Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, has wreaked havoc across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction. The hurricane triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. In Haiti, at least three individuals lost their lives due to landslides and falling trees, while in the Dominican Republic, one fatality has been confirmed, and another person remains missing. Additionally, five people sustained injuries when a wall collapsed under the force of relentless rains and powerful winds. The Dominican Republic has placed four provinces under red alert, with 13 in yellow and 13 in green, as torrential rains continue to inundate the northern and southwestern regions. President Luis Abinader conducted an inspection of several dams on Sunday, expressing concerns over potential overflow due to the heavy rainfall. The Centre for Emergency Operations (COE) in the Dominican Republic reported that over 2,900 people are without electricity following the failure of 18 power circuits. Furthermore, more than 625,000 residents are without access to clean water after 60 aqueducts were shut down. In response, the COE has deployed drones to deliver food and essential supplies to remote communities isolated by flooding and landslides. Haiti has also reported collapsed bridges and destroyed homes as river levels surged dramatically.
标签： Belize
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Catastrophic Impact Feared as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down on Jamaica
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, continues its slow advance towards the island. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Jamaica, has already unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds across eastern parishes, including Portland, St Thomas, and parts of Kingston. Forecasters predict that conditions will deteriorate further as the storm edges closer, with the worst expected between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued dire warnings, anticipating rainfall totals of 15–30 inches, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along the south coast. In a press conference, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, emphasized the severity of the situation, urging citizens to take evacuation orders seriously. ‘We did not get a direct hit from Beryl, and we are due to get a direct hit from a Category 4, possibly a Category 5,’ Vaz stated. ‘This may be the one.’
Meanwhile, Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration has reassured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are being cared for. The ministry confirmed that no foreign students have been asked to evacuate, as their safety remains the top priority. The Government of Jamaica has pledged to continue accommodating all regional and international students residing in UWI Halls of Residence.
As Hurricane Melissa looms, the potential for catastrophic damage is immense, with authorities urging residents to prepare for the worst and heed all safety advisories.
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92-Year-Old Man Dies Waiting for Care at NRH, Investigation Launched
A tragic incident at the Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) has prompted a full investigation by Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard. A 92-year-old man reportedly waited nearly an hour for medical attention before passing away, raising serious concerns about the hospital’s emergency response protocols. Minister Bernard described the event as “deeply concerning” and emphasized that “no one should be denied urgent care.” He vowed to hold accountable any staff found negligent or failing to triage appropriately. The incident gained attention after a social media post by the deceased’s relative, who claimed hospital staff dismissed their pleas for help, stating, “We are busy sir, wait outside!” The relative recounted the chaotic scene when it became clear the man was no longer breathing. This is not the first time NRH has faced allegations of negligence, with previous complaints involving a firefighter and an eleven-year-old child. Minister Bernard reiterated the ministry’s “zero tolerance” for lapses in duty and assured that the investigation’s findings would lead to corrective actions to prevent future tragedies.
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Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength
As Hurricane Melissa intensifies to near Category 5 strength, Belizean students in Jamaica have been assured of their safety by both Belizean and Jamaican authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration of Belize has maintained close communication with its Jamaican counterparts to address growing concerns about the welfare of Belizean nationals studying in Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges through Tuesday. Despite the severe weather conditions, the Jamaican government has confirmed that all international students, including Belizeans residing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Halls of Residence, will continue to receive necessary care and accommodation. While Jamaican students have been advised to temporarily relocate, no foreign students, including Belizeans, have been asked to evacuate. Belizean students are encouraged to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and stay in contact with local authorities and the Belize High Commission. Currently, there are no plans for repatriation.
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Melissa Becomes Category 1 Hurricane
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 1 storm, boasting sustained winds of 75 mph as of Saturday afternoon. Positioned 145 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the storm’s sluggish movement at just 1 mph has heightened concerns across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, Haiti, and Belize. Meteorologists predict rapid intensification over the weekend, with Melissa potentially reaching Category 4 strength before making landfall late Monday or early Tuesday. Torrential rains have already begun to batter Haiti, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness warning of potential rainfall between 15 to 25 inches. The slow-moving nature of the storm poses a unique challenge, as it is expected to linger, causing prolonged and catastrophic flooding. Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘There is nowhere that will escape the wrath. It’s going to cause significant, widespread, catastrophic, life-threatening floods.’ In response, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has fully activated the National Emergency Operations Centre, placing the country at Level 3—the full response phase. Air travel disruptions are already underway, with Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston set to close Saturday night, and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay reviewing operations amid numerous flight cancellations. Meanwhile, Caribbean residents, including students from the University of the West Indies, are scrambling to evacuate. Darwin McFadzean, a second-year law student and police officer, shared his struggles on social media, highlighting the financial strain faced by many students left to ‘fend for themselves’ in the face of the impending disaster.
