Hurricane Melissa has unleashed widespread destruction across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm, which initially struck Jamaica as a historic Category 5 hurricane, later made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 before advancing towards the Bahamas as a Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The hurricane has caused fatalities, severe flooding, and extensive damage to homes, hospitals, and schools in its path. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster zone’ on Tuesday, with power outages and flooding reported across both Jamaica and Cuba. The ‘All Clear’ was announced on October 29, allowing essential services to resume. In Haiti, the death toll rose to at least 25 after a river swollen by the hurricane burst its banks in Petit-Goâve. While Jamaica has not yet released an official death toll, three fatalities occurred during storm preparations. One death has also been reported in the Dominican Republic. Meteorologists warn that Melissa’s strongest winds are expanding, posing an increased threat to the Bahamas, where warnings remain in effect as the storm is forecast to pass between Long Island and Crooked Island later today.
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US Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats Kill 14
In a significant escalation of efforts to combat drug trafficking, US military forces conducted strikes on four suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific on October 29, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. The operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, was confirmed by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that the targeted vessels were identified by intelligence agencies as part of known narco-trafficking routes. One survivor was reportedly rescued approximately 400 miles off the coast of Acapulco, with Mexican authorities now leading the coordination efforts. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly condemned the strikes, emphasizing the need for adherence to international treaties and calling for urgent discussions with US officials. This incident marks the latest in a series of US military actions targeting suspected drug boats in the Pacific and Caribbean, which have claimed at least 57 lives to date. The strikes have heightened tensions between the US and regional governments, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. The US recently imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and deployed military assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. President Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization, a claim Maduro vehemently denies. The situation underscores the growing complexities of international drug enforcement efforts and their geopolitical ramifications.
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KAYO wins big at music awards in Nova Scotia, Canada
Saint Lucian rapper KAYO Guevarra, born Filbert Salton, emerged as one of the standout winners at the 2025 Music Nova Scotia Awards, securing two prestigious accolades: DJ of the Year and Hip-Hop/Rap Recording of the Year for his project *EXTENDED TRIP*. The 37-year-old artist, who hails from Ciceron, Saint Lucia, and now resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia, also received nominations for African Nova Scotian Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year at the ceremony held on October 26 in Rodd Grand Yarmouth. KAYO was one of only three artists to win two awards at the event, which celebrated four days of performances, workshops, and industry recognition. In a heartfelt Facebook post, KAYO expressed gratitude to Music Nova Scotia and his community, stating, ‘The love & support that I’ve received from this community over the past few years has been nothing short of transformational.’ He described his music as a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and reggae, influenced by his Caribbean roots. KAYO’s recent wins add to his growing list of achievements, including the 2023 African Nova Scotian Music Association Award for Artist of the Year and the 2024 East Coast Music Association Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. The Music Nova Scotia Awards are determined by a combination of member votes and jury scores, with 30 categories in total.
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Family Identifies Decomposed Body Found
The Belize City community was shaken by the grim discovery of a decomposed body, now identified as 39-year-old Gilbert Conorquie. The body was found early on October 29, 2025, in an open lot near the basketball court in the Caesar Ridge area, following a report of a strong odour by a local resident. Conorquie, a resident of Belize City, was last seen on October 26th. Authorities found him dressed in a white undershirt and black sports shorts, lying face-up across from Wilton Cumberbatch Field. Preliminary observations indicate he may have suffered a gunshot wound. The Belize Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, which remains ongoing. The tragic incident has left the community in mourning, with many awaiting further details from law enforcement.
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Hurricane Melissa kills over 30 in the Caribbean as it heads toward the Bahamas
Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 3 storm, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The hurricane made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday morning, causing ‘significant damage’ and isolating approximately 140,000 people due to rapidly rising river levels. As the storm advanced toward the Bahamas, its impact continued to be felt across the region. In Jamaica, Melissa struck as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, severely damaging public infrastructure and plunging most of the island into darkness. The full extent of the devastation remains unclear, with many areas still inaccessible. The storm also proved deadly, claiming at least 25 lives in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, after a river swollen by the hurricane burst its banks. Three fatalities were reported in Jamaica during storm preparations, and one person died in the Dominican Republic. As communities grapple with the aftermath, efforts to provide aid and support are underway. Here’s how you can assist those affected and share your experiences if you’ve been impacted by the disaster.
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US-based Forbes Family Foundation to deliver hurricane relief to Westmoreland and St Elizabeth
Residents of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, are set to receive critical relief through the efforts of the Forbes Family Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit organization. Founded by Dr. Ariel Forbes, a Jamaican-born oral surgeon, the foundation has outlined a comprehensive two-phase plan to aid recovery in the impacted regions. The first phase focuses on immediate support, including the distribution of essential supplies such as water, canned goods, generators, solar power banks, clothing, and cleaning materials. The second phase will address long-term recovery, providing construction materials like drywall, cement, tiles, and power tools to rebuild damaged homes. Dr. Forbes emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that food tents will be established in Black River, St Elizabeth, and either Darliston or Whitehouse, Westmoreland, to serve hot meals to those in need. Despite initial flight cancellations, Dr. Forbes is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on November 12, with supplies already en route via sea freight. The foundation is seeking logistical support to transport these items from Kingston to the affected parishes. Motivated by her Jamaican heritage and personal ties to the region, Dr. Forbes expressed her commitment to helping communities recover from the devastation. The Forbes Family Foundation has also launched a fundraiser to support these relief efforts, underscoring their dedication to rebuilding lives and restoring hope in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
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Caught between Venezuela and US, Trinidad fishermen fear the sea
In the tranquil village of Cedros, located in the extreme southwest of Trinidad, fishermen are grappling with an unprecedented crisis. Just a stone’s throw from Venezuela, these fishermen find themselves ensnared in the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States, exacerbated by recent US naval deployments and military exercises in the region. The once-peaceful waters have become a battleground of geopolitical strife, leaving the local fishing community in a precarious position.
