KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an urgent appeal to the public to donate blood as soon as it is safe to do so. The hurricane has severely disrupted blood collection and storage operations across multiple parishes, leaving national blood supplies critically low. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) reported that routine blood drives have been halted, and the transportation of blood and blood products to hospitals has been significantly delayed. This shortage poses a serious risk to patients requiring transfusions for surgeries, trauma care, and childbirth complications. Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, the chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of donations, stating, ‘We are urging all Jamaicans who are able to give blood. Your donation can save lives, especially at a time when hospitals are still in emergency mode and every unit counts.’ Potential donors are advised to ensure safe travel conditions, prepare by eating well and staying hydrated, and bring a valid ID to the Blood Bank. Donations are currently being accepted at the NBTS office located at 21 Slipe Road in Kingston. Updates on additional collection sites and schedules will be communicated through the ministry’s official channels and NBTS social media platforms in the coming days.
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Trinidad and Tobago coach upbeat despite 4-1 loss to ‘Reggae Girlz’
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team faced a challenging return to the pitch after a year-long hiatus, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Jamaica in a friendly match at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva, on October 28. Despite the loss, co-coach Damian Briggs emphasized the positive takeaways, viewing the game as a crucial step in their preparation for the upcoming Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The match marked TT’s first competitive outing in over a year, and the team showed glimpses of potential, particularly in the first half when Nikita Gosine equalized with a stunning strike after Jody Brown had given Jamaica an early lead. However, Jamaica dominated the second half, scoring three unanswered goals, including a fortuitous second for Brown in the closing minutes. Briggs praised his team’s energy and adaptability, highlighting the importance of learning from the experience as they aim to rebuild and refine their style of play. The TT squad, featuring a mix of local and overseas-based players, will next face Barbados on November 30 in their opening Concacaf qualifier. Briggs remains optimistic, stressing the need for continuous improvement and fitness as they navigate a challenging qualifying campaign.
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‘It’s so sad’: St Elizabeth businessman says Hurricane Melissa worst he has seen
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — A long-time resident and business operator in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, has described Hurricane Melissa as the most severe storm he has encountered during his nearly two decades on the island. Mr Lee, who runs a local supermarket, shared his harrowing experience with Observer Online, recounting the destruction caused by the hurricane. While his property suffered minimal damage, other areas were not as fortunate, experiencing significant losses. ‘I’ve been in Jamaica for almost 20 years, and that was the first hurricane I never expected. It’s the worst. It’s so sad,’ Mr Lee lamented. Despite the challenges, he ensured the safety of his staff and remains hopeful for recovery. ‘We only got some little water and did some cleaning, but I see other places got a lot of losses. I called my staff, ensured everyone is safe, but I think we will be getting better,’ he added. The hurricane has left a trail of devastation, highlighting the resilience of the local community as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding.
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Tufton says efforts underway to relocate patients from Black River Hospital
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, has announced urgent measures to relocate patients from the severely damaged Black River Hospital. The facility has been rendered inaccessible due to the storm’s destruction, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety and care of approximately 71 patients currently housed there.
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Santa Cruz resident says hometown is ‘unrecognisable’
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the town of Santa Cruz in a state of utter devastation, with one resident describing the destruction as ‘unimaginable.’ Yushaine Morgan, a local attorney and lifelong resident, shared his heart-wrenching experience with Observer Online, emphasizing the profound impact of the storm on his community. Morgan, who was seen wearing an ‘I love Santa Cruz’ shirt, explained that the garment symbolized his enduring hope and resilience in the face of catastrophe. ‘What we endured last night and yesterday surpassed anything we could have imagined, no matter how dire our predictions,’ Morgan recounted. He painted a grim picture of the town’s current state, noting that entire sections are now unrecognizable. ‘Roads have been obliterated, countless homes and businesses destroyed, roofs torn off, and many have lost vehicles and livestock,’ he added. Despite the overwhelming devastation, Morgan expressed his unwavering commitment to his hometown, stating, ‘I have no desire of ever vacating.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding, with Morgan admitting uncertainty about where to begin the recovery process.
