KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.
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#EyeOnMelissa: No fatalities reported as yet — McKenzie
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck the island’s southwest coast on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie emphasized that authorities have not received any reports of deaths linked to the hurricane. ‘We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he stated. McKenzie expressed hope that the situation remains unchanged, adding, ‘I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.’ The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent years, caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, but the absence of reported fatalities has been a rare positive note in the wake of the disaster. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to affected communities.
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‘No need to kill’: Port Royal fisherfolk concerned over US attacks in Caribbean Sea
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the chaos of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on Tuesday, the focus of Fishing Boat Captain Herbert Dowie from the coastal town of Port Royal was not on the storm, but on the controversial actions of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea. Dowie expressed deep concern over reports that US boats have attacked and killed dozens of individuals, allegedly suspected of drug trafficking. However, fears persist that innocent fishermen and others may have been tragically caught in the crossfire. The US government has defended its actions, claiming the targeted boats were transporting narcotics. Yet, Dowie and other locals view these operations as unlawful and reckless. “They shouldn’t be shooting down any vessel,” Dowie asserted, questioning why the US forces couldn’t use non-lethal methods to intercept and inspect the boats. Roy Brown, another Port Royal resident, echoed Dowie’s sentiments, accusing the US of exploiting its power in the region. Brown drew parallels between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, stating, “They are the same thing.” Over the past few months, US forces have reportedly killed at least 57 people in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. These actions have sparked widespread condemnation both regionally and within the US, with lawmakers from both major political parties questioning the president’s authority to order such strikes.
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‘Homelessness on rise’ warns activist Gibson
The Bahamas is witnessing a surge in homelessness and evictions, as reported by Khandi Gibson, President of Families of All Murdered Victims (FOAM). Gibson highlighted that many residents are still grappling with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling to meet basic needs such as food and shelter. The Department of Social Services has attributed this crisis to landlords abruptly increasing rents, leaving tenants unable to cope. Gibson revealed that she receives an average of ten daily pleas for assistance, often from employed individuals who still cannot afford rent or groceries. Among these are harrowing stories, such as a father of two living in a car for three months despite working full-time, and a mother of three sending her children to school without food. A 17-year-old single mother also shared her plight of paying $70 daily for an Airbnb while caring for her infant. Gibson emphasized that these cases are becoming alarmingly common, with many families unable to recover from the pandemic’s impact. She called for collective action, urging communities to support one another to prevent further despair and rising suicide rates. ‘This is not natural. This is not common,’ she pleaded, ‘I am begging all of us to reach out or just help.’
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SpaceX and US partners help with Bahamas evacuations
In a coordinated effort to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa, SpaceX has partnered with US and Bahamian organizations to evacuate more than 1,400 residents from the Southeast Bahamas. The hurricane, which has weakened from Category 5 to Category 4, has already caused significant devastation in western Jamaica, resulting in at least seven fatalities and widespread destruction. Flights operated yesterday transported evacuees from Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, and Ragged Island to the safer location of New Providence. US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasized the United States’ unwavering support for The Bahamas, particularly during crises, and commended SpaceX, the Love and Light Foundation, and other partners for their rapid response. Matt Wideman, founder of the Love and Light Foundation, highlighted the collaborative efforts of SpaceX, Christian airline Judah 1, the Bahamian government, and the US Embassy in organizing the evacuation. SpaceX initially provided logistical support, while Judah 1 secured a 150-seat MD-83 aircraft, and the Bahamian government deployed its own resources. Wideman praised the government’s swift action, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding lives. Judah 1, known for its disaster relief missions, contributed three aircraft and partnered with the government to share operational costs. Meanwhile, SpaceX has pledged 30 days of free Starlink service to ensure uninterrupted communication in affected areas. The company’s involvement follows a landmark agreement with The Bahamas earlier this year, allowing Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land off the Exumas. As the region braces for further impacts, post-storm relief efforts are already underway, with plans to deliver Starlink units and power supplies to Jamaica.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Flash flood watch in effect for several parishes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Services of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Watch for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, warning that additional rainfall could exacerbate localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. This alert comes despite the discontinuation of the tropical storm warning previously in effect for the island.
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Man gunned down in Tobago
Tobago has witnessed its sixth homicide of the year 2025, marking a grim milestone for the island. The victim, identified as Ronald Butcher, was tragically shot multiple times near the Calder Hall playing field on the evening of October 28. Emergency services rushed Butcher to the Scarborough General Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Local law enforcement has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, though no suspects or motives have been disclosed at this time. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Tobago faces in addressing violent crime, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay wakes up to destruction after Hurricane Melissa
Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, awoke to a scene of widespread destruction on Wednesday as the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact became apparent. The storm, which battered the city throughout Tuesday, left a trail of devastation, with roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across roadways. The Catherine Hall and West Green communities were particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe flooding and significant silt accumulation. The Sangster International Airport also sustained substantial damage, especially in its departure area, disrupting travel operations. Government buildings, including the St James Municipal Corporation, were not spared, with reports of shattered windows and structural harm. Authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, but the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the hurricane’s ferocity. Residents are now grappling with the challenges of recovery as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
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Flow Jamaica expands emergency connectivity with Starlink
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Liberty Caribbean, the parent company of Flow Jamaica, has unveiled a groundbreaking emergency communication solution powered by Starlink’s satellite technology. This initiative aims to bolster network resilience across the island, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for its users. The service, branded as “FLOW STARLINK,” is now accessible to 70% of Flow’s mobile data customers in Jamaica, marking a significant step forward in the region’s telecommunications infrastructure.
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Two new constituencies proposed – with splits in Killarney and West GB and Bimini
The Boundaries Commission of The Bahamas is advancing plans to establish two new constituencies in preparation for the upcoming general election. The proposed changes involve splitting the existing Killarney constituency and the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency, according to sources familiar with the matter. The commission convened recently to finalize these adjustments, which are expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister shortly. Killarney, currently one of the most densely populated constituencies with over 7,000 registered voters, has been a focal point of discussions for some time. Similarly, West Grand Bahama and Bimini, now home to 6,070 registered voters, have also been under review due to population growth. Additionally, several constituencies in New Providence, including St Barnabas, Tall Pines, Centreville, and Freetown, may undergo changes to their polling station allocations. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, a member of the commission, highlighted the body’s progress in analyzing boundary adjustments to ensure a more equitable distribution of voters. While the law does not mandate a fixed voter count per constituency, the Constitution requires that boundary changes reflect population size and address practical needs to justify any significant disparities.