In a powerful address at the 86th annual conference of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining itself as a zone of peace. He warned that any military escalation in the region would have dire consequences for all Caribbean nations. Skerrit’s remarks echoed those of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who earlier called for an end to the United States’ military build-up off Venezuela’s coast, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking. Both leaders stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy rather than force. Skerrit highlighted the region’s historical struggles for freedom and independence, urging Caribbean nations to stand firm on these principles. He shared excerpts of Mottley’s speech on the Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders’ social media page, underscoring the need to speak truth to power. Mottley, in her opening address, described the current situation in the southern Caribbean as ‘extremely dangerous and untenable,’ emphasizing the region’s tragic history of being subjected to external powers’ violence. She called for unity in upholding the Caribbean as a zone of peace, a principle enshrined since Caricom’s inception. Mottley also rejected the notion of extrajudicial killings and the conflation of law enforcement with military action, advocating for the rule of law. The recent deployment of the USS Gerald Ford and over 10,000 U.S. troops to the Caribbean has raised concerns among regional leaders, who view it as a potential precursor to an invasion of Venezuela. The U.S. claims these actions are part of a counter-drug initiative, but critics argue they lack transparency and justification.
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#EyeOnMelissa: WRHA urges families to collect discharged relatives as Melissa nears
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has issued an urgent appeal to families to promptly collect relatives who have been discharged from hospitals and health facilities across the western region. This measure aims to ensure the safety and comfort of stable patients who can be cared for at home, while allowing hospitals to concentrate their resources on emergency and critical care cases during the storm. St Andrade Sinclair, the Regional Director, emphasized the critical need for swift community cooperation, stating that timely action would enhance hospital readiness. Sinclair urged family members to act responsibly by collecting loved ones who are medically fit for discharge, ensuring hospitals remain well-equipped to handle storm-related emergencies and provide optimal care to those in critical need. Families are advised to contact hospital wards or facility administrators for discharge guidance and collection times. The WRHA also reminded the public to stay informed through weather updates and advisories from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The authority is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and local disaster response agencies to safeguard the well-being of patients and staff throughout the hurricane.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay displays signs of normalcy as disaster looms
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Despite intermittent rainfall on Sunday, Montego Bay has managed to retain a semblance of everyday life. Although several buildings have been shuttered, residents were observed engaging in routine activities, such as visiting supermarkets and other essential locations. One local resident, seen exiting a supermarket on St James Street, mentioned she was completing some last-minute shopping. Taxis continued to operate as usual, stationed and ready to transport passengers to various destinations. While the timing of potential storm escalation remains uncertain, precautionary measures have already been implemented in key areas. Notably, the airport ceased operations at midday on Sunday. Additionally, the Western Regional Health Authority issued a statement urging individuals to collect their discharged family members promptly, ensuring a smooth transition amidst the weather uncertainties.
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#EyeOnMelissa: MoBay mayor activates St James Emergency Operations Centre
In a decisive move to safeguard its residents, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has officially launched the St James Parish Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in anticipation of Hurricane Melissa. The activation, announced on Sunday, underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts among key stakeholders and first responders to ensure effective disaster management.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Agriculture Ministry activates emergency protocols
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the escalating threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has initiated its emergency protocols and convened its disaster management and mitigation committee. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green announced these measures during a press briefing held on Saturday at Jamaica House, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness as the hurricane has intensified to a Category 4 storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Scotia Group offices to remain closed on Monday and Tuesday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Scotia Group has announced the temporary closure of all its facilities, including Scotiabank branches, Scotia Insurance offices, Scotia Investments, and Scotia Protect. The shutdown will be in effect on Monday, October 27, and Tuesday, October 28, to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. The financial conglomerate has assured the public that it will provide updates on reopening plans once the storm has subsided and a thorough assessment of operational readiness has been completed. Additionally, customers are being cautioned to anticipate potential delays in online transfers during this period. Scotia Group has urged its clients to take precautionary measures, such as safeguarding critical financial documents, identification cards, and bank cards, to mitigate the impact of the hurricane.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Heavy rainfall expected as Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica
Jamaica’s Meteorological Service (Met Service) has maintained a state of heightened vigilance as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm, continues to impact the island with widespread rainfall. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Kingston, is moving westward, with its outer bands already causing intermittent showers in eastern parishes. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Met Service, confirmed during a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) that the storm has advanced past Morant Point and is now near Kingston’s longitude. Radar imagery reveals a well-defined eye and dense cloud cover, with lightning activity concentrated on the eastern side of the hurricane. Authorities predict that rainfall will intensify and spread across the island, raising concerns about potential flooding. The public is urged to stay updated through official bulletins and prepare for worsening conditions. Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie reported that all shelters are operational, though only 31 out of 881 are currently occupied. Despite the Jamaica Transit Company (JUTC) providing transportation, many residents are reluctant to evacuate. McKenzie also emphasized the need to secure cranes in the Corporate Area to prevent accidents and warned of accountability for negligence. Regarding the homeless population, he stated that the government has made efforts to relocate vulnerable individuals to shelters using public transport, with plans to continue as long as conditions permit.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JUTC suspends road operations ahead of major hurricane
In response to the escalating threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has announced the suspension of all road operations effective midday Sunday. This decision was reached after thorough consultations with relevant authorities and is grounded in critical safety and operational concerns.
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#EyeOnMelissa: KSAMC intensifies efforts to relocate the homeless and flood-prone residents
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has announced a significant escalation in efforts to relocate homeless individuals and residents from flood-prone areas to designated shelters. The municipality has already moved 17 homeless people to shelters across Kingston and St. Andrew, with 15 individuals taken to the Church Street shelter and three women relocated to the Hanover Street facility. These individuals are being provided with essential services, including bathing facilities, clothing, and meals.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Met Service warns Jamaicans to beware of storm surges
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) has issued a stern warning to residents, particularly those living along the coastline, to prepare for potentially life-threatening storm surges as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The storm surges could reach staggering heights of up to 15 feet, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.