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  • Jamaicans brace for Hurricane Melissa

    Jamaicans brace for Hurricane Melissa

    As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents across the island are grappling with mounting anxiety and taking urgent measures to prepare for the storm’s impact. Forecasted to make landfall on October 28 as a Category 3 hurricane, Melissa has already begun to unleash its fury on the eastern parishes of St. Thomas and Portland, bringing flooding, powerful winds, and storm surges. The hurricane, which has lingered off Jamaica’s coast for several days, remains a formidable Category 4 storm with winds reaching 145 miles per hour as of October 26, located 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston. Its trajectory is also expected to affect Cuba and Haiti.

    Dr. Kai Barratt, a lecturer at the University of Technology, shared insights with Newsday via WhatsApp, highlighting the community’s preparation patterns honed since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. She noted the widespread rush to stockpile essentials like bread, water, and medicine, as well as the surge in demand for solar-powered devices and batteries. However, Barratt emphasized the disparity in preparedness, with wealthier individuals able to secure their homes while vulnerable populations remain at risk.

    In Kingston, concerns about flooding due to unchecked urban development are prevalent. Despite the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) issuing a list of shelters, uncertainty lingers about whether all residents are informed. Amelia Dunn, a land manager from St. Andrew, described the frantic efforts to fortify homes and businesses, with many boarding up windows and securing supplies. She also expressed concerns about debris and prolonged power outages.

    In Westmoreland, residents have been clearing debris and reinforcing their homes, though uncertainty about the hurricane’s exact timing has complicated preparations. A local resident criticized the government for delayed efforts in cleaning watercourses but acknowledged ongoing updates via social media. Meanwhile, major hotels have implemented emergency plans, relocating guests and securing property.

    The Jamaican government has activated 881 shelters, with 218 people already seeking refuge. Ministers have assured the public of coordinated efforts by utility providers to restore services post-hurricane. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers also pledged support for Jamaica, dismissing claims of strained Caricom relations and emphasizing solidarity in times of crisis.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Hurricane-force winds to begin tonight as Melissa moves over Jamaica

    #EyeOnMelissa: Hurricane-force winds to begin tonight as Melissa moves over Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a dire warning as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica. The NHC predicts that ‘catastrophic’ and ‘life-threatening’ hurricane-force winds will begin battering the island nation Monday night, persisting into early Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are already underway, with the eyewall expected to cause total structural failure, particularly in elevated regions where wind speeds could surge by up to 30%. As of the latest update, Hurricane Melissa was positioned near latitude 16.4 north and longitude 78.2 west, moving westward at three miles per hour. The storm is anticipated to shift northwest and north later Monday, accelerating northeastward on Tuesday. Its trajectory suggests Melissa will sweep over Jamaica Monday night and early Tuesday, southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. With maximum sustained winds nearing 165 mph (270 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa remains a formidable threat. The NHC cautions that intensity fluctuations are likely before the hurricane makes landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday.

  • Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength

    Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength

    As Hurricane Melissa intensifies to near Category 5 strength, Belizean students in Jamaica have been assured of their safety by both Belizean and Jamaican authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration of Belize has maintained close communication with its Jamaican counterparts to address growing concerns about the welfare of Belizean nationals studying in Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges through Tuesday. Despite the severe weather conditions, the Jamaican government has confirmed that all international students, including Belizeans residing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Halls of Residence, will continue to receive necessary care and accommodation. While Jamaican students have been advised to temporarily relocate, no foreign students, including Belizeans, have been asked to evacuate. Belizean students are encouraged to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and stay in contact with local authorities and the Belize High Commission. Currently, there are no plans for repatriation.

  • Graveyards are now last option shelters in Gaza for Palestinians amid ruins

    Graveyards are now last option shelters in Gaza for Palestinians amid ruins

    Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, stripped of their homes by widespread destruction, have resorted to setting up makeshift tents in graveyards. This desperate measure underscores the severity of the situation, as the enclave grapples with the aftermath of conflict despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, highlighted the grim reality: ‘This graveyard wasn’t meant for the living. But today, it’s home to dozens of families who have nowhere else to go.’ Khoudary emphasized that these families are not choosing to live among tombstones but are driven by sheer desperation, as graveyards have become the only available free spaces. Rami Musleh, a father of 12 displaced from Beit Hanoon in northern Gaza, shared the emotional burden of raising children in such dire conditions. ‘For parents, the psychological trauma of war is made worse by having to raise children among tombstones,’ he told Al Jazeera. Another resident, Sabah Muhammed, lamented the loss of sanctity in these spaces: ‘Graveyards, once sacred for the dead, are now silent witnesses to a living crisis. No water, no electricity, and no privacy … only the bare minimum to survive.’ The poignant reality is that in Gaza, even the land reserved for the dead has become the last refuge for the living.

