标签： Jamaica

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, has assured residents that Westmoreland is fully prepared to face the impending weather system. In an interview with JIS News, Delancy emphasized the coordinated efforts of the municipal corporation, which has been working closely with the Disaster Preparedness Department, key agencies, and shelter managers to ensure all necessary measures are in place.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, surfers on the island’s southeast coast are eagerly anticipating the powerful waves it may bring, rather than fearing its potential dangers. Billy ‘Mystic’ Wilmot, founder of the Jamnesia Surf Club in Bull Bay, St. Andrew, expressed excitement about the hurricane season, which he described as ideal for surfing. “We always look forward to the hurricane season. It sends waves from far away, even if the storm is hundreds of miles from us,” Wilmot told Observer Online during a visit to the area on Thursday, October 23, 2025. However, he emphasized the need for the storm to remain at a safe distance to avoid strong winds that could disrupt surfing conditions. “We welcome the waves, but not the breeze. The wind can make it impossible to surf,” he explained. At 7:00 pm on Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, prompting a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for the island. Despite the warnings, surfers like Ivah Wilmot and Danielle Mattis were seen catching waves at Wickie Wackie Beach in Bull Bay. Wilmot also expressed hope that the storm would not cause loss of life or property damage, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which led to flooding and debris accumulation in the area. Bull Bay, like other low-lying regions in Jamaica, remains vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall.

Dantay Brooks, the son of renowned dancehall artist Mavado, has once again been embroiled in legal issues. According to reports from Observer Online, Brooks is now confronting charges of unlawful wounding and assault at common law. Police sources indicate that these charges were formally filed on Wednesday. Additionally, Brooks is accused of possessing a prohibited weapon and using it to commit a scheduled offense. The charges are linked to an incident that occurred in July in Cassava Piece, Mavado’s hometown. While specific details of the incident remain undisclosed, it is understood that Brooks is also under investigation for a gun-related offense. This marks the second time Brooks has faced official charges. Earlier this year, in March, his 2021 murder conviction for the 2018 killing of Lorenzo Thomas was overturned by the Court of Appeal, leading to his release. His co-accused, Andre Hinds, was also freed. The recent legal troubles come amidst a family reunion, as Mavado returned to Jamaica last week for the first time in nearly a decade, following the recent vacating of a 2018 arrest warrant for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Jamaica’s two major international airports, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, are bracing for potential closure within 24 hours if the current hurricane watch escalates to a hurricane warning. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz clarified this during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, emphasizing that the decision hinges on official advisories from the Meteorological Office. While both airports remain operational for now, their closure would depend on the storm’s trajectory and proximity to their coastal locations. The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has already activated emergency protocols, with MBJ Airports Limited and PACKAL implementing pre-hurricane measures such as drainage clearing, generator testing, and securing assets. Vaz assured the public that reopening would be expedited once safety is confirmed, with updates disseminated through official channels, social media, and airline coordination.

Residents of Bay Road and McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are bracing for potential devastation as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Already grappling with recent flooding caused by heavy rains, the community fears the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane, will exacerbate their plight. Arthur Riley, a Bay Road resident, expressed deep concern, predicting that the area could be submerged by the weekend. ‘Water is already rising in low-lying areas and behind houses,’ he said, noting that floodwaters often extend to nearby McNeil Land. Both communities have a history of severe flooding, with Bay Road last experiencing significant inundation just a month ago. Riley, who lives on higher ground, relies on a fibreglass boat to navigate his property during floods. He warned that if Melissa hits, the aftermath could take nearly a month to subside. Errol Edwards, a mechanic whose shop is on Bay Road, shared similar anxieties. Flooding typically disrupts his business for a week, leaving him unable to work. ‘I cannot work in the water,’ he lamented, adding that he urges customers to collect their vehicles before storms to avoid damage. Edwards and other residents believe cleaning the area’s drains could mitigate flooding. Councillor Ian Myles confirmed that drain-cleaning efforts are scheduled for Thursday, while Member of Parliament Ian Hayles emphasized the need for residents to heed evacuation warnings. Despite ongoing local efforts, the lack of central government support remains a concern. As Melissa looms, Westmoreland’s flood-prone communities are preparing for the worst, hoping for minimal damage but bracing for a potentially catastrophic event.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) has initiated comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents, particularly those at the Trelawny Infirmary. Located near Falmouth’s coastline, the infirmary is highly susceptible to storm surges and powerful winds, prompting authorities to relocate its 54 residents to a secure shelter at Hague Primary and Infant School. This precautionary action mirrors last year’s response to Hurricane Beryl, which forced an extended stay at the same shelter due to severe damage to the infirmary. Mayor of Falmouth and TMC Chairman, Councillor C Junior Gager, emphasized the readiness of 42 parish-wide shelters, managed by a dedicated team of 68 shelter managers. Gager assured that all relevant agencies are fully engaged, with shelters operational and staff prepared for the impending storm. Additionally, provisions have been made for the homeless population, who will find temporary refuge at the Falmouth drop-in center until the storm subsides.