Jamaica is grappling with severe disruptions as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, continues to wreak havoc across the island. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has reported a significant surge in power outages, affecting approximately 240,000 customers, or 35% of its total clientele. The hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where around 75% of residents are without electricity. In contrast, areas such as St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann have experienced minimal impact, with fewer than 10% of customers affected as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring power safely and promptly, addressing the media at the National Emergency Operation Centre in New Kingston. Despite false social media claims suggesting a complete shutdown of the national grid, JPS has confirmed that no such action is planned. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified that outages are solely due to the hurricane’s impact on the grid, which has damaged generating units, substations, and transmission lines. While most hospitals remain powered by JPS, facilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, including Black River, Mandeville, and Percy Junior hospitals, are relying on standby generators. JPS crews are actively working to restore critical services and urges residents to prioritize safety during this crisis.
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UK actress Prunella Scales, TV’s Sybil Fawlty, dies at 93
LONDON, United Kingdom — Prunella Scales, the celebrated British actress renowned for her iconic role as Sybil in the classic TV comedy “Fawlty Towers,” has passed away at the age of 93. Her family confirmed her peaceful passing at her London home on Monday. Scales, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013, remained active in her career for several years, often collaborating with her husband, the esteemed actor Timothy West, who predeceased her in November 2024. The couple, married for 61 years, shared a profound bond, with West becoming her caregiver in later years. Together, they also filmed multiple series of the Channel 4 program “Great Canal Journeys.” Scales’ portrayal of Sybil, the sharp-witted wife of the bumbling hotelier Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, cemented her status as a beloved figure in British television. “Fawlty Towers,” created by Cleese and his then-wife Connie Booth, aired only 12 episodes between 1975 and 1979 but left an indelible mark on British culture. In 2019, the show was hailed as the greatest British sitcom of all time by “Radio Times.” Scales’ illustrious career spanned nearly seven decades, including her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the film “A Question of Attribution” and her one-woman show “An Evening With Queen Victoria.” She is survived by her two sons, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
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Central FC Reboot make winning start to TTPFL season
MIC Central FC Reboot began their 2025-2026 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) premier division campaign on a high note, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Point Fortin Civic in their opening match at the Arima Velodrome on October 26. Daniel David opened the scoring for Central FC in the 28th minute, giving his team a slim lead at halftime. The second half saw a flurry of action, with Junior Asson of Central FC and Nathaniel Garcia of Point Fortin both finding the net in the 55th minute, ensuring Central FC maintained their one-goal advantage until the final whistle. In other matches, Club Sando narrowly defeated FC Eagles 1-0, thanks to a 47th-minute goal by Marc Wharfe. Meanwhile, Prison Service FC overcame a late scare to secure a 3-2 win against Caledonia AIA, with Jeremiah Vidale scoring the decisive goal in the 79th minute. Defending champions Defence Force were held to a goalless draw by Athletic Club Port of Spain, while Miscellaneous Police FC dominated San Juan Jabloteh with a 4-0 victory. The match between Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and FC Phoenix was postponed due to logistical issues. The league action continues on October 31 with Police C facing Central FC and AC PoS taking on Jabloteh.
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Man found dead in alleged suicide
Authorities have initiated an investigation into a suspected suicide following the discovery of a man’s lifeless body at a residence in Garden Hills early Tuesday morning. The incident unfolded at a home on Chenille Street, near Soldier Road, where distraught family members and friends gathered in an emotionally charged scene. According to Inspector Gerard Culmer, law enforcement was alerted by a family member who found the victim in a state consistent with hanging around 6:30 a.m. Emergency medical personnel reportedly made efforts to resuscitate the man but were unable to save him. The coroner subsequently pronounced the man dead. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation as the community grapples with the tragic loss.
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Gerry Murray, former KC and Real Mona footballer, laid to rest
The life and contributions of Gerry Murray, a revered figure in Jamaican football and the Mona community, were commemorated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service on October 18 at the Church of the Ascension. Murray, who passed away at the age of 75 on September 15 at his Red Hills residence in St. Andrew, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the sport he loved. The service, attended by his wife Carmen, children Omari and Melissa, and brothers Richard and Michael, brought together former teammates, friends, and football legends to honor his legacy. Lennox Robinson, a former St. George’s College and Real Mona player, fondly recalled Murray’s caring nature and leadership, describing him as a ‘man for all seasons.’ Stewart Stephenson, a former teammate at Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona, praised Murray’s tenacity on the field and humble personality, noting his role in a golden era of Jamaican football. Peter Moses, another former teammate, highlighted how Murray’s spirit united the gathering, erasing the passage of time. Murray’s football journey began at Jamaica College before he transferred to KC, where he played a pivotal role in the 1967 Manning Cup victory. His talent earned him a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering and continued to excel on the field. The service not only celebrated Murray’s achievements but also underscored the profound impact he had on those around him.