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Jamaica Braces for TS Melissa
Jamaica is bracing for the imminent threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is projected to escalate into a hurricane and unleash devastating winds, severe flooding, and dangerous storm surges early next week. Currently located approximately 155 miles southeast of Kingston, Melissa is generating winds of up to 70 mph and is expected to intensify rapidly as it moves slowly toward the island. Landfall is anticipated late Monday or early Tuesday, raising concerns of widespread destruction. The storm’s slow progression has already wreaked havoc in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, triggering deadly floods and landslides that have claimed at least four lives and displaced over a thousand people. In a recent update, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a hurricane warning, emphasizing the storm’s potential for rapid intensification. He urged citizens to take immediate precautions, warning that Melissa ‘could be disastrous.’ The storm is forecast to dump 15 to 25 inches of rainfall across parts of Jamaica in the coming days, exacerbating the risk of flooding and landslides. Southern Haiti remains under a hurricane watch as the region continues to grapple with the storm’s impact.
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From Blue and Green to Purple and Orange: Belize to Host 2026 Sustainable Tourism Conference
Belize, often referred to as ‘The Jewel,’ is poised to become the epicenter of sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. In April 2026, the country will host the annual Sustainable Tourism Conference, a premier event that unites regional leaders to redefine responsible travel. This year’s conference will transcend the conventional focus on ‘green and blue economies,’ delving into the integration of culture, diversity, and regeneration as foundational elements of sustainability. Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization, emphasized that the 2026 conference will introduce ‘deeper discussions, new toolkits, and best practices’ to elevate the region’s approach to sustainability. The event’s theme will spotlight the ‘colours of development,’ encompassing the blue economy (marine spaces), green economy (land-based eco-activities), orange economy (culture and heritage), and purple economy (human inclusion and diversity). Ramgulam highlighted the importance of regenerative tourism, a progressive concept that goes beyond conservation to actively restore and enhance destinations. ‘Regenerative tourism ensures that travelers leave the environment better than they found it,’ he explained, underscoring its potential for carbon-positive, niche product development. Belize’s selection as the host nation underscores its growing influence in the global tourism industry and its commitment to pioneering innovative, sustainable practices.
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Delecia Flowers Murdered in Home Invasion
Belize City is reeling from yet another tragic incident of violence against women. On the early morning of October 24, 2025, 35-year-old Delecia Flowers was brutally murdered during a home invasion on Complex Avenue. Her teenage daughter, who was also attacked, survived with head injuries and is currently in stable condition. This shocking event marks the tenth femicide in Belize this year and the third within a single week, following the recent arson attack that claimed the lives of Angelita Magaña and her two children. The nation is once again grappling with the urgent question: why does violence against women persist? Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:30 AM, where they found Flowers with severe head injuries and multiple cut wounds. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities are actively investigating the case, speaking to witnesses and exploring all possible motives. Neighbors reported tensions in the area hours before the attack, including a heated altercation involving Flowers’ children and other young men. Family members, including Berry Wade, have taken to social media to demand justice and call for stronger government action to protect women. Belize has seen a troubling surge in violence against women, with nearly 300 incidents reported between August and September 2025. As the investigation continues, the community is uniting to condemn these acts and advocate for an end to gender-based violence.
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Belize City Man Denied Bail in Domestic Threat Case
A Belize City man, Toney White, 31, has been denied bail following a domestic dispute that escalated into serious threats against his ex-partner, Raisha Nicholson, and their children. Nicholson alleges that White threatened to kill her and burn down her house after a heated argument. She claims that her initial attempts to seek help from the police were ignored, prompting her to turn to social media. Her Facebook post detailing the incident quickly went viral, leading to swift action by authorities. According to Nicholson, White threw a coconut at her during the altercation, narrowly missing her, and repeatedly threatened her life and the lives of their children. Police apprehended White two days later, and he now faces three charges: aggravated assault with a dangerous instrument, threats of death, and threats to damage property. During the court hearing, prosecutors emphasized the need to send a strong message against domestic violence. White, who has no prior convictions and is a father of three, argued for bail but was denied by the magistrate. He retains the right to apply to the High Court for bail. Nicholson recounted the harrowing incident, stating that she was waiting for her children to return from a nearby store when the threats occurred. She expressed frustration with the initial police response, noting that her calls for help were disconnected multiple times. Ultimately, she received assistance after reaching out to a relative who is a police officer. The case has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the urgent need for effective responses to domestic violence.
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New One-Stop Shelter for Domestic Violence Victims in the Pipeline
In Belize, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, with over 1,700 cases reported to the police as of September 2025. However, this figure likely underestimates the true scale of the problem, as many victims hesitate to come forward due to fear of retaliation or societal stigma. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents, assuring victims that help is available and that their safety is a priority. The police department is actively working to enhance support systems for victims, including the development of a groundbreaking one-stop shelter. This facility will integrate essential services such as human services, healthcare, education, and law enforcement under one roof, streamlining access to critical resources for survivors. The project has secured funding and identified a location, with the design phase currently underway to ensure the building meets its intended objectives. ASP Smith urges victims and those aware of domestic violence situations to report them, as law enforcement can only intervene when incidents are formally documented. This initiative reflects Belize’s commitment to addressing domestic violence comprehensively and providing victims with the support they need to rebuild their lives.