KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant show of regional solidarity, the Cayman Islands Government has committed US$1.2 million in essential supplies to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on Tuesday. Premier André Ebanks announced the aid package during a press conference on Thursday, emphasizing the historical support Jamaica provided to the Cayman Islands during their own crisis following Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The donation includes critical relief items, which will be shipped directly to Jamaica. Additionally, Premier Ebanks, accompanied by a delegation of ministers, brought US$200,000 worth of supplies for immediate distribution. ‘On behalf of myself, the Government, and the ministers here, including Minister Nick DaCosta and the leader of the Opposition, Cayman stands with Jamaica,’ Ebanks declared. The aid will bolster Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts, as the nation faces widespread power outages, infrastructure damage, and displacement across multiple parishes. Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Information Minister, expressed profound gratitude, noting that the donation was unexpected but deeply appreciated.
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Jah Niceness releases ‘Vanilla Coffee’ on old school-inspired riddim
In an industry where artists often rush to capitalize on trending beats, Jah Niceness stands out for his meticulous approach to music creation. The Orlando-based singer recently collaborated with Riddim N Nice Productions, crafting the track ‘Vanilla Coffee’ after being inspired by an old-school flavored beat. Produced by Henry Bell, the song was released in late September, marking Jah Niceness’ third release of the year, following ‘Power Play’ and ‘Heart A Love.’
Jah Niceness emphasizes that his creative process is driven by the vibe, groove, and energy of a beat, as well as its chords, arrangement, and structure. Even if a beat becomes a hit, he remains unbothered by rejecting it if it doesn’t align with his artistic standards. Over the past four years, he has recorded numerous songs for various producers, with a significant portion of his work tied to Jason Bromfield of Open Doors Records, also based in Orlando.
Their collaborations include ‘Trap,’ a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Trapped,’ released in 2024, and Jah Niceness’ fourth album, ‘Nah Diss Nuh Man,’ produced by Bromfield in 2022. Jah Niceness’ selective approach underscores his commitment to quality and authenticity in an industry often dominated by haste and commercial pressures.
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Furness Group lends helping hand to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica
In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, the Furness Trinidad Group has mobilized urgent relief efforts. Through its food distribution arm, Furness Shipping & Marketing Limited, the group has dispatched essential canned food items, including corn, peas, carrots, red beans, and chickpeas, to support the affected population. The hurricane, described as the ‘storm of the century,’ caused unprecedented devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, claiming at least 34 lives and leaving widespread destruction in its path. With sustained winds reaching 298 km/h (185 mph) at its peak, Hurricane Melissa surpassed the intensity of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005. William A Ferreira, Chairman and CEO of the Furness Group, expressed profound sorrow for the loss of life and destruction, while emphasizing solidarity with the people of Jamaica. He highlighted the resilience of the Jamaican people, stating that this disaster marks a new chapter rather than the end of their story. Ferreira also praised the dedicated efforts of his team, who worked tirelessly to ensure the timely delivery of aid despite the challenging circumstances. The Furness Group’s initiative underscores the importance of collective support in times of crisis, offering hope and essential resources to those affected by this historic natural disaster.
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Caribbean Airlines resumes Jamaica flights after hurricane disruption
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has officially resumed its operations between Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and Jamaica, starting October 30, following the reopening of Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. The airport had been temporarily closed due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which swept through the northern Caribbean earlier this week. The airline announced the resumption in a statement on October 29, detailing that the initial non-stop return service would operate between Port of Spain and Kingston. Flight BW414 departed Trinidad at 12 pm on October 30, arriving in Jamaica at 2 pm, while the return flight, BW415, left Kingston at 3:15 pm and landed in Trinidad at 7:15 pm. Regular services are set to fully resume from October 31. Tickets for these flights are now available for purchase through the airline’s website, mobile app, and authorized travel agents. Additionally, CAL’s reservations teams are assisting passengers whose travel plans were disrupted between October 24 and 30 due to the suspension of operations caused by the hurricane. The airline emphasized that the decision to resume flights was made after receiving confirmation from PAC Kingston Airport that the facility was safe for commercial operations. Hurricane Melissa had forced the closure of several regional airports and led to widespread flight cancellations across the Caribbean.
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#MelissaAftermath: JDF mobilises Jamaica National Reserve to support recovery efforts
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has activated the entire first class of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR). Effective Thursday, October 30, 2025, all reserve members are required to report to their designated duty stations. This mobilization is a critical component of the nation’s comprehensive response and recovery strategy following the widespread destruction caused by the hurricane. Reserve personnel will play a pivotal role in relief distribution, search and rescue operations, logistics management, and the safeguarding of vulnerable areas. Their efforts will be coordinated in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other governmental bodies. The activation, authorized by Governor General Sir Patrick Allem, is part of Jamaica’s national emergency management framework, designed to protect lives, secure property, and expedite the restoration of normalcy in storm-affected communities.
