In a significant humanitarian gesture, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday that the nation will provide extensive assistance to Jamaica and Haiti, both severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The storm, described as the most powerful in Jamaica’s recorded history, has caused widespread devastation, including damage to hospitals, power stations, homes, and government buildings. President Ali emphasized that Guyana’s support would be comprehensive, addressing the urgent needs of both countries. He revealed that targeted aid for Guyanese nationals in Jamaica, where the storm inflicted catastrophic damage, has already commenced. ‘I have instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver urgent care packages to all Guyanese students and families, and this has already started,’ Ali stated. The president also highlighted that Prime Minister Mark Phillips is spearheading a national response team, which includes the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Ministry of Health, the private sector, and Guyana Power and Light. This team is collaborating with Jamaican authorities to finalize a comprehensive support package, which will include technical assistance on the ground. An initial shipment of essential relief supplies, such as generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, is expected to arrive in Jamaica before the weekend. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported a decline in the number of people seeking shelter, as many have returned home. Additionally, 117 soldiers, along with police officers and firefighters, have been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations.
标签： Jamaica
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Melissa’s muddy mark
Montego Bay, St James — Communities in Catherine Hall and Westgreen faced a daunting cleanup effort on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds on Tuesday. The storm caused the Barnett and Pye rivers to overflow, inundating homes with mud and water. Residents recounted harrowing experiences as they grappled with the aftermath.
Devon, a Catherine Hall resident, described the terrifying moment when floodwaters engulfed his home. ‘Everything was flooded,’ he lamented, noting that he narrowly escaped by climbing to an upper floor. The floodwaters, which rose higher than a person’s height, destroyed furniture and belongings before receding on Wednesday.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, estimated that over 800 properties in Catherine Hall and Westgreen were affected. The cleanup process was further complicated by a lack of water, forcing residents to rely on a single pipe to wash mud from their homes and belongings.
The hurricane’s impact extended beyond residential areas. Vehicles were displaced by the floodwaters, with one car lodged against another and a trailer stuck against a median. The National Water Commission’s Bevin Avenue facility also suffered damage, as did the walls of the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, MegaMart complex, and Grand Depot Supermarket.
Herbert Morrison Technical High School, a 49-year-old institution, was not spared. Sections of its roof were torn off, and a nearby road was compromised. Utility poles along Alice Eldemire Drive were downed, adding to the widespread destruction.
As residents worked tirelessly to restore their homes and lives, the scale of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation became increasingly apparent. The storm’s aftermath highlighted the urgent need for resources and support to aid recovery efforts in Montego Bay.
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#MelissaAftermath: Some health centres reopen; hospitals in emergency mode
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has announced the reopening of numerous health centers across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas as of Thursday. This marks a significant step in restoring healthcare services following recent disruptions. In Kingston and St. Andrew, facilities such as Alpha Dental, Bull Bay Health Centre, and the Community Health & Psychiatry at the University of the West Indies are now operational. Similarly, in St. Catherine, centers like Barton’s Health Centre, Bridgeport Dental Clinic, and Greater Portmore Health Centre have resumed services. St. Thomas residents can now access care at Morant Bay Health Centre, Llandewey Health Centre, and others. All centers are open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additionally, SERHA confirmed that full services are being offered at five major hospitals, including the Kingston Public Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. However, other hospitals remain in emergency mode, focusing solely on critical and life-saving care.
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Colombian president struggles to get paid after US sanctions, says laywer
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is encountering significant challenges in accessing his salary following the imposition of US sanctions, as revealed by his lawyer, Daniel Kovalik, in a statement to AFP on Thursday. The sanctions, enacted by former US President Donald Trump, target Petro, his wife, one of his sons, and the Colombian interior minister, accusing them of insufficient efforts in combating drug trafficking. These measures have resulted in the freezing of their assets in the United States and restrictions on conducting business with US-affiliated entities. Kovalik highlighted the immediate impact, stating that their credit cards and bank accounts have been frozen, making it difficult for them to receive their salaries as public officials. Additionally, a US-linked fuel company denied refueling the presidential plane in Spain. While Petro’s monthly salary remains undisclosed, Kovalik expressed optimism that negotiations or diplomatic channels could resolve the situation. He emphasized the complexity of the legal battle, noting that challenging the sanctions in US courts and before the Treasury Department would be a prolonged process. Kovalik also suggested that international bodies might intervene, though he acknowledged the US’s dominant position in such matters. He defended Petro’s innocence, asserting that the president has consistently opposed drug cartels throughout his political career. Kovalik attributed the sanctions to Petro’s resistance to US foreign policy, interpreting them as a warning to other leaders to align with US interests. He further cautioned that any entity collaborating with Petro could face similar sanctions. Kovalik’s relationship with Petro dates back to the early 2000s, during a tumultuous period in Colombia’s history, when both were vocal critics of the military’s ties to paramilitary groups.
