KINGSTON, Jamaica – The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has officially reached 19, but authorities warn that the number is likely to rise as recovery operations persist across the island. Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon shared the update during a press briefing on Friday, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to locate and recover missing individuals. ‘When the number changes, I will inform you,’ Morris Dixon stated. ‘These are Jamaicans, and it is heartbreaking to know they have lost their lives. Every single life lost is a profound tragedy. While these numbers are distressing, we are doing everything possible to retrieve the bodies and support the affected families.’ According to the minister, eight bodies have been recovered in St. Elizabeth, nine in Westmoreland, and two in St. James. Reports suggest that five additional bodies may still be in Westmoreland, with search and rescue operations continuing in the region. Teams from the Jamaica Defence Force and other emergency responders are tirelessly working in flood-affected and landslide-prone areas across the western parishes. Morris Dixon extended her condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aiding the impacted communities.
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Schools, businesses close early amid Defence Force alert
In response to heightened military activity and escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, several schools across Trinidad urged parents to collect their children early on October 31. An internal memo revealed that the Defence Force had been placed on high alert, with all military personnel required to report to their bases by 6 pm. Even officers on pre-retirement, sick leave, or vacation were instructed to remain on standby at home, awaiting further orders. This development follows reports from The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal suggesting an imminent attack on Venezuelan military installations, though US President Donald Trump denied these claims. At La Horquetta South Government Primary, tensions flared as a frustrated parent clashed with a security guard over early dismissal procedures. Similarly, a denominational primary school in Curepe advised parents to pick up their children by 2 pm, an hour earlier than usual. Businesses in Port of Spain also took precautionary measures, with a software development company and a prominent law firm sending staff home by mid-afternoon. While no panic was reported, the situation was taken seriously by the public.
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Guardian Holdings records $237m in profit
Guardian Holdings Ltd has demonstrated sustained growth in its third quarter, posting a profit of $237 million attributable to equity shareholders for the period ending September 30. This marks a significant 20% increase, or $40 million, compared to the $197 million reported in the same period last year. The company’s consolidated financial statements attribute this growth to the expansion of its core insurance operations across English-speaking Caribbean nations, the Dutch Caribbean, and the Netherlands. Chairman Robert Almeida emphasized the group’s commitment to sustainable, long-term value creation, supported by operational efficiencies, disciplined cost management, and favorable market conditions. Key achievements during the quarter included a robust performance ratio, a substantial rise in earnings per share from $2.58 to $5.52, and a 28% increase in return on equity. Additionally, Guardian Holdings successfully refinanced its $1.02 billion bond by issuing a $1.05 billion secured multi-tranche bond. On October 3, credit rating agency CariCRIS reaffirmed the group’s ratings of CariAA- on the regional scale and jmAAA on the Jamaican national scale, maintaining a stable outlook. Almeida also highlighted the group’s strong capitalization and regulatory compliance. Insurance revenue for the quarter grew by $109 million, reaching $1,588 million, while other operating expenses increased by $37 million to $244 million. The board proposed a third quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, bringing the year-to-date total to 66 cents per share, a 43-cent increase over the previous year. For the nine months ending September 30, the group reported a profit of $1,281 million, a 114% increase from the prior year, driven largely by the sale of Thoma Exploitatie BV in January. Excluding discontinued operations, the group’s profit from continuing operations stood at $630 million, a 7% increase over the previous year. Almeida noted that the core insurance operations remain robust, with insurance service results outperforming the prior year by $207 million or 34%.
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Sturge declines to confirm whether Defence Force on high alert
In a tense exchange during the House of Representatives’ Urgent Questions segment on October 31, Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge refused to confirm whether Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force personnel had been ordered to return to their bases. The question was posed by Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, who sought clarity on the matter ahead of the debate on extending the state of emergency. Sturge cited Standing Order 27 (g), which allows ministers to withhold information if its disclosure is deemed contrary to the public interest. Despite the minister’s evasive response, an internal message revealed that all military personnel were instructed to report to their respective bases by 6 pm on October 31. The directive also extended to officers on pre-retirement leave, sick leave, or vacation, who were ordered to remain on standby and prepare for potential confinement. The message emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, ‘This is not a drill.’ The developments have raised questions about the government’s preparedness and the implications of the ongoing state of emergency.
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OUR urges JPS to exercise fairness in billing after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has issued a stern call to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) to uphold fairness and transparency in its billing processes. The regulator emphasized the importance of exercising ‘good practice and reasonable consideration’ when preparing bills for customers affected by service disruptions or property damage.