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#MelissaAftermath: France dispatching humanitarian aid to hurricane-wrecked Jamaica
In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, France has announced plans to deploy critical humanitarian assistance to the island nation. The aid package, comprising vital relief supplies and advanced water purification systems, will be transported by the French Armed Forces stationed in the West Indies. This initiative is being coordinated under the framework of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, highlighting France’s commitment to international solidarity in times of crisis. The French Embassy in Jamaica, supported by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and its Crisis and Support Centre, is actively engaged in the effort. Authorities are maintaining close communication with the French community and nationals in the affected region to ensure their safety and provide necessary support. This swift response underscores France’s dedication to aiding nations impacted by natural disasters and fostering global cooperation.
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#MelissaAftermath: Residents flock Gutters service station to restock fuel and food supplies
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Manchester and St Elizabeth in Jamaica faced severe challenges as they scrambled to secure fuel and essential supplies. On Thursday, a large crowd gathered at the Mid-Island Service Station in Gutters, the only operational fuel station in the area, with cash in hand to refuel vehicles and generators. The Category 5 hurricane has left much of southern Jamaica without power, communication, and access to ATMs, exacerbating the crisis. Patrenia Kennedy, manager of the Mid-Island Service Station, highlighted the critical role of the on-site supermarket in providing food and household essentials, though supplies were rapidly depleting. She noted that while suppliers were en route, items like bread had already run out. Nearby communities remain isolated, with extensive damage to homes, roads, and farmlands. Imran, a resident of Prospect, Manchester, described the situation as dire, urging government officials to assess the devastation firsthand. He emphasized the urgent need for assistance, particularly for families whose children have lost school uniforms and books. The hurricane’s impact has surpassed that of previous storms, leaving residents in desperate need of relief and recovery efforts.
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#MelissaAftermath: Chicken & Tings partners with World Central Kitchen to distribute meals
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of community solidarity, the beloved local eatery Chicken and Tings has joined forces with the global humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) to deliver thousands of hot meals to residents of Kingston and St Andrew devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This unprecedented storm, one of the most severe in Jamaica’s history, has left countless families in dire need of assistance.
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Guevarro pays tribute to former CoP Dwayne Gibbs: He was widely respected
The law enforcement community is mourning the loss of Dwayne Gibbs, the former Commissioner of Police (CoP) of Trinidad and Tobago, who passed away on October 30, 2024. Gibbs, a Canadian national and former superintendent with the Edmonton Police Service, served as CoP from 2010 to 2012. He died in Australia, ten days after suffering cardiac arrest during the Age Group Standard Aquabike Championships in Wollongong on October 16. Current CoP Allister Guevarro paid tribute to Gibbs, describing him as a man of integrity, discipline, and a strong advocate for ethical leadership. Guevarro highlighted Gibbs’ contributions to modern policing and his dedication to public service during his tenure. Gibbs, alongside deputy commissioner Jack Ewatski, implemented reforms aimed at enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s national police service. Guevarro also noted Gibbs’ lifelong passion for fitness and personal excellence, which saw him remain active in competitive sports well into his 70s. On behalf of the law enforcement community, Guevarro extended heartfelt condolences to Gibbs’ family, friends, and colleagues in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that his legacy of service and leadership will endure.
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Riding out the storm
Residents across the Central and Southeast Bahamas endured the brunt of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, as the Category Two storm unleashed heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and the looming threat of severe flooding. The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued Alert #24, warning of sustained winds reaching 100 miles per hour, storm surges, and up to ten inches of rainfall. The hurricane, moving northeast at 15 miles per hour, impacted several islands, including Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. By mid-afternoon, the storm’s core passed approximately 25 miles east-southeast of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, and 60 miles south-southwest of South Long Island, bringing hurricane conditions to the region. On Long Island, residents reported worsening weather, with tropical-storm-strength gusts and power outages. Ann Cartwright, a resident of Gray’s, described the situation as calm but overcast, with winds exceeding 30 miles per hour. Meanwhile, Jill Smith of Stella Maris highlighted repeated power cuts and rapidly deteriorating conditions, particularly in the southern part of the island, where residents faced water and electricity shortages ahead of the storm. In Exuma, Princess McKenzie noted continuous rainfall since 4 a.m., while Gary Rolle expressed resilience despite the panic caused by the hurricane. On Acklins, Island Administrator Herman Gilbert confirmed that 194 residents chose to remain behind despite evacuation efforts, citing poor communication due to weather-related disruptions. Ragged Island residents were evacuated earlier in the week, with evacuees staying with family in New Providence. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis issued a mandatory evacuation order under the Disaster Risk Management (Evacuation – Southeast Bahamas) Order 2025, relocating over 1,400 residents from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island. The order prioritized the elderly, sick, and children, with Davis emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety. Although Hurricane Melissa weakened as it moved north, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant as damage assessments continue.