标签： Jamaica

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.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, threatening to escalate into a hurricane, the parish of St James in Jamaica has demonstrated remarkable preparedness. Following a critical meeting of the parish’s disaster committee, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon assured the public of their readiness to face the impending storm. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, confirmed that all emergency protocols have been activated, and shelters are prepared for potential evacuations. Mayor Vernon emphasized that 59 shelters across the parish have been inspected and are equipped with necessary supplies, including food. Shelter managers are on standby, ready to assist vulnerable populations such as the homeless, infirm, and tourists, with specific locations like Jarrett Park and the Montego Bay Convention Centre designated for their safety. Additionally, efforts to mitigate flooding risks have been prioritized, with major drains cleaned and bushing exercises conducted to clear utility lines. Stakeholders, including the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, have also confirmed their readiness. Mayor Vernon expressed confidence in the parish’s ability to respond effectively, stating, ‘St James is ready, and we are waiting to activate our emergency operation centre if necessary.’

This Sunday, October 26, marks the celebration of National Jamaican Jerk Day (NJJD), a day dedicated to honoring the rich culinary heritage of Jamaican jerk cuisine. In the United States, the festivities are set to receive an extra boost of excitement, courtesy of Grace Foods USA, a renowned name in authentic Caribbean flavors. Grace Foods is sponsoring the Grace Jerk Sauce competition, where three prominent South Florida restaurants—Casa Dea Amore Restaurant, People’s Choice Restaurant, and Chef Tally’s World-Famous Jerk Chicken—will compete in a Grace Jerk Tapas showdown. Each restaurant will present a three-course jerk experience using Grace Jerk Sauce, vying for a cash prize, a unique saucepan trophy, and the prestigious title of Grace Jerk Champion 2025. Andrea Reynolds, Global Category Manager at Grace Foods USA, expressed her pride in participating in the celebration, emphasizing the growing influence of jerk in American cuisine. ‘Jerk has become a true force in American cuisine—it’s everywhere, from backyard cookouts to restaurant menus nationwide. Grace is proud to be part of that journey, helping people discover authentic Jamaican flavor and inspiring them to make it their own,’ Reynolds told Observer Online. The organizers of NJJD have extended an open invitation to all jerk brands, restaurants, and food innovators to join the celebration by creating special jerk menus, hosting tastings, and running promotions. This initiative aims to spotlight the flavor that is redefining modern cooking and connecting food lovers globally. Originating as a centuries-old Jamaican cooking method, jerk has evolved into an international culinary trend, influencing American grilling culture and inspiring chefs across the spectrum to experiment with jerk rubs, marinades, and sauces. Today, jerk-inspired dishes can be found in a variety of settings, from food trucks and BBQ joints to high-end eateries, proving that jerk is not just a flavor—it’s a movement.

Commuters depending on the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) can rest assured that bus services will remain operational as long as safety permits. This assurance was provided by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz during a Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday, where he outlined the government’s preparedness measures for Tropical Storm Melissa. Vaz emphasized that JUTC will continue its regular bus operations unless weather conditions pose a risk. Updates on service status will be disseminated through social media and public communication channels. To bolster emergency response, 30 buses have been allocated for deployment across key depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort, and Montego Bay. Each depot has activated an emergency operations committee, and JUTC representatives are stationed at national and parish emergency centers to ensure coordinated efforts. Additionally, all depots, fuel stations, and assets have been secured, and the company stands ready to assist with evacuation and transportation if required. Montego Bay Metro and Western Transport Operations are also fully operational and will continue services as long as weather conditions allow. Vaz further noted that toll road operators are on standby to implement emergency measures, including waiving toll fees if necessary to alleviate highway congestion during the storm.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, fishermen in Port Royal, Jamaica, have banded together to safeguard their livelihoods. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the community worked tirelessly to pull their boats ashore, ensuring they would be protected from the impending storm. Despite some boat owners being absent, the fishermen demonstrated remarkable solidarity, helping one another without hesitation. ‘Just do what you can do. If you can help another man, you help another man, and that’s it,’ one fisherman declared. John Whimsy, a local fisherman, emphasized the importance of reciprocity, stating, ‘Me have a boat inna the sea so me haffi come out and help them because me ago want help. The boats them heavy.’ Rupert Ramsey, a 73-year-old fisherman, shared that this collaborative effort is a longstanding tradition in the face of storms. ‘Every year we work together. When we ago get high tides, those who fear it might get higher, we draw them up,’ he explained. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has warned that Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the island over the weekend. Small craft operators, including fishermen, have been urged to take immediate safety precautions. Having weathered numerous storms, Whimsy stressed the necessity of preparation: ‘Every time the hurricane come, you have to draw the boat them up because once the hurricane come, them can’t stay inna the sea.’ The community’s resilience and unity highlight their determination to protect their way of life amidst nature’s unpredictability.