just one day, signaling its rapid intensification. Tropical storm conditions are already affecting Jamaica, with catastrophic hurricane-force winds expected to commence tonight and persist into early Tuesday. As of this afternoon, the storm’s center was located 145 miles southwest of Kingston, moving at a sluggish pace of 3 mph. Despite the ongoing US government shutdown, NOAA hurricane hunters have been braving the storm to gather critical data. Meteorologist Andy Hazelton, who was aboard one of the aircraft, described the experience as ‘the most turbulent hurricane I’ve ever been in.’ The mission was cut short due to extreme updrafts and downdrafts, highlighting the storm’s ferocity. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions as Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has initiated emergency relief efforts as Jamaica braces for the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Natasha Greaves, IOM’s Head of Office in Jamaica, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We expect significant displacement, with many requiring immediate shelter and essential supplies.’ The IOM’s emergency response team is collaborating with Jamaica’s national system, prioritizing shelter, critical provisions, and data collection. Greaves highlighted the importance of established partnerships in ensuring swift and effective aid delivery. Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands have already unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds across the island, prompting the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to issue warnings of ‘catastrophic flash floods and landslides.’ Authorities have enforced mandatory evacuations in high-risk zones. The storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, underscoring its deadly potential.