KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an urgent appeal to the public to donate blood as soon as it is safe to do so. The hurricane has severely disrupted blood collection and storage operations across multiple parishes, leaving national blood supplies critically low. The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) reported that routine blood drives have been halted, and the transportation of blood and blood products to hospitals has been significantly delayed. This shortage poses a serious risk to patients requiring transfusions for surgeries, trauma care, and childbirth complications. Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, the chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of donations, stating, ‘We are urging all Jamaicans who are able to give blood. Your donation can save lives, especially at a time when hospitals are still in emergency mode and every unit counts.’ Potential donors are advised to ensure safe travel conditions, prepare by eating well and staying hydrated, and bring a valid ID to the Blood Bank. Donations are currently being accepted at the NBTS office located at 21 Slipe Road in Kingston. Updates on additional collection sites and schedules will be communicated through the ministry’s official channels and NBTS social media platforms in the coming days.
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Venezuela says intercepted drug-ferrying planes, destroyed narco camps
In a significant development, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Wednesday that his country had intercepted three aircraft allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The operations coincided with a US military deployment targeting narco groups in the Caribbean. Maduro detailed the incidents during an official event, stating that one plane was detected entering through the Caribbean, while two others approached from the north. He emphasized that Venezuela acted in accordance with its interception laws, though it remains unclear whether the planes were shot down. Maduro framed the actions as a demonstration of sovereignty, asserting, “to make them respect Venezuela.” This move comes as Caracas seeks to highlight its anti-drug efforts amidst a large-scale US military presence in the region. Earlier on Wednesday, Venezuela’s armed forces reported destroying two Colombian narcotrafficking camps on its territory, seizing ammunition, vehicles, tactical gear, and fuel. The US describes its deployment as an anti-drug operation, but Venezuela views it as a potential pretext for military intervention aimed at ousting Maduro. The Trump administration has labeled Maduro a drug lord, offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his capture—a claim Maduro vehemently denies. He maintains that Venezuela is not a drug cultivation hub but is instead used as a trafficking route for Colombian cocaine. Recent US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in international waters have resulted in at least 57 deaths, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings. Meanwhile, General Domingo Hernandez Larez, head of Venezuela’s armed forces strategic command, revealed that pamphlets from the Colombian ELN guerrilla group were found during the camp raids. The ELN, a prominent insurgency group, controls territory near the Venezuelan border, which experts identify as a key source of coca and a gateway for cocaine trafficking to the Caribbean and beyond.
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SBAJ anticipates shake-up of SME sector post-Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa, the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, approaches Jamaica, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has voiced grave concerns about the potential devastation to the island’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SBAJ President Garnet Reid warned that the hurricane could deliver a ‘double whammy’ to businesses already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Reid emphasized that many SMEs may face permanent closures if the storm hits as projected, potentially ruining the upcoming holiday season for countless businesses. The hurricane, expected to cause billions in losses, has already disrupted operations with widespread flight cancellations and business closures. Reid highlighted limited access to finance as a critical barrier to SME recovery and called for urgent government intervention, including the establishment of a special emergency fund through entities like the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). He also expressed strong opposition to a proposed increase in electricity rates by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), arguing that such a move would exacerbate the economic hardships faced by small businesses. Reid urged the government to reject any rate hikes and focus on restoration and recovery efforts instead. Additionally, he advocated for greater competition in the energy sector, suggesting that a monopoly stifles fair pricing and consumer choice. The small business sector, often described as the engine of Jamaica’s economy, plays a vital role in employment and tax revenue, making its recovery crucial for the nation’s overall economic stability.
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NMIA, Ian Fleming International Airport to open for relief flights
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant update, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced the phased reopening of Jamaica’s key airports following a period of closure due to a recent crisis. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, are set to resume operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, initially for relief flights only. Commercial operations, including both incoming and outgoing flights, will commence at 7:00 am on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday to facilitate relief efforts. Vaz emphasized that assessments are ongoing, with commercial passenger flights expected to resume no later than Friday morning. The minister highlighted the extensive devastation observed during his aerial tour, urging collective efforts for recovery. ‘The devastation is enormous. Words can’t describe it. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. God bless Jamaica,’ Vaz stated. The arrival of relief flights will mark the beginning of the recovery process, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.
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Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely
A groundbreaking study by scientists at Imperial College London has revealed that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit Jamaica. Published on Wednesday, the rapid analysis found that global warming, primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions, made such a catastrophic event four times more probable.
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Flow Jamaica expands emergency connectivity with Starlink
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Liberty Caribbean, the parent company of Flow Jamaica, has unveiled a groundbreaking emergency communication solution powered by Starlink’s satellite technology. This initiative aims to bolster network resilience across the island, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for its users. The service, branded as “FLOW STARLINK,” is now accessible to 70% of Flow’s mobile data customers in Jamaica, marking a significant step forward in the region’s telecommunications infrastructure.
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‘She gwaan bad’: Piggery resident says Hurricane Melissa destroyed his home
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.
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St James Municipal Corporation assessing hurricane damage
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, the St James Municipal Corporation has joined forces with state agencies and non-governmental organizations to evaluate the extensive damage and deliver emergency aid to the hardest-hit areas. The hurricane wreaked havoc across the parish, demolishing homes, businesses, and critical road infrastructure. It also uprooted trees, destroyed utility poles, and severed power lines, leading to widespread electricity outages and water supply disruptions. Mayor Richard Vernon of Montego Bay emphasized the scale of the recovery effort, stating, ‘We are mobilizing all available resources to assess the damage and initiate the challenging task of restoring essential services and access.’ He acknowledged that the process would be substantial and time-consuming but assured residents of transparency and timely updates as assessments and relief plans progress. Despite the destruction, Mayor Vernon highlighted the unwavering spirit of Montego Bay, pledging a comprehensive and transparent recovery aimed at restoring services, rebuilding livelihoods, and enhancing resilience against future storms. Residents are advised to remain cautious due to ongoing risks such as downed power lines, hidden debris, and weakened structures. Authorities have urged the public to avoid flooded areas, report hazards, and follow official guidance as repairs to roads, utilities, and communication networks begin.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay wakes up to destruction after Hurricane Melissa
Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, awoke to a scene of widespread destruction on Wednesday as the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact became apparent. The storm, which battered the city throughout Tuesday, left a trail of devastation, with roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across roadways. The Catherine Hall and West Green communities were particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe flooding and significant silt accumulation. The Sangster International Airport also sustained substantial damage, especially in its departure area, disrupting travel operations. Government buildings, including the St James Municipal Corporation, were not spared, with reports of shattered windows and structural harm. Authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, but the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the hurricane’s ferocity. Residents are now grappling with the challenges of recovery as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
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Conditions ‘devastating’ in St Elizabeth, says Black River mayor
The parish of St Elizabeth in Jamaica is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as described by Black River Mayor Richard Solomon. The hurricane has left the region in a state of devastation, with severe damage to infrastructure and limited communication capabilities. Solomon emphasized that the term ‘catastrophic’ barely captures the extent of the destruction witnessed on the ground. Emergency and security forces are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently immobilized and relies on Starlink satellite internet for communication. Solomon revealed that the local hospital has been ‘totally devastated,’ and police units, along with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), are non-operational after being submerged during the hurricane. Rescue operations are currently impossible, and the situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Solomon urged residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are being made to address the crisis. He appealed for external assistance, stressing that the parish urgently needs all the help it can get.