  • Caribische bisschoppen waarschuwen voor militaire spanningen in de regio

    Caribische bisschoppen waarschuwen voor militaire spanningen in de regio

    The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), the overarching body of Catholic bishops in the Caribbean, has voiced profound concerns regarding the escalating presence of military vessels and foreign troops in the southern Caribbean. The bishops warn that this development could severely impact the socio-economic stability, security, and daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. In a formal statement, the AEC urged government leaders to prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty, emphasizing that ‘war or the threat of war is never the right solution.’ They invoked historical papal teachings on peace and moral responsibility to underscore their message. Simultaneously, the AEC condemned the surge in narcotics activities in the region but stressed that violence and extrajudicial actions are never justified, even in combating drug-related crime. The bishops highlighted the tangible threats posed by warships and the disruption of maritime activities, particularly to fishing and coastal communities reliant on the sea. They called on regional leaders to uphold the Caribbean model of dialogue, cooperation, and peace, reminding them of the region’s historical success in conflict resolution through diplomacy. Concluding their statement, the AEC appealed to both leaders and citizens to remain committed to hope, reconciliation, and non-violent solutions, while emphasizing the moral duty to protect society’s most vulnerable.

  • First ship calls at new Kingstown Port shortly after opening

    First ship calls at new Kingstown Port shortly after opening

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) marked a historic milestone with the grand opening of the new Kingstown Port on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, held just two days before the nation’s 46th anniversary of independence from Britain, symbolized a transformative leap toward economic resilience and modernization. The first vessel to dock at the port was the Cyprus-flagged container ship FOUMA, measuring 166.15 meters in length and 25.26 meters in width, which arrived shortly after the opening ceremony.

  • Aerodom responds to the effects of Storm Melissa: “So far, no flights have been canceled”

    Aerodom responds to the effects of Storm Melissa: “So far, no flights have been canceled”

    As Hurricane Melissa advances toward the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic’s airports, managed by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), continue to operate without disruptions. Luis José López, Aerodom’s Communications Director, confirmed to arecoa.com on Sunday, October 26, that all scheduled flights are running as planned, with no cancellations reported. López emphasized that operations remain normal and that the concessionaire is prepared to communicate any changes to passengers through multiple channels if necessary. Aerodom has activated its Emergency Plan, with airport teams implementing preventive measures to ensure safety and operational continuity. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 113–136 knots (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h), continues its slow but steady path past the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of intense downpours, thunderstorms, flooding, and mudslides. Experts note that the storm’s structure is reorganizing, with decreased upper-level winds potentially allowing it to strengthen further. Melissa is expected to reach Category 5 status before making landfall in Jamaica early next week.

  • Canada : High-level visit by the Gang Supression Force

    Canada : High-level visit by the Gang Supression Force

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, visited the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) headquarters in Haiti this week. Accompanied by André François Giroux, Canada’s Ambassador to Haiti, and a delegation of senior Canadian officials, Rae’s visit marked the highest-level UN diplomatic engagement with the GSF since its transition from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) on October 3, 2025. The GSF, led by Deputy Commander Colonel Eldon Morgan, welcomed the delegation and showcased its ongoing efforts to combat gang-related insecurity in the region. During his visit, Rae praised the GSF’s dedication and professionalism, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting the Force’s transformative role in restoring stability. He emphasized Canada’s $60 million contribution, which includes funding for a Regional Maritime Security Initiative aimed at countering transnational organized crime across the Caribbean. Rae also called for patience and continued cooperation, expressing optimism about the deployment of additional GSF personnel by April 2026. As part of his itinerary, Rae met with female GSF personnel, highlighting their critical contributions, and inspected newly acquired helicopters that enhance the Force’s air mobility and logistical capabilities.

  • Where in the Caribbean is Melissa located?

    Where in the Caribbean is Melissa located?

    The National Hurricane Center (NHC), in collaboration with the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, provided an update on tropical weather conditions this Saturday, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa persists as a significant threat in the Caribbean Sea. Currently positioned approximately 130 miles southeast of Jamaica, the hurricane continues to pose risks of heavy rainfall, perilous waves, and sustained winds that could impact Jamaica and neighboring islands in the immediate future. Meanwhile, the NHC also reported a period of relative calm across the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, with no new tropical cyclones anticipated to develop over the next seven days. This forecast suggests a temporary stabilization in the region following recent meteorological activity.

  • Gonsalves contacts Vincy student group as hurricane threatens Jamaica

    Gonsalves contacts Vincy student group as hurricane threatens Jamaica

    Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has called for solidarity and prayers for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, a potentially catastrophic storm, advances toward the island. Speaking at the inauguration of the new port in Kingstown, Gonsalves emphasized the immediate danger facing Jamaica, urging attendees to pray for the safety and well-being of the Jamaican people, particularly Vincentian students and residents. The hurricane, predicted to escalate to a Category 5 storm within 48 hours, poses a significant threat with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph. Gonsalves highlighted his communication with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Vincentian Students Association, ensuring that necessary precautions are in place for student safety. He also mentioned discussions with UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles, who confirmed that the university has implemented robust measures to protect students, including relocating Jamaican students with secure accommodations to make space for others. Gonsalves reassured parents of students in Jamaica, stating that he remains in close contact with student leaders and will continue to monitor the situation. He emphasized the importance of prayers not only during the storm but also in its aftermath, addressing potential post-hurricane challenges.