KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the impending Tropical Storm Melissa, PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the operator of Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), has announced the temporary closure of the airport effective 9:00 PM tonight. The shutdown will follow the departure of the last scheduled flight on Saturday.
分类： world
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa strengthens into hurricane as it takes aims at Jamaica
MIAMI, United States — Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 1 storm, posing a significant threat as it moves at an alarmingly slow pace toward Jamaica, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane, currently generating winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, is forecasted to intensify rapidly into a major hurricane within the next 24 hours. The NHC’s latest advisory highlights the potential for devastating flash floods and landslides in Jamaica and Haiti, with the storm expected to linger over the region for several days.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Sangster International Airport to close at noon Sunday
In response to the impending Hurricane Melissa, MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), the operator of Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced strategic adjustments to flight operations. The airport will remain open until 12:00 PM on Sunday, weather permitting, to accommodate scheduled flights. Thereafter, it will temporarily close to ensure the safety of passengers and staff during the storm. MBJ has advised that some airlines are modifying their schedules to include earlier or additional flights to minimize disruptions. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airlines directly for updates on flight changes and to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport. Detailed airline information is available on the MBJ website (www.mbjairport.com) under the International Airlines section. Following the hurricane, a thorough assessment will be conducted to determine when it is safe to resume operations. MBJ emphasized that passenger and staff safety is their top priority and that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure a swift and safe reopening. Updates on the impact of Hurricane Melissa on airport operations will be communicated through MBJ’s official website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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PM declares Jamaica a threatened area
In response to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared the entire island a ‘threatened area.’ This decisive action, enacted under Section 26(2) of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), empowers the government to implement urgent protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure. The declaration follows a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch as Melissa lingers off Jamaica’s southeastern coast. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety, urging citizens to take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly.
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Caribbean Sea’s new compact for survival: Reflections from COP18
October 24 marks United Nations Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the UN under the theme ‘The Future We Want: The UN We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism.’ This year’s celebration holds particular significance for the Caribbean, following the historic Eighteenth Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP18) to the Cartagena Convention, held in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 13-16. The event brought together over 80 delegates from 20 nations and 15 observer groups, including youth representatives, to address the pressing challenges facing the Caribbean Sea. The central message was unequivocal: the health of the Caribbean Sea is intrinsically linked to the livelihood and identity of its people, making united action not just desirable but essential. COP18 was groundbreaking in its integrated approach, combining discussions on the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) protocol and the Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution protocol into a single, cohesive agenda. This innovative structure enabled delegates to tackle cross-cutting issues such as pollution control, species protection, and coral reef restoration in a unified framework. The outcomes of COP18 are transformative, aligning with the Regional Seas Strategic Direction (RSSD) for 2026-2029, which envisions healthy, productive marine ecosystems that support a sustainable ocean economy and combat biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. Key decisions included the approval of an action plan to address sargassum inundation and the development of conservation management plans for species like the silky shark and oceanic whitetip shark. Additionally, the meeting operationalized a workplan and budget for 2026-2027, focusing on three core goals: securing biologically diverse and climate-resilient ecosystems, enhancing knowledge management and science-policy dialogue, and elevating the global profile of the regional seas program. The event also strengthened regional partnerships, exemplified by collaborations with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on oil-spill response and the Caribbean Wildlife Enforcement Network. However, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Reports presented at COP18 revealed that the Caribbean’s coral reefs, vital to tourism and fisheries, are under severe threat from heat stress, disease outbreaks, and mass bleaching events driven by rising ocean temperatures and acidification. The decisions made in Kingston mark a pivotal shift from passive defense to active restoration, emphasizing the need for stronger national coastal frameworks and species management plans. As the Caribbean commemorates UN Day, the spirit of COP18 serves as a beacon for sustained effort and stronger partnerships. The Caribbean Sea is not merely a body of water; it is the lifeblood of the region. Through the Cartagena Convention, the Caribbean has reaffirmed its shared duty to protect, restore, and sustain this precious resource for future generations.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa becomes Category 3 hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 3 storm, wreaking havoc across the Caribbean and posing a severe threat to Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola. Forecasters warn of further intensification as the storm moves at a perilously slow pace, heightening concerns over prolonged devastation. The hurricane, with sustained winds of 115 miles per hour, has already claimed three lives in Haiti due to heavy rains and landslides triggered by its outer bands. In the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was found dead after being swept away by floodwaters, while a 13-year-old boy remains missing. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued dire warnings of ‘life-threatening and catastrophic’ flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola. Rapid intensification is expected to continue, potentially elevating Melissa to a major hurricane by Sunday. As of Saturday evening, the storm was positioned 125 miles southeast of Kingston and 280 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, moving at a sluggish three miles per hour. The NHC predicts total rainfall of 15 to 30 inches in affected regions, with isolated areas receiving up to 40 inches. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for evacuation, emphasizing the likelihood of recurring flooding. Melissa marks the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in early July 2024, which claimed four lives in Jamaica. The slow-moving nature of Melissa raises fears of prolonged destruction, with the storm expected to linger over Jamaica and Hispaniola for multiple days before potentially threatening eastern Cuba.
