News

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz
December 9, 2025

Airports stay open today, Sunday operations uncertain amid approaching storm Melissa - Vaz

Both of Jamaica’s international airports will remain open today to accommodate scheduled flights, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced. “After a 7 a.m. meeting this morning with both airport…
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness. - File photo.
December 9, 2025

'Rules not suspended in a disaster' - Holness warns ministers and heads of gov't bodies

There is no suspension of accountability rules in a disaster, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has warned. The warning to technocrats in the various Government ministries, departments and agencies…
Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Richard Thompson
December 9, 2025

881 shelters on standby - ODPEM

More than 881 shelters are on standby across Jamaica to accommodate persons during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and…
December 9, 2025

Vaz says electricity supply 'stable' as storm Melissa nears

Transport and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica’s electricity system remains stable as Tropical Storm Melissa nears. As of 9 a.m. Saturday, the Jamaica Public Service reported 275 customers…
The toll booth at the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 in St Catherine.
December 9, 2025

UPDATE|NMIA to close Saturday night; tolls set for emergency use as Melissa nears - Vaz

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will close late Saturday amid the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa. He said the final scheduled flight is…
Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James
December 9, 2025

Flight disruptions at Sangster International as Tropical Storm Melissa moves closer

Operations at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remain normal, but several flights have been cancelled or adjusted as Hurricane Melissa nears Jamaica, the operators say. In a 10 a.m.…
A motive has not been established.
December 9, 2025

Two men shot dead in alleged police confrontation in Old Harbour

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe into the fatal shooting of two unidentified men by the police during an alleged armed confrontation in Old Harbour, St…
Principal Director, Meteorological Service of Jamaica,  Evan Thompson.
December 9, 2025

Expect 'catastrophic flooding' as Melissa to pound Jamaica for five days – Met office head on latest forecast

“There is nowhere that will escape the wrath,” Principal Director at the Meteorological Service, Jamaica, Evan Thompson, warned Saturday, as Tropical Storm Melissa edges closer to the island. He said…
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie.
December 9, 2025

McKenzie to recommend mandatory evacuations for vulnerable communities ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says he will write to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness with a recommendation for the mandatory evacuation of vulnerable communities ahead of Tropical Storm…