标签： Jamaica

In a recent crackdown, Nigeria’s religious police, known as the Hisbah, detained 25 individuals accused of organizing a gay wedding in Kano, the largest city in the predominantly Muslim northern region. The arrests were made on Sunday following a tip-off from local residents. Among those detained were 18 men and 7 women, all in their early 20s, including the couple believed to be planning the ceremony. Mujaheed Abubakar, deputy head of the Hisbah, stated that one man was allegedly preparing to marry another man at the event center where the gathering took place. Authorities have launched an investigation with the intent to prosecute those involved. Sharia law, which operates alongside state and federal legal systems in 12 northern Nigerian states, imposes severe penalties for homosexuality, including the death penalty, though this has never been enforced. Nigeria’s federal legislation from 2014 also criminalizes same-sex marriages and the promotion of civil unions, with violators facing up to 14 years in prison. The Hisbah has a history of arresting individuals at alleged gay weddings, with similar incidents reported in 2022, 2018, 2015, and 2007, though no convictions have been secured to date.

Jamaica’s Meteorological Service (Met Service) has maintained a state of heightened vigilance as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm, continues to impact the island with widespread rainfall. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Kingston, is moving westward, with its outer bands already causing intermittent showers in eastern parishes. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Met Service, confirmed during a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) that the storm has advanced past Morant Point and is now near Kingston’s longitude. Radar imagery reveals a well-defined eye and dense cloud cover, with lightning activity concentrated on the eastern side of the hurricane. Authorities predict that rainfall will intensify and spread across the island, raising concerns about potential flooding. The public is urged to stay updated through official bulletins and prepare for worsening conditions. Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie reported that all shelters are operational, though only 31 out of 881 are currently occupied. Despite the Jamaica Transit Company (JUTC) providing transportation, many residents are reluctant to evacuate. McKenzie also emphasized the need to secure cranes in the Corporate Area to prevent accidents and warned of accountability for negligence. Regarding the homeless population, he stated that the government has made efforts to relocate vulnerable individuals to shelters using public transport, with plans to continue as long as conditions permit.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has temporarily suspended toll collections on the nation’s highways. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision on Sunday, signing an order to lift toll barriers across all sections of Highway 2000. This measure, effective from 5:00 pm on Sunday, aims to facilitate the swift movement of emergency vehicles and prevent traffic congestion as the hurricane approaches. Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching up to 140 miles per hour, is expected to make landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Vaz emphasized that the toll-free access will remain in place even after the hurricane passes, enabling residents to check on their families, businesses, and properties without hindrance. The Toll Authority of Jamaica confirmed the implementation of this directive, ensuring unrestricted travel until further notice. This proactive step underscores the government’s commitment to public safety during natural disasters.

LONDON, United Kingdom – Prince Andrew, the beleaguered younger brother of King Charles III, is under increasing scrutiny over his living arrangements and royal titles. Reports suggest that discussions are underway between the prince and the monarch regarding his potential departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor Castle estate. This development follows renewed public outrage sparked by allegations from Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, who detailed her claims of sexual encounters with Andrew in her recently published memoir. The prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing but settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for millions of dollars. Meanwhile, British lawmakers are pushing for a parliamentary debate to strip Andrew of his Duke of York title, a move that would be unprecedented in modern times. Although such a motion would not be legally binding, it would intensify pressure on the royal family and government to address the issue. Adding to the controversy, reports reveal that Andrew has not paid rent for two decades on his Royal Lodge home, a privilege stemming from a 2003 agreement with the Crown Estate. Speculation is rife that Andrew may agree to vacate the property if offered financial compensation and an alternative residence. The situation has also reportedly influenced Prince William’s plans to relocate his family to a nearby residence, with expectations that Andrew will leave beforehand. The Liberal Democrat party has joined calls for parliamentary action, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration with the monarchy.

As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus who are staying on-site during the storm have been equipped with essential supplies. On Sunday, a collaborative effort by the Bellbaten Foundation, Fyahman Entertainment, The UWI Mona Guild, and Romeich Entertainment ensured that students received critical items such as canned meats, fish, toiletries, snacks, and bottled water. A representative from the UWI Mona Guild emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating, ‘We partnered to ensure that students who cannot return home are fully supported during this challenging period. We visited all campus halls to distribute the products.’ Students were seen posing with trays of Ramen, cup noodles, and cases of bottled water as the nation braces for the hurricane, which is predicted to bring intense rainfall, storm surges, and landslides. The collective effort highlights the community’s commitment to safeguarding students during this natural disaster.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 4 storm, local authorities in the Alligator Pond division are urging residents to evacuate to safer grounds. Councillor Omar Robinson, who oversees the area, reported that the coastal village is already experiencing rising sea levels, signaling the imminent threat of the hurricane. ‘The waves are climbing higher as I speak,’ Robinson stated during a telephone interview on Sunday. He confirmed that the Parish Disaster Manager, Keval Lewis, and local police have issued an evacuation order for the region. Robinson emphasized the urgency, noting that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall near Alligator Pond, bringing potentially devastating impacts. The New Forest High School has been designated as a shelter, though it is nearing capacity. Robinson and his team are working to clear nearby swamps to mitigate flooding risks. He has implored residents and fisherfolk to move to higher ground, stressing the importance of safety. Many in the community are taking the storm seriously, with fisherfolk securing their boats and residents reinforcing their homes. One fisherman, in his 30s, shared that this is the first time he has prepared so thoroughly for a hurricane, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Hurricane Melissa has already claimed three lives in Haiti, where heavy rains and landslides have caused widespread destruction. As the storm continues its slow but deadly path through the Caribbean, Jamaica remains on high alert, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the escalating threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has initiated its emergency protocols and convened its disaster management and mitigation committee. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green announced these measures during a press briefing held on Saturday at Jamaica House, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness as the hurricane has intensified to a Category 4 storm.

In a decisive move to safeguard its citizens, the Jamaican government has mandated the evacuation of seven flood-prone communities as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, bears down on the island. The affected areas include Port Royal in Kingston; Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon; Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine; and Taylor Land, New Haven, and Riverton City in St Andrew. This directive, issued in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), is effective immediately. Jamaica is currently under a hurricane warning, with Melissa anticipated to make landfall as a major hurricane late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. The storm is predicted to unleash life-threatening storm surges, powerful winds, and torrential rains. This evacuation order stems from the Disaster Risk Management (Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order enacted on October 24, 2025, which designated the entire island as a threatened area. The government has clarified that the evacuation mandate will remain in effect as long as the Declaration of Threatened Area Order is active.

PORTLAND, Jamaica—Authorities have issued a public advisory following a landslide in the Birnamwood district of Portland, which has left a section of the area completely inaccessible. The incident, involving falling boulders and debris from the hills, has prompted the police to urge motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the hazardous zone. While no injuries or casualties have been reported, the situation has raised concerns about safety and mobility in the affected region. The police have assured the public that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves. Residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest developments.