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#EyeOnMelissa: All JDF personnel in Haiti accounted for
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has confirmed that all its personnel deployed in Haiti are safe and in good spirits despite the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm has unleashed torrential rains over Haiti, triggering devastating floods and landslides that have tragically claimed three lives. Brigadier O’Neil Bogle provided this update during a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, October 24. As Jamaica braces for the storm’s impact, Bogle emphasized that comprehensive measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of JDF’s assets. Offshore patrol vessels have been strategically relocated out of the storm’s path, while inland patrol vessels have been secured along the coastlines. Additionally, the JDF has assessed its air assets, with plans to deploy a maritime patrol aircraft overseas and keep the BELL 429 helicopter on standby for post-hurricane operations. Bogle further detailed that all remaining assets have been safely stored in JDF hangars across various bases, and robust plans are in place to protect ground assets across defense estates.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Norman Manley International Airport to cease operations at 8:00 this evening – Vaz
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to close at 8:00 PM on Saturday or upon the arrival of the last scheduled flight, as the country braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm is advancing toward Jamaica’s southern coast, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision during a media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the need to ensure safety while accommodating travelers. Initially, both NMIA and Sangster’s International Airport in Montego Bay were expected to remain operational for scheduled flights. However, the plan was revised following consultations with the Airports Authority of Jamaica. Vaz stated that the closure would occur at 8:00 PM or after the last arriving flight, whichever comes later. Delayed flights will still be accommodated to facilitate travel. Vaz urged travelers to adjust their plans and leave Jamaica today if possible. A meeting is scheduled for 2:00 PM to determine the closure time for Sangster International Airport, with updates to be communicated afterward. The minister highlighted the importance of these measures for both local residents and the tourism industry. Hotels are coordinating with airlines to increase flight capacities and evacuate vacationers before the storm intensifies.
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Belize Out of Danger as TS Melissa Moves North
Tropical Storm Melissa has emerged as a significant threat to several Caribbean nations, with Jamaica and Haiti bearing the brunt of its impact. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of prolonged severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, torrential rains, and landslides, as the storm moves slowly across the region. Belize, however, remains out of harm’s way as the storm’s trajectory shifts northward. In Jamaica, the storm’s sluggish pace has heightened concerns of extended exposure to hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to complete emergency preparations promptly, as strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to intensify by late Friday or Saturday. Haiti faces an even graver situation, with the NHC predicting catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the southwestern regions. The storm’s prolonged presence could lead to extensive infrastructure damage, isolating communities for days. Authorities have described the situation as life-threatening, urging immediate action to safeguard lives and property. Meanwhile, Belize has been spared from Melissa’s path, as forecast models indicate a northward movement, keeping the nation safe for now. The NHC continues to monitor the storm’s progression, emphasizing the need for vigilance in affected areas.
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Another US strike in Caribbean On alleged drug-running boat kills 6
The U.S. military has escalated its campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, conducting its 10th strike on a suspected drug-running vessel, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday. The operation, which resulted in six fatalities, has been linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization originating from a Venezuelan prison. The frequency of these strikes has increased significantly, with three carried out this week alone, compared to one every few weeks when they began in September. Notably, two of this week’s strikes occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean, marking an expansion of the military’s operational zone. Hegseth emphasized that the latest strike took place in international waters and was the first conducted at night, signaling a more aggressive approach. He warned drug traffickers, stating, ‘If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will treat you like we treat Al-Qaeda.’ The strikes coincide with a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and off the coast of Venezuela, including a recent flight of supersonic heavy bombers near Venezuela. This has fueled speculation about potential U.S. intentions to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has dismissed the drug-trafficking allegations as pretextual, accusing the U.S. of seeking regime change. Hegseth’s rhetoric has drawn parallels between the current crackdown on drug traffickers and the U.S. war on terrorism post-9/11. However, President Trump has denied plans to seek a formal declaration of war against cartels, instead vowing to eliminate drug smugglers. The military actions have sparked bipartisan concerns in Congress, with critics arguing they lack proper authorization and violate international law.