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.
标签： Jamaica
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#EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica now under tropical storm warning as Melissa crawls across Caribbean
Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa advances toward the island, prompting the issuance of a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica announced in its early Thursday bulletin that tropical storm conditions could impact the island within 36 hours, with hurricane conditions likely to follow within 48 hours. As of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was positioned approximately 353 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, and 390 kilometers south-southeast of Kingston. Melissa is currently moving westward at a sluggish pace of 6 km/h, with a projected shift toward the northwest or north-northwest in the coming days. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 km/h, with potential for intensification into a hurricane by late Friday or over the weekend. The storm is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds, and hazardous marine conditions, particularly affecting eastern and southern parishes initially. The Meteorological Service has urged small craft operators and fishers to seek shelter and complete safety preparations promptly. Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely, advising residents and stakeholders to stay updated on further developments.
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Marathon world record holder Chepngetich gets three-year doping ban
In a significant blow to the world of athletics, Kenyan marathon sensation Ruth Chepngetich has been handed a three-year ban for doping violations, as confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday. The 31-year-old, who holds the women’s marathon world record and boasts multiple prestigious titles, including the 2019 World Marathon Championship and three Chicago Marathon victories, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in March. Her provisional suspension began in July.
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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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Colombia calls for US to stop deadly boat attacks
BOGOTA, Colombia—The Colombian government has formally requested the United States to cease its maritime strikes in the Pacific and Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of an anti-drug smuggling operation. The appeal follows a recent announcement by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding attacks on two alleged drug-running vessels in the Pacific, resulting in five fatalities. According to US figures, these strikes bring the total number of such operations to at least nine, with 37 casualties reported. Colombia’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday evening, urging the US to halt these actions and adhere to international law. The statement emphasized the government’s rejection of the destruction of a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean. The diplomatic tension escalated further as Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump exchanged heated remarks. Trump labeled Petro a ‘thug’ and accused him of leading Colombia to ruin, while Petro vowed to defend himself legally with American lawyers. The US also announced the suspension of military aid to Colombia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Petro a ‘lunatic.’ Colombia reiterated its call for diplomatic dialogue to continue the joint fight against drug trafficking in the region, a collaboration that has spanned decades.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Higher electricity bills possible due to Melissa, warns JPS President
Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has issued a stark warning about potential increases in electricity bills for Jamaicans as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Speaking at a special press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Grant highlighted the challenges posed by the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend.
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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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Police corporal dies after Bog Walk crash
A fatal collision occurred in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of a police officer. The victim has been identified as Corporal Nevada English, who was stationed at the Spanish Town Police Station in St. Catherine North. Details regarding the incident remain scarce, with authorities yet to disclose the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information emerges. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, and the police force has expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues of Corporal English.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Petrojam has enough fuel to ride out storm, says Vaz
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has assured the public that the nation’s state-owned oil refinery, Petrojam, is fully prepared to meet the country’s fuel needs. Vaz confirmed that Petrojam has activated all emergency systems and maintains robust fuel reserves, including over two weeks’ worth of refined products and 10 days’ supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These measures are critical as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas already saturated from weeks of persistent rain. Speaking at a special Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday morning, Vaz emphasized the importance of readiness and outlined additional steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability. Petrojam’s loading facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay will operate extended hours to facilitate pre-storm deliveries. Furthermore, Jamaica Aircraft Refueling Services has ensured ample stocks of jet fuel and aviation gasoline to maintain continuous aircraft refueling operations. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate potential disruptions and safeguard essential services during the storm.
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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.”