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Vigil for regional peace in Port of Spain on November 9
In response to escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, eight local organizations in Trinidad and Tobago are set to host a peace vigil at Woodford Square, Port of Spain, on November 9. The event, scheduled to begin at 5 pm, aims to address growing concerns among citizens regarding the increasing US military presence in the southern Caribbean. Organizers emphasized the potential for conflict to disrupt the region, citing the possibility of war and its devastating consequences on human lives, infrastructure, and economic stability. Among the participating groups are the Concerned Muslims of TT, the Emancipation Support Committee, and the Movement for Social Justice. The organizers highlighted the potential for mass migration from Venezuela to neighboring countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, which could severely impact local businesses, investor confidence, and trade. They also expressed concerns about the disruption of tourism, particularly during carnival season, and the livelihoods of fisherfolk already facing challenges. The vigil is not a political initiative but a call for peace, urging the Caribbean to remain a Zone of Peace. The organizers noted the significant increase in US military assets in the region, including destroyers, a nuclear submarine, and B52 Bombers, with over 10,000 military personnel now stationed nearby. They also pointed to the rhetoric from US officials, including statements about targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Venezuela’s preparations for potential conflict, including military exercises and the acquisition of anti-aircraft missiles from Russia. The vigil aims to unite like-minded individuals and groups in advocating for peace and stability in the region.
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Brasso Village man charged with double murder
A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village, Clevon Alexander, has been formally charged with the murders of two young individuals, Ricky Joseph, 20, and Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary. The charges also include wounding with intent against two additional victims, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Alexander appeared before Master Whitney Franklin at the South Criminal Court C on October 27, following his arrest on October 22. The tragic incident occurred on October 15, when Joseph, Shadrack, and two others were ambushed in a wooden structure in the Brasso district. Multiple gunshots were reported, resulting in fatal injuries to Joseph at the scene and Shadrack two days later. The other two victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Facility for treatment. The charges were filed on October 24 by W/Cpl Dyer-Baptiste, based on advice from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal. The case, supervised by Supt Steve Persad and ASP Maharaj of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) Region Three, is set for a sufficiency hearing on September 18, 2026.
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Jamaica in ‘really difficult’ position after Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane ever to strike the island, which unleashed winds of up to 280 kph on October 28. The storm caused catastrophic flooding and widespread infrastructural damage, leaving residents and authorities in shock. Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s Minister for Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, addressed the nation on October 29, describing the past 24 hours as exceptionally challenging. She shared harrowing images of the devastation, stating, ‘It looks really, really difficult in many parts of Jamaica. The images we are getting are really very devastating.’ Despite the grim situation, Dr. Dixon expressed optimism about the country’s resilience, emphasizing, ‘We are a strong people and we will get through it together.’ Recovery and assessment efforts are now in full swing as the nation begins to rebuild. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa has moved on to Cuba, where it continues to wreak havoc, and is expected to impact Bermuda later this week.
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Ex-PNM welfare officer among 48 TPP nominees
La Toya Horsford, a former welfare officer of the PNM Tobago Council, has emerged as one of 48 nominees vying to represent the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) in the forthcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections. Horsford, who stepped down from the PNM in June, is contending for the Mason Hall/Moriah electoral district, a seat currently held by Ian Pollard, Secretary of the Division of Settlements, Public Utilities and Rural Development. She faces competition from three other nominees: Allan Stewart, director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency and a newcomer to the electoral race, and Bevon Dennis, former chairman of the Innovative Democratic Alliance. The list of nominees was disclosed by THA Chief Secretary and TPP political leader Farley Augustine during the Tobago Updates morning show on October 29. Augustine, who represents the Parlatuvier/Speyside/L’Anse Fourmi district, is the sole nominee for his seat. Other uncontested nominees include Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor (Belle Garden/Glamorgan), Secretary Nathisha Charles-Pantin (Bagatelle/Bacolet), and Secretary Wane Clarke (Lambeau/Lowlands). The TPP currently dominates the THA, holding 13 of the 15 seats, with Watson Duke of the Progressive Democratic Patriots representing Roxborough/Argyle and Minority Leader Kelvon Morris serving Darrel Spring/Whim.
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Clean up begins in Montego Bay
St James, Jamaica, has embarked on an extensive clean-up operation following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Since the early hours of Wednesday, firefighters have been actively working to clear debris and restore access to several key roads within the city. Concurrently, teams from the St James Municipal Corporation have been mobilizing across various neighborhoods to facilitate recovery efforts. In Montego Bay, limited vehicular traffic has resumed as residents begin their personal clean-up activities. However, areas such as Catherine Hall and Westgreen have faced severe flooding due to the swollen Pye River, leaving homes filled with mud and debris. Coastal communities like Mango Walk have been particularly hard-hit, with numerous houses losing their roofs. The aftermath has also seen downed trees, damaged solar panels, and other debris, prompting a large-scale clean-up initiative now underway in the western city.