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Devastation
The full extent of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa became painfully clear on Wednesday as rescue teams and government officials arrived in Black River, the capital of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness somberly referred to the town as ‘ground zero,’ a stark reminder of the hurricane’s catastrophic impact. The once serene coastal town, located on Jamaica’s south-eastern shore, now lies in ruins, having borne the full force of the Category 5 storm. Holness, after conducting an aerial survey of the area, reported that Black River’s electricity grid and essential infrastructure had been completely obliterated. ‘Everything necessary for modern living has been destroyed here,’ he stated. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the Prime Minister noted the resilience and optimism of the local population, vowing that the government would undertake the monumental task of rebuilding the town. Meanwhile, the death toll from the hurricane was confirmed at four. In a related development, Norman Manley International Airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon to facilitate relief flights, with commercial operations set to resume on Thursday morning. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Caribbean grappling with unprecedented destruction, prompting urgent international aid efforts.
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King Charles to strip Andrew of royal titles
In a significant move, King Charles III has officially stripped his younger brother, Prince Andrew, of his royal titles and privileges. The decision, announced by the palace on Thursday, marks a dramatic shift in the royal family’s handling of the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew. The statement declared, ‘His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.’ Consequently, Prince Andrew will now be referred to as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, a clear departure from his previous royal status. Additionally, he will vacate his long-standing residence within the grounds of Windsor Castle. This decision comes in the wake of renewed public outrage over allegations made by one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, which Prince Andrew has consistently denied. The palace’s action underscores the monarchy’s efforts to distance itself from the scandal and maintain its public image.
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Supreme, appeal and six parish courts resume sittings on Monday
The Jamaican Judiciary has announced the resumption of court operations across multiple jurisdictions starting Monday, November 3, 2025, following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Among the courts reopening are the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court at Public Building East on King Street in Kingston, and the High Court Division of the Gun Court. Additionally, six parish courts will resume their activities, including specialized courts such as Family, Coroners, Special Coroners, Traffic, and Parish Courts in Kingston and St Andrew. Courts in Manchester, Clarendon, St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary (excluding Richmond) will also reopen. Both criminal and civil cases will proceed as scheduled, with matters postponed during the week of October 27–31 being rescheduled. Affected parties will be notified of new dates, which will also be published on the official social media pages and websites of the Jamaican Judiciary.
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UK providing urgent hurricane relief to Caribbean
The United Kingdom has announced a £2.5 million emergency funding package to aid recovery efforts in the Caribbean following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The British High Commission in Jamaica confirmed the allocation on Wednesday, emphasizing its role in facilitating a swift humanitarian response. The funds will be utilized to distribute essential supplies, including shelter kits, water filters, and blankets, aimed at mitigating injuries and preventing disease outbreaks. These resources have been strategically pre-positioned in Antigua for rapid deployment to the most affected areas. Additionally, the UK is deploying humanitarian and technical experts to assist with coordination and aid delivery. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Jamaican authorities in disaster relief efforts, with specialist teams already stationed in the region to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert expressed solidarity with the Jamaican people, praising their resilience and pledging continued support during the recovery process. The Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is also on standby in the region to offer maritime disaster response, while a pre-deployed Ministry of Defence team in the Turks and Caicos Islands is aiding in disaster management. A Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been dispatched to Miami to provide consular support to British nationals. The UK is collaborating with tour operators, Jamaican authorities, and international partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross, to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations.
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Israel launches emergency response after record-breaking hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica
In the wake of the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, IsraAID, Israel’s foremost independent humanitarian organization, has swiftly launched an emergency response initiative. The Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful ever recorded in Jamaica and the region, made landfall in Black River, St. Elizabeth, on Tuesday, unleashing sustained winds of 185 mph, torrential rains, and a 10-foot storm surge. The storm wreaked havoc across the island’s southwestern coast, causing widespread destruction before weakening and moving northward.
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THIS ONE’S FOR JAMAICA
In a heartfelt international friendly match held in Couva on Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Head Coach Hubert Busby dedicated the win to Jamaicans worldwide, who are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that ravaged the island earlier that day. The match saw standout performances from Jodi Brown, who netted two goals in the 11th and 84th minutes, alongside contributions from Natasha Thomas (52nd) and Tiana Harris (67th). T&T’s lone goal came from Nikita Gosine in the 13th minute. Despite the competitive nature of the game, Busby emphasized the emotional significance of the victory, stating, ‘This game was about going out there and making sure we can give something, not just to Jamaicans on the island but Jamaicans worldwide who are going through a lot right now.’ He praised the team’s resilience and execution, particularly after halftime adjustments. T&T’s Head Coach Damian Briggs, though disappointed with the result, expressed pride in his team’s energy and adaptability. The Reggae Girlz now turn their focus to the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, beginning with a match against Dominica on November 29 in St Lucia.