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WATCH: ‘We have to do little looting’ says Black River hurricane victim
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the town of Black River in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, is grappling with severe devastation and a desperate struggle for survival. A local resident, known as Bowes, has revealed that many in the community have resorted to looting to secure basic necessities like food. ‘We have to do little looting because we don’t know if we ago get food for now,’ Bowes stated, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the townspeople. He painted a grim picture of the town’s future, asserting that Black River is unlikely to recover anytime soon. ‘Black River not coming back for now, right here mash up. This can’t come back,’ he lamented. Bowes, who lost his roof in the hurricane, is currently sharing a single room with ten other individuals, a situation he describes as a necessity for survival. ‘Everybody have to put up who they can put up,’ he explained. Despite the challenges, Bowes noted that he has yet to see any government officials providing assistance, leaving residents to fend for themselves in the aftermath of the disaster.
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Cabinet subcommittees established to lead post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to address the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has unveiled the formation of multiple Cabinet subcommittees. These committees are tasked with leading the government’s recovery and relief initiatives, ensuring a coordinated and swift national response. The announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday, where Morris Dixon detailed the structure and objectives of the newly established bodies. At the forefront is the Relief and Recovery Oversight Committee, co-chaired by Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie and Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz. This committee will oversee the broader recovery process, with additional members including ministers Pearnel Charles Jr., Matthew Samuda, Andrew Wheatley, Kamina Johnson Smith, and Dana Morris Dixon. Ex-officio members Fayval Williams and Audrey Marks will also contribute to the oversight efforts. In a strategic move to engage the private sector, a dedicated committee has been formed to streamline contributions and investments from businesses. Co-chaired by Senator Keith Duncan and Audrey Marks, this committee is set to convene its inaugural meeting on Friday at 4:00 pm. Meanwhile, Minister Olivia Grange has been assigned to mobilize the church community to bolster relief activities, and Minister Robert Montague will focus on reconnecting families displaced or separated by the hurricane. The subcommittees are expected to commence their work immediately, prioritizing the restoration of essential services, providing aid to affected families, and supporting long-term reconstruction efforts.
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Schools, churches in bad shape in St James
ST JAMES, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across St James, with several schools and churches suffering significant damage. Among the affected institutions are the Herbert Morrison Technical High School and the Corinaldi Avenue Primary School, both of which experienced substantial harm to their infrastructure on Tuesday. Numerous other establishments in the parish have also reported compromised structures, necessitating extensive repairs that could span several months in some cases. The Hillview Baptist Church in Albion was particularly hard-hit, with its roof and other sections of the building sustaining extensive damage. These institutions, which have historically served as shelters during disasters, now find themselves in dire need of assistance. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, as some communities are still inaccessible due to impassable roads, hindering the delivery of support and aid.
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UN Human Rights head: US attacks on boats illegal
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly criticized the United States for its airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which are allegedly linked to drug trafficking. Türk asserts that these actions violate international human rights law. In a statement released on October 31, Türk revealed that over 60 people have been killed in these attacks since early September, with no justification under international law. He emphasized that these operations, framed by the US as part of anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts, fall under international humanitarian law but still fail to meet the stringent requirements for the use of lethal force as outlined in international human rights law. Türk called for immediate, independent, and transparent investigations into these incidents. He acknowledged the complexities of combating drug trafficking but urged the US to adhere to international legal standards, including relevant counter-narcotics treaties. Türk advocated for the use of established law enforcement methods, such as intercepting boats and detaining suspects under criminal law, rather than resorting to lethal force. The US has not named any other countries involved in these operations, but reports suggest that the US is also considering strikes on Venezuelan military bases. The Trump administration has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a narco-terrorist, a claim Maduro denies, accusing the US of attempting to orchestrate a regime change. Maduro has called for peace, stating that Venezuela will defend itself against any external threats.
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Back to base: Soldiers, sailors on high alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has been placed on heightened alert as Parliament prepares to debate an extension of the state of emergency. This development coincides with international media reports suggesting an imminent US military strike against Venezuelan targets. The immediate call for all active soldiers, sailors, and air guard officers to report to their encampments has sparked widespread anxiety and a surge of rumors. An internal directive ordered all military personnel to report to their respective bases by 6 pm on October 31, including those on pre-retirement leave, sick leave, or vacation, who were instructed to remain on standby. The message emphasized, ‘This is not a drill,’ urging personnel to make necessary personal arrangements. Reports from the Miami Herald and Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources, indicate that the Trump administration is preparing to escalate its campaign against Venezuela’s Maduro government, accused of facilitating narco-trafficking. Bloomberg noted that President Trump hinted at potential military operations, stating, ‘The land is going to be next,’ following a series of maritime strikes against suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since mid-September. These operations are part of Trump’s renewed anti-narcotics drive targeting alleged drug trafficking routes linked to Venezuela and regional criminal networks.