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Bowleg all quiet after Valley court ruling – despite previous comments
In a dramatic turn of events, the Court of Appeal has overturned a previous Supreme Court ruling that had influenced Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg’s decision to cut funding to one faction of the Valley Boys. Minister Bowleg, who had previously cited the Supreme Court’s March ruling favoring the “Way Forward” faction led by Trevor Davis, has now declined to comment on the appellate decision, stating he would “let the Court deal with it.” The Court of Appeal criticized the Registrar General’s Office for its handling of the registration of Mr. Davis’ group, calling the actions “beyond belief” and granting the rival “World Famous” Valley Boys faction, led by Brian Adderley, leave to appeal, citing “excellent prospects of success.” The World Famous Valley Boys expressed optimism about receiving overdue seed funding, totaling $70,000 for the past two years, while the Way Forward faction described the appellate court’s comments as “unfortunate” but vowed to continue their legal battle. The dispute, which began in 2023, stems from internal divisions over leadership and compliance with the Non-Profit Organisations Act, with both factions pledging to uphold the legacy of the Valley Boys in upcoming parades.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ‘Shelters aren’t homes but can save lives’
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the St Thomas parish council is urging residents in vulnerable areas to seek safety in the 42 emergency shelters activated across the region. Kevin McIndoe, CEO of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, emphasized that while these shelters may not offer the comfort of home, they provide a secure refuge from the life-threatening storm. As of Monday afternoon, 600 individuals had already sought shelter, with numbers expected to rise as conditions deteriorate. However, some residents are hesitant to leave their homes, citing poor conditions in the shelters. One anonymous resident expressed concerns about inadequate food and sleeping arrangements, stating they would remain at home despite the risks. Shelly-Ann McCalla, manager of the Morant Bay Primary School shelter, acknowledged these challenges, noting that many shelters lack sufficient resources like blankets and cots. McIndoe urged those seeking refuge to bring their own supplies and encouraged donations to be coordinated through the parish council to ensure equitable distribution. Despite the discomfort, the primary goal remains saving lives as the island prepares for the hurricane’s impact.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Building loses roof as Melissa continues to impact Jamaica
In the early hours of Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made its presence felt in Montego Bay, Jamaica, as a commercial building on Barnett Street suffered significant damage. At approximately 3:00 am, powerful winds associated with the hurricane dislodged a section of the building’s roof. The detached roof was carried by the wind and landed on the adjacent road and the nearby fire station compound, causing damage to several parked vehicles. Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, clearing the debris and ensuring the road was reopened for traffic. This incident highlights the destructive potential of Hurricane Melissa as it continues to impact the region.
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Maduro suspends energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago
In a significant diplomatic move, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared the immediate suspension of energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago. This decision follows a formal proposal from Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to halt the Energy Cooperation Framework Agreement with Port of Spain. Maduro, during his weekly television broadcast, accused Trinidad and Tobago of serving as a strategic outpost for the United States, compelling him to terminate decade-old treaties. He claimed that Trinidad and Tobago had exhausted its gas reserves before Venezuela could assist under the agreement. However, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed the suspension, asserting that her country’s economic and energy strategies remain independent of Venezuela. The two nations initially agreed to jointly explore gas reserves in 2018, but the project has been hindered by U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed support for Trinidad’s Dragon gas proposal but emphasized measures to prevent significant benefits to Maduro’s government. The Dragon gasfield is estimated to hold 119 billion cubic meters of gas. Meanwhile, escalating tensions in the Caribbean have seen increased U.S. military presence, including a nuclear-powered submarine and reconnaissance aircraft, targeting alleged Venezuelan-backed drug traffickers. Venezuela has denied these accusations, labeling U.S. actions as a threat to regional peace. Trinidad and Tobago has openly supported the U.S. operations, with Persad-Bissessar advocating for violent measures against traffickers. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto condemned the U.S. military threat as illegal and immoral during a United Nations General Assembly address.
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Trinidad PM says Caricom not a reliable partner
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that her country will not be coerced or pressured by external forces, as she criticized certain Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations for aligning with Venezuela amidst escalating regional security concerns. Speaking during a live interview on the Crime Watch program with Ian Alleyne on Monday night, Persad-Bissessar accused some Caricom partners of prioritizing Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago, labeling them as unreliable allies. She emphasized that no regional government or organization would dictate her administration’s security policies. This comes as the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat recently revealed that regional leaders had discussed security issues, including the military build-up in the Caribbean, though Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the consensus. The U.S. has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, deploying a nuclear-powered submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, and destroyers to combat drug cartels, a move Trinidad and Tobago fully supports. Persad-Bissessar dismissed Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez’s claims that Trinidad and Tobago is collaborating with the U.S. to destabilize Venezuela, asserting that her government has not engaged in any energy-related negotiations with Caracas. She also denied plans to allow Trinidad and Tobago to serve as a base for attacks on Venezuela, while reaffirming her administration’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and transnational crime. The Prime Minister highlighted the country’s dire crime situation, including a rising murder rate, and announced that Parliament will vote on October 31 to potentially extend the state of emergency declared in July to address these challenges.