KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the chaos of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on Tuesday, the focus of Fishing Boat Captain Herbert Dowie from the coastal town of Port Royal was not on the storm, but on the controversial actions of US military forces in the Caribbean Sea. Dowie expressed deep concern over reports that US boats have attacked and killed dozens of individuals, allegedly suspected of drug trafficking. However, fears persist that innocent fishermen and others may have been tragically caught in the crossfire. The US government has defended its actions, claiming the targeted boats were transporting narcotics. Yet, Dowie and other locals view these operations as unlawful and reckless. “They shouldn’t be shooting down any vessel,” Dowie asserted, questioning why the US forces couldn’t use non-lethal methods to intercept and inspect the boats. Roy Brown, another Port Royal resident, echoed Dowie’s sentiments, accusing the US of exploiting its power in the region. Brown drew parallels between US President Trump and Russian President Putin, stating, “They are the same thing.” Over the past few months, US forces have reportedly killed at least 57 people in strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. These actions have sparked widespread condemnation both regionally and within the US, with lawmakers from both major political parties questioning the president’s authority to order such strikes.
标签： Jamaica
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#MelissaAftermath: Radio silence worrying loved ones
As the aftermath of a devastating storm continues to unfold in western Jamaica, families are grappling with an agonizing silence from their loved ones in the worst-hit areas. Portia Barnes, a mother navigating her Toyota through debris and mud, shared her distress with Observer Online. Having left her home in Parottee District, St. Elizabeth, to stay with her son in Mandeville, she now fears for her other son who remained behind. ‘I don’t know if anything happen to him,’ she said, her voice heavy with worry.
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FLOW says mobile service remains stable for 70 per cent of its customers
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Flow Jamaica, a leading communications and entertainment provider, has announced that mobile services remain operational for approximately 70% of its customers despite ongoing disruptions in certain areas. These interruptions are attributed to power outages and other challenges affecting multiple parishes across the island. The company revealed that over 500 mobile sites were rendered offline following Hurricane Melissa, with seven critical sites completely destroyed. This has significantly impacted connectivity in key communities such as Manchioneal in Portland, Portmore in St Catherine, and Ironshore in St James. In response, Flow Jamaica is urging customers in the hardest-hit parishes—St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, and St James—to utilize its Flow Essential satellite emergency communications system. This service allows users to send text and SMS messages across any mobile network, even in areas where terrestrial mobile services are unavailable. Currently, over 67,000 customers are benefiting from the Starlink-enabled service, which is accessible to more than 70% of Flow’s mobile users. The company anticipates completing a full assessment of mobile site damage by the weekend, after which restoration efforts will commence. On the fixed network front, approximately 15-22% of home internet customers can access services, though this remains contingent on power availability for both individual homes and Flow’s internet nodes island-wide. Flow Jamaica is collaborating with Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to restore power to critical distribution sites. Additionally, Flow’s retail stores are set to reopen on Friday, with mobile retail outlets deployed to key areas. As part of its humanitarian response, the company will distribute free SIM cards, data, and phones to residents in severely affected communities. Customers experiencing service issues are encouraged to contact Flow’s customer service via WhatsApp at 876-620-2200. For emergencies, including downed service lines, the public can reach Flow’s emergency operations center (EOC) at 876-929-9834 / 9837.
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#EyeOnMelissa: No fatalities reported as yet — McKenzie
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has confirmed that no fatalities have been reported in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck the island’s southwest coast on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie emphasized that authorities have not received any reports of deaths linked to the hurricane. ‘We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,’ he stated. McKenzie expressed hope that the situation remains unchanged, adding, ‘I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.’ The hurricane, one of the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent years, caused significant damage to infrastructure and property, but the absence of reported fatalities has been a rare positive note in the wake of the disaster. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to affected communities.
