As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 3 storm, edges closer to Jamaica, Alando Terrelonge, Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, has announced that emergency preparations are in full swing across the constituency. Terrelonge, alongside Councillor Joy Bella Brown of the Gregory Park Division, was seen overseeing critical drain cleaning operations in the flood-prone Dover area on Saturday.
标签： Jamaica
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PM declares Jamaica a threatened area
In response to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared the entire island a ‘threatened area.’ This decisive action, enacted under Section 26(2) of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), empowers the government to implement urgent protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure. The declaration follows a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch as Melissa lingers off Jamaica’s southeastern coast. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety, urging citizens to take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JPS says no to system shut down
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has firmly denied rumors circulating about an imminent electricity shutdown scheduled for 1:30 pm today. In a statement released on Saturday, Winsome Callum, JPS Director of Corporate Communications, clarified that the company has no plans to cut power and emphasized that the system will remain operational as long as conditions permit. Callum urged the public to rely on official JPS communication channels for accurate updates, including the JPS website (jpsco.com), the MyJPS Mobile App, the JPS WhatsApp Channel, and the company’s social media pages (@myjpsonline).
JPS also warned that, depending on the severity of the impending weather system, prolonged power outages could occur. Restoration efforts will prioritize essential services, major industrial zones, and urban centers, with smaller communities and individual customers being addressed afterward. Callum reassured the public, stating, ‘This is a time to remain calm, focused, and properly informed, while we care for each other.’ The company emphasized the importance of staying updated through verified sources to avoid misinformation during this critical period.
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Isak-less Liverpool look to hit stride in Premier LeagueMan City ‘back’ to their best
As the Premier League heats up, Liverpool faces a critical challenge to end their three-game losing streak when they visit Brentford this Saturday. The Reds must secure a win to stay within reach of league leaders Arsenal and the in-form Manchester City. Meanwhile, City’s nine-game unbeaten run will be put to the test against Aston Villa, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United, buoyed by their recent victory at Anfield, aim to continue their resurgence against Brighton, a team that has consistently troubled them at Old Trafford in recent seasons. The weekend’s fixtures could prove pivotal in shaping the title race and European qualification battles. Liverpool’s fortunes may hinge on the absence of Alexander Isak, their record signing, who sustained a groin injury. His absence could allow Arne Slot to experiment with new formations, potentially reigniting the team’s form. Manchester United’s revival under Ruben Amorim faces a stern test against Brighton, who have dominated recent encounters. For Manchester City, the match at Villa Park will be a litmus test of their title credentials, with Erling Haaland’s prolific form driving their resurgence.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ODPEM activates National Emergency Operation Centre
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has escalated its response to Hurricane Melissa by activating the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) at its highest alert level. The tropical storm, rapidly intensifying, is anticipated to unleash severe weather across the island, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated national effort.
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NBA coach, player arrested amidst ‘mind-boggling’ gambling scheme
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the NBA, Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling schemes. The arrests, part of a broader federal investigation, have exposed a complex web of fraud and corruption tied to organized crime and sports betting.
Billups, a celebrated former Detroit Pistons star and NBA Hall of Famer, is accused of facilitating rigged poker games linked to mafia crime families. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, these high-stakes games utilized advanced cheating technologies, including card-reading shuffling machines and hidden cameras. Meanwhile, Rozier, along with former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, was implicated in a separate sports betting case involving insider information on player injuries and game performances.
The scope of the alleged fraud is staggering, with tens of millions of dollars reportedly siphoned through these schemes over several years. Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave by the NBA, which emphasized its commitment to preserving the integrity of the game. The league stated, ‘We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.’
Rozier appeared in federal court in Orlando, Florida, where he was ordered to post bond and surrender his passport. He is scheduled to appear in New York on December 8. Billups, released on bond after his court appearance in Portland, Oregon, is set to face charges in New York on November 24. Both have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The investigation has also revealed connections to other NBA teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. One notable incident cited in the indictment involved Rozier allegedly informing co-conspirators of his early exit from a game due to a supposed injury, enabling them to place over $200,000 in wagers and reap substantial profits.
Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that prosecutors are relying on ‘spectacularly incredible sources’ rather than concrete evidence. The National Basketball Players Association has also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
This scandal underscores the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in combating corruption and maintaining the trust of its fans. As the legal proceedings unfold, the league’s reputation hangs in the balance, with the integrity of the sport at stake.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay preparing for the storm
As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, residents and authorities are ramping up efforts to minimize the potential destruction. The storm, which is predicted to intensify into Hurricane Melissa, has prompted widespread preparations across the island. In Montego Bay, workers were observed dismantling a large sign atop a building on Saturday, a precautionary measure to prevent it from becoming a hazardous projectile in the anticipated strong winds. The Western Parks and Markets agency has also initiated extensive clean-up operations to reduce the risk of garbage clogging drains and exacerbating flooding. With heavy rains and flooding expected, the accumulation of debris could severely impact drainage systems, leading to more extensive water damage. The community remains on high alert, taking proactive steps to safeguard lives and property as the storm approaches.
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Pierre added to West Indies T20 squad vs Bangladesh
In a strategic move to strengthen their bowling arsenal, the West Indies cricket team has enlisted left-arm spinner Khary Pierre for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh. Pierre’s inclusion comes as a response to injuries sustained by fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were initially part of the squad. Joseph experienced shoulder discomfort during the first training session ahead of the opening ODI against Bangladesh, while Blades was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back, necessitating his return home for rehabilitation. Cricket West Indies officially announced Pierre’s addition in a press release on Thursday. The release stated, ‘Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies T20I squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram, starting on Monday, October 27. Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were originally included in the squad, were ruled out due to injuries.’ The West Indies T20 squad, led by captain Shai Hope, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, including Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Rovman Powell. The series, set to commence in Chattogram, will be a crucial test for the West Indies as they aim to fine-tune their T20 strategy ahead of future international fixtures.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa strengthens into hurricane as it takes aims at Jamaica
MIAMI, United States — Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 1 storm, posing a significant threat as it moves at an alarmingly slow pace toward Jamaica, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The hurricane, currently generating winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour, is forecasted to intensify rapidly into a major hurricane within the next 24 hours. The NHC’s latest advisory highlights the potential for devastating flash floods and landslides in Jamaica and Haiti, with the storm expected to linger over the region for several days.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Paulwell calls on OUR to monitor JPS’ billing actions amid storm
In response to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) warning of potential higher electricity bills due to Tropical Storm Melissa, Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell has urged the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to intervene and ensure fair practices. JPS CEO Hugh Grant attributed the anticipated cost increase to the more expensive fuel mix required for generators during the storm. However, Paulwell emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in JPS’ billing process. In a recent statement, he called on the OUR to closely monitor JPS’ actions and demanded detailed disclosures, including billing cycles, fuel price averages, and the methodology for calculating fuel costs. Paulwell also questioned JPS’ claim that 20% of power during the storm would come from solar and wind-powered independent providers (IPPs), urging IPPs to verify this assertion. He further highlighted past grievances, such as estimated billing and excessive fuel charges following Hurricane Beryl, and stressed the importance of fair billing practices that balance the interests of JPS and its customers.