Fishermen in Cedros, who traditionally ply their trade in the serene waters of the Caribbean, now face heightened risks. Venezuelan coast guard patrols have intensified, reportedly repelling Trinidadian fishing vessels with violence and increasing incidents of extortion. This has severely curtailed their access to Venezuelan territorial waters, where they once operated undisturbed. As a result, their yields and incomes have dwindled, pushing many to the brink of economic hardship.
The situation has been further complicated by US-led anti-drug operations in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have targeted boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. These operations have claimed the lives of at least 62 individuals, including some Trinidadian fishermen, according to mourning families. While the Trinidadian government has not confirmed these identities, the fear of being mistakenly targeted has forced many fishermen to reduce their activities. ‘You have to take a chance,’ said Rakesh Ramdass, a 42-year-old fisherman. ‘But at sea, anything can happen.’
The diplomatic standoff between the US and Venezuela has also strained relations between Trinidad and Tobago and its South American neighbor. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of aligning too closely with the US, labeling the nation ‘an aircraft carrier of the American empire.’ This rhetoric has only heightened tensions, with Caracas viewing the US naval deployment as a potential precursor to regime change under the guise of anti-drug operations.
For the fishermen of Cedros and nearby villages like Icacos, the situation is dire. Many have scaled back their activities, fearing both Venezuelan patrols and US-led operations. ‘Better safe than sorry,’ remarked Alexsi Soomai, a 63-year-old fisherman from Icacos. The village, a common arrival point for undocumented Venezuelan migrants, has also felt the ripple effects of the crisis. Families like that of Yacelis Garcia, who fled Venezuela six years ago, now rely solely on fishing for their livelihood. However, the current political climate has made even this precarious source of income increasingly uncertain.
As the US-Venezuela tensions continue to simmer, the fishermen of Trinidad and Tobago remain caught in the crossfire, their lives and livelihoods hanging in the balance. The once-thriving fishing communities now face an uncertain future, with no end to the crisis in sight.
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Hanover reels from Melissa’s devastating impact
The Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, Jamaica, has sustained significant damage following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the southwest of the island before moving across its western end on Tuesday. During a visit by the Jamaica Observer, it was observed that several key sections of the hospital, including the maternity ward, dietary department, and administrative block, had their roofs severely compromised. Despite the destruction, hospital staff demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to perform their duties, such as preparing meals and attending to patients, while also addressing the aftermath by clearing water and mopping floors in the dietary department. The nearby Hanover Health Department also suffered roof damage, further exacerbating the crisis. The hurricane’s wrath extended beyond healthcare facilities, causing widespread infrastructural devastation across the parish. Numerous buildings lost their roofs entirely or partially, while fallen trees and power lines obstructed several roads. Communication networks were severely disrupted, leaving many residents unable to make calls or access the internet. Some individuals reportedly traveled to Montego Bay to use their mobile phones for communication. Additionally, downed utility poles led to widespread electricity outages, and a section of the Sandy Bay Main Road sea wall collapsed, causing the sidewalk to cave in. The community of Hanover now faces the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this natural disaster.
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Radio legend Barry G dies aged 70
Barrington “Barry G” Gordon, a celebrated Jamaican broadcaster renowned for his vibrant personality and dynamic radio presence, passed away on October 29 at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland. He was 70 years old. His long-time friend, Michael Chambers, confirmed the news, attributing his death to pneumonia. Barry G, a graduate of Kingston College, began his illustrious career at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) in the late 1970s. He quickly rose to prominence with his Saturday night show, the Boogie Down Show, and later became Jamaica’s top disc jockey in the 1980s with his four-hour program, 2 To 6 Supermix. Barry G’s eclectic taste in music, spanning reggae and beyond, endeared him to audiences worldwide. His legendary radio clashes with British DJ David Rodigan, starting in 1983, catapulted him to international fame, particularly in dancehall-reggae markets in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. After leaving JBC in 1987, he continued his career at Radio Jamaica, Power 106, KLAS FM, and Hot 102, enjoying a resurgence at Mello FM in Montego Bay, where he worked for 11 years until 2021. In 2010, Barry G was honored with the Order of Distinction, Jamaica’s sixth-highest accolade, for his contributions to broadcasting.
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Privy Council: Las Alturas CoE treated Calder Hart unfairly
In a landmark decision, the Privy Council has upheld a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling in favor of Calder Hart, former chairman of Udecott, affirming that he was denied natural justice during the 2016 Las Alturas commission of enquiry (CoE). The commission had blamed Hart for the collapse of the Morvant housing project, but the Privy Council, led by Lord Clark and supported by Lords Sales, Leggatt, Lady Rose, and Lady Simler, ruled on October 30 that the commission breached Hart’s right to procedural fairness by publishing adverse findings without allowing him to respond. The judges emphasized that natural justice requires individuals to be given the opportunity to defend themselves against criticism, a principle that was violated in Hart’s case. The commission’s findings, which held Hart personally accountable for the project’s failure, were quashed, as they were deemed to have been arrived at in breach of natural justice. The Las Alturas project, plagued by landslides and structural failures, resulted in significant public losses and the demolition of two apartment buildings. The Privy Council’s ruling underscores the importance of fairness in judicial processes, regardless of an individual’s participation in an inquiry. The commission’s appeal, arguing that Hart had declined to participate and that fairness did not require prior notice, was dismissed. The Privy Council also rejected the commission’s claim that extending the inquiry to allow Hart to respond would have been inappropriate, stating that the seriousness of the findings demanded prior warning. This ruling reaffirms the fundamental principle that no one should be condemned unheard.