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King Charles says Hurricane Melissa damage ‘heartbreaking’
In a heartfelt social media statement on Wednesday, Britain’s King Charles III expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean, describing the destruction as a “heartbreaking” reminder of the urgent need to restore nature’s balance. The monarch, alongside Queen Camilla, conveyed their profound sadness at witnessing the devastation caused by the record-breaking storm in Jamaica and across the region.
Earlier in the day, the UK government pledged £2.5 million (US$3.3 million) in emergency funding to support relief efforts in the affected areas, which include Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the storm’s aftermath as “truly shocking,” emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
The emergency funds will be allocated for essential supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets, as well as initiatives to prevent injuries and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the UK Foreign Office has established a crisis center to offer consular assistance to British nationals in the region, while a Royal Navy ship stands ready to deliver humanitarian aid.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, unleashing winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, causing widespread devastation. The storm subsequently hit Cuba and Haiti, where it left 30 people dead or missing. King Charles III’s message underscored the growing imperative to address environmental imbalances to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of such disasters.
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UN General Assembly urges end to US embargo on Cuba
The United Nations General Assembly has once again passed a resolution urging the United States to lift its long-standing economic embargo on Cuba, marking the 30th consecutive year such a measure has been adopted. The non-binding resolution, which garnered 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions, calls for the cessation of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the US on the Communist-led island nation since 1962. The resolution highlights the detrimental impact of the embargo on the Cuban population, emphasizing its adverse effects on their livelihoods and economic stability. Despite the overwhelming support, the US, along with Israel and Ukraine, voted against the resolution, with Washington’s UN envoy, Mike Walz, dismissing it as propaganda that excuses the Cuban government’s failures. Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez countered Walz’s remarks, describing them as threatening and deceitful, while urging the US to suspend the embargo or at least implement humanitarian exceptions in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Notably, several Eastern European nations abstained from the vote, citing Cuba’s support for Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The US embargo remains one of the world’s longest-standing unilateral sanctions, further straining relations between the two nations. In July, the US escalated its pressure on Cuba by imposing unprecedented sanctions on President Miguel Diaz-Canel, accusing him of complicity in the regime’s alleged brutality toward its citizens.
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OUR grants US$5 million from Electricity Disaster Fund to JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.
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Roads blocked, some roof damage reported, but Portland ‘spared the worst of the storm’
PORTLAND, Jamaica — While Hurricane Melissa caused considerable disruption in sections of Portland, including blocked roads and extensive roof damage to homes, local officials believe the parish was largely spared the storm’s most devastating impacts. Colin Bell, the People’s National Party (PNP) Councillor Caretaker for the Fellowship Division, provided a firsthand assessment of the aftermath on Wednesday.
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‘Most terrible thing we ever see’
The rural community of Grierfield in Moneague, St Ann, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected residents is Garry Dawson, who, along with his neighbors, is racing against time to repair his roof before nightfall. The powerful winds not only tore off roofs but also destroyed furniture and other household essentials, leaving many counting the staggering costs of the disaster.
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UK deploys J$510m in hurricane relief to the Caribbean
The United Kingdom has announced a £2.5 million emergency humanitarian fund to aid the Caribbean region in recovering from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa. This substantial financial support is aimed at facilitating a swift humanitarian response, including the distribution of essential emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets to mitigate the risks of injuries and disease outbreaks. These supplies have been strategically pre-positioned in Antigua for rapid deployment to the most affected areas. Additionally, UK humanitarian and technical experts are being dispatched to the region to assist in the coordination and efficient delivery of aid. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Jamaican authorities in disaster relief efforts, highlighting the deployment of specialist teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals affected by the hurricane. British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert OBE, expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with Jamaica, pledging continued support for relief and rebuilding efforts. The Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is also stationed in the region to offer disaster response support if needed, while a pre-deployed team from the UK Ministry of Defence is assisting in disaster management preparations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Furthermore, a specialist Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has been sent to Miami to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. The UK is collaborating with tour operators, Jamaican authorities, and international partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and UN agencies, to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in the affected areas.