As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, threatening to escalate into a hurricane, the parish of St James in Jamaica has demonstrated remarkable preparedness. Following a critical meeting of the parish’s disaster committee, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon assured the public of their readiness to face the impending storm. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, confirmed that all emergency protocols have been activated, and shelters are prepared for potential evacuations. Mayor Vernon emphasized that 59 shelters across the parish have been inspected and are equipped with necessary supplies, including food. Shelter managers are on standby, ready to assist vulnerable populations such as the homeless, infirm, and tourists, with specific locations like Jarrett Park and the Montego Bay Convention Centre designated for their safety. Additionally, efforts to mitigate flooding risks have been prioritized, with major drains cleaned and bushing exercises conducted to clear utility lines. Stakeholders, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, have also confirmed their readiness. Mayor Vernon expressed confidence in the parish’s ability to respond effectively, stating, ‘St James is ready, and we are waiting to activate our emergency operation centre if necessary.’
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Observer’s ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor’ documentary premieres on YouTube
What started as a promising ministry led by a charismatic young pastor culminated in one of Jamaica’s most harrowing tragedies. Kevin Smith, the self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ and leader of the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries, lured his followers with promises of salvation through his ‘ark.’ Instead, they met with death and disgrace. The Jamaica Observer delves into Smith’s meteoric rise, his rapid downfall, and the catastrophic aftermath that left Jamaica’s faith community grappling with the sinister realities that can lurk behind religious leadership. The two-part documentary, titled ‘Kevin Smith: Cult Pastor — Dead or Alive? The Story that Shook Jamaica,’ is now available on YouTube, offering a chilling exploration of this dark chapter in Jamaican history.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ISSA calls off games due to approaching storm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an approaching weather disturbance across the Caribbean, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has decided to postpone all scheduled games for the remainder of the week. The announcement, made on Thursday, cited updates from the Meteorological Office as the basis for the decision.
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Colombian president accuses US of ‘executions’ in Caribbean, Pacific
In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro on Thursday intensified his criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, while dismissing threats to cut millions in U.S. aid. Petro accused Trump of engaging in “extrajudicial executions” that violate international law, referring to the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats. According to U.S. reports, these operations have destroyed nine vessels and claimed at least 37 lives, including a Colombian fisherman who Petro suggested may have turned to trafficking “intermittently” due to poverty. Trump retaliated by labeling Petro a “thug” and drug trafficker, announcing cuts to U.S. aid and threatening tariffs on Colombian goods. These measures, if implemented, could end decades of security cooperation aimed at curbing cocaine flow from Colombia, the world’s largest producer, to the U.S., its biggest consumer. Petro downplayed the impact of aid cuts, arguing that the funds primarily support U.S. NGOs and arms purchases. He also rejected Trump’s decision to blacklist Colombia as an “insult,” asserting that Colombia has been effective in combating cartels despite record cocaine production. Petro accused Trump of being misled by Colombia’s “far right” opponents, who he claimed aim to influence the 2026 presidential election and undermine Colombian progressivism. The rift has deepened with Colombia recalling its ambassador from Washington and calling for dialogue, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded Petro a “lunatic.”
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#EyeOnMelissa: NWC says its ready for storm
The National Water Commission (NWC) has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted water supply during and after Tropical Storm Melissa. Acting President Kevin Kerr emphasized the commission’s proactive measures during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Education Ministry says remote learning to continue on Friday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the impending threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all schools across the island maintain remote learning operations on Friday, October 24, 2025. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff as the storm approaches.
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Dylan Carter misses out on 50m free final at Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, narrowly missed securing a spot in the men’s 50-metre freestyle final during the third leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Toronto, Canada, on October 23. Competing in lane five of the sixth and final heat, Carter clocked in at 21.36 seconds, finishing fourth, just 0.11 seconds behind Canada’s Ruslan Gaziev (21.25). The heat was dominated by American swimmer Jack Alexy, who secured first place with a time of 20.92 seconds, followed by Estonia’s Ralf Tribuntsov at 21.22 seconds. Overall, Carter ranked ninth out of 51 participants, narrowly missing the eighth and final qualifying spot for the final, which went to New Zealand’s Cameron Gray with a time of 21.30 seconds. Alexy, who recorded the second-fastest time in the prelims, will advance to the final alongside USA’s Chris Guliano (21.02) and Canada’s Josh Liendo, who topped heat four with a blistering 20.87 seconds. Carter’s journey in the World Cup has been a mix of highs and lows. In the first leg in Indiana, he finished fourth in the 50m freestyle final, while in the second leg in Illinois, he clinched bronze. Additionally, he secured a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke during the opening leg on October 11. Despite this setback, Carter remains a formidable contender in the swimming world.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JPS more prepared after lessons learnt from Beryl, says Grant
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has announced proactive measures to mitigate the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, expected to hit the island later this week. Speaking at a Jamaica House press briefing on Thursday, Grant emphasized that while power outages are anticipated, the recovery process will be significantly faster compared to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in July 2023.
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DJ Khaled to perform at Mavado’s December show
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned American music producer DJ Khaled is set to perform in Jamaica alongside celebrated dancehall artist Mavado at the highly anticipated ‘Return of the Gully Gad’ concert. The event will take place at Plantation Cove in St. Ann on December 27. DJ Khaled announced the collaboration on Instagram, expressing his excitement to join Mavado on stage. ‘I’m on the rock December 27 (JM),’ Khaled posted, referencing Mavado’s hit song ‘I’m On The Rock.’ He added, ‘@mavadogully put the call in so you know I’m there! [Jamaica] let’s make more history! @wethebest all love and respect.’ This concert marks a significant moment for Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, as it follows his recent return to Jamaica after nearly a decade. Shortly after his arrival, a 2018 arrest warrant against him was dismissed following a meeting with local authorities and his legal team. The event promises to be a historic celebration of music and culture.
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‘Men vs boys,’ Army thumped by Mt Pleasant in 1s leg of Caribbean Cup semis
In a stunning display of football prowess, Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy delivered a crushing 5-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force in the first leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinals on October 22. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, showcased Mount Pleasant’s dominance from the opening whistle, leaving the home team reeling. Despite entering the game with a perfect group stage record, Defence Force was outclassed in every aspect of the game. Mount Pleasant’s relentless pace and tactical precision proved too much for the Trinidadian side, who struggled to contain their opponents. Interim coach Devorn Jorsling admitted his team was outplayed, describing the match as ‘men versus boys.’ Mount Pleasant’s Warner Brown opened the scoring in the fifth minute, setting the tone for a match that saw Raheem Edwards and substitute Shaqueil Bradford adding to the tally. Defence Force managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but the result leaves them with a monumental task in the second leg. Jorsling remains focused on securing a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, emphasizing the need for improvement and resilience.