By TracyAnn Dunkley

Celebrity & Entertainment Reporter

Share

The legal saga surrounding Jaii Frais, born Jhaedee Richards, intensified today as the court extended his custody, pushing the already viral case deeper into national attention. Frais, represented by top defence attorney Isat Buchanan, remains under investigation following the altercation that left multiple people injured. New details discussed in court include claims that Frais allegedly disarmed a member of Jahvy Ambassador’s entourage during the confrontation — a detail that, while still under review, has added significant weight to the unfolding narrative. Prosecutors have not yet laid formal charges, but the allegations being examined could carry serious implications under Jamaican law, including potential offences related to assault, interference during a violent incident, or involvement in a confrontation where a weapon was present. Each of these, if proven, can result in fines, restrictions, or imprisonment depending on the severity and circumstances, though both men remain presumed innocent.

Advertisement

Jahvy Ambassador, represented by legal titan Peter Champagnie, also remains in custody as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the clash. With Buchanan and Champagnie now facing off in the same courtroom, Jamaica is witnessing a rare collision of its two most formidable legal minds. Their presence alone has elevated the matter from a routine court update to a national spectacle, with fans, influencers, and industry insiders analysing every development in real time. The case has quickly become Jamaica’s biggest social‑media‑driven legal moment since the explosive Teejay–Moya–