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As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, surfers on the island’s southeast coast are eagerly anticipating the powerful waves it may bring, rather than fearing its potential dangers. Billy ‘Mystic’ Wilmot, founder of the Jamnesia Surf Club in Bull Bay, St. Andrew, expressed excitement about the hurricane season, which he described as ideal for surfing. “We always look forward to the hurricane season. It sends waves from far away, even if the storm is hundreds of miles from us,” Wilmot told Observer Online during a visit to the area on Thursday, October 23, 2025. However, he emphasized the need for the storm to remain at a safe distance to avoid strong winds that could disrupt surfing conditions. “We welcome the waves, but not the breeze. The wind can make it impossible to surf,” he explained. At 7:00 pm on Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, prompting a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for the island. Despite the warnings, surfers like Ivah Wilmot and Danielle Mattis were seen catching waves at Wickie Wackie Beach in Bull Bay. Wilmot also expressed hope that the storm would not cause loss of life or property damage, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which led to flooding and debris accumulation in the area. Bull Bay, like other low-lying regions in Jamaica, remains vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall.

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.

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.

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.’

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.