标签： Jamaica

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled a series of measures to ensure its customers remain connected and supported during the impending weather event. The company has announced a temporary halt on service disconnections and is offering additional mobile data to prepaid customers as part of its storm-readiness initiative.

Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the critical role of connectivity during emergencies. ‘In times like these, connectivity becomes more than convenience — it’s a lifeline,’ she stated. ‘We recognize the importance of staying connected to loved ones, accessing emergency updates, and staying informed. That’s why we’re prioritizing our customers’ needs by keeping them connected and supported throughout this period.’

To further assist customers, Flow is doubling the core mobile data for all prepaid users who activate a seven-day or longer unlimited talk, text, and social plan. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to vital information during the storm. Additionally, the company has decided to close all its retail stores on Friday to safeguard the safety of both staff and customers. Customers are encouraged to manage their accounts and purchase credit online via topupflow.com or the Topup Flow app.

Flow has also advised its customers to take precautionary measures, such as charging their devices, topping up in advance, and keeping a list of emergency contacts readily available. The company’s local crisis management team has activated its emergency response protocols to maintain network resilience and service continuity. These measures include site inspections, refueling of generators and storage units, and deploying standby crews across key locations. Notably, approximately 60% of Flow’s cell sites are equipped with backup power systems to sustain connectivity during potential outages.

For emergency reports or service inquiries, customers can contact Flow at 1-800-804-2994 (residential) or 1-800-744-0222 (business). To report theft or vandalism of Flow’s network assets, individuals are urged to contact the nearest police station or the company’s emergency operations center at 876-929-9834 / 876-929-9837 / 876-920-7935.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to safeguard vulnerable populations, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line, 876-447-0444, specifically for persons with disabilities to communicate their needs as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The announcement was made by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr during a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday.

Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to unleash days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides. The storm, which could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to linger over the island from Saturday through midweek, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The slow-moving system has prompted essential service providers to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to supplies and infrastructure while safeguarding employees and customers.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has announced plans to award honorary degrees to three distinguished individuals during its 2025 graduation ceremonies. American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, National Works Agency CEO Everton Hunter, and gospel artiste Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to culture, infrastructure, and humanitarian efforts.

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.