标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Scotia Group has announced the early closure of its branches and affiliated offices, including Scotia Insurance, Scotia Investments, and Scotia Protect, at 1:00 pm on Friday. The decision aims to ensure the safety of both staff and customers as severe weather conditions are expected to impact the region.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of Burger Gully in Mountain View, St. Andrew, are taking proactive measures to mitigate potential flooding. On Friday, locals were seen stacking sandbags along the gully to reinforce their defenses against the impending storm. Among them is Hyacinth Thomas, a long-time resident who vividly recalls the devastation caused by severe flooding 26 years ago. ‘My house was washed away when the gully burst. We lost two houses and received no compensation. Now, with the gully dug out, even a little rain makes us anxious,’ Thomas shared. She added that recent rainfall has heightened her fears, prompting her to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Another resident, Rennie, echoed her concerns, stating that he has already raised his furniture and packed essentials, ready to move to a nearby shelter or his sister’s home on Windward Road. The community’s collective efforts underscore the urgency of the situation as they brace for the storm’s impact.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa nearing Jamaica, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) has issued a stern warning to motorists to exercise heightened caution on the roads. Owen Smith, General Manager of the JAA, emphasized the dangers of driving in flood-prone areas and urged drivers to plan their routes carefully to avoid high-risk zones such as Marcus Garvey Drive in the Corporate Area, as well as parts of St. James, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and St. Thomas. Smith highlighted that floodwaters pose severe risks, including potential vehicle shutdowns, engine damage, and life-threatening situations for drivers and passengers. He also warned that floodwaters can be deceptive, often hiding debris, potholes, and other hazards. Even one to two feet of water can sweep away most vehicles, including SUVs. Smith advised motorists to turn around if they encounter flooded roads and to seek higher ground immediately if their vehicle stalls. Beyond flooding, heavy rainfall reduces visibility and increases stopping distances. Smith recommended using headlights, maintaining extra space between vehicles, and reducing speed by at least a third on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning. He also cautioned against using cruise control during rain, as it can hinder proper deceleration, while traction control should be engaged to enhance stability. In extreme conditions, Smith advised pulling over and waiting for the weather to improve. The JAA remains on standby to assist motorists 24/7, as it did during Hurricane Beryl, but Smith urged drivers to prioritize safety during the storm season.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Theresa Roberts, Jamaica’s Ambassador and Special Investment Envoy for Culture and Arts in the United Kingdom, has been selected to receive the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Vice-Chancellor’s Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented to her at the 2nd annual UWI London Benefit Dinner, scheduled for November 7, 2025. The event will take place at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in the UK, with notable patrons including Sir Lenny Henry, Baroness Floella Benjamin, and Professor Shirley Thompson. Roberts, a distinguished businesswoman and philanthropist, was appointed as one of Jamaica’s four special ambassadors by Prime Minister Andrew in 2023. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in the cultural and arts sectors have earned her this recognition. The award underscores her significant contributions to promoting Jamaica’s cultural heritage and fostering international collaborations in the arts.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that Jamaica will soon be declared a disaster area as the nation braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. The declaration, expected by the end of Friday or early Saturday, will activate the Disaster Risk Management Act, granting authorities enhanced powers to safeguard lives and property. Holness made the announcement during a special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation once the declaration is formalized, assuring stakeholders of prior consultations and adequate public notice. Additionally, Holness revealed that measures under the Trade Act will be implemented to prevent price gouging, citing concerns over the scarcity of essential goods like bread in supermarkets. Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, will soon sign an order to enforce these measures, ensuring fair pricing during the crisis.

In a significant cybercrime case, three individuals appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, facing charges related to the unauthorized theft of over $370,000 from a woman’s bank account. Christopher Howell, Delano Wright, and Shakey Stewart are accused of violating the Cybercrimes Act by allegedly accessing and spending the funds without consent. Stewart was granted bail of $150,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions by Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, while Howell and Wright had their station bail extended until November 19, when the case resumes. The incident came to light in late August when the complainant attempted a withdrawal at an NCB ATM in Montego Bay and discovered insufficient funds. A subsequent bank investigation revealed unauthorized transactions between August 22 and 27, totaling $371,468.98. The complainant, who worked alongside Stewart and Howell at a Montego Bay health center, reported the theft to the police, citing the lack of lockers at the facility as a potential vulnerability. During the court proceedings, Howell acknowledged the charges, Stewart expressed stress, and Wright remained silent. The case awaits further evidence, including a corroboration officer’s statement, bank records, and a Q&A document.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, the island’s tourism industry is intensifying its preparations to ensure the safety of staff, guests, and infrastructure. Stakeholders across the sector are implementing robust safety protocols and collaborating closely with local authorities to mitigate potential risks. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, emphasized the importance of reinforcing staff training and briefing guests on emergency procedures. Similarly, Sanju Chatani, Senior Director of Taj Mahal Plaza in Ocho Rios, highlighted the need for clear and timely communication with both patrons and employees. Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, stressed the value of readiness and collaboration with government agencies to protect visitors during the storm. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has urged all industry players to prioritize safety, describing preparedness as the cornerstone of recovery. He revealed that the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to coordinate a unified response. The centre will facilitate communication between the Ministry of Tourism, emergency agencies, and industry partners, ensuring a cohesive approach as updates from the Meteorological Service are received. Bartlett also underscored Jamaica’s history of rapid crisis response as a testament to the destination’s resilience. He called for calm, vigilance, and unity, reiterating the mantra: ‘Preparation, not panic.’

The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, has announced the full activation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) hurricane preparedness plan. The JCF has mobilized its resources to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island’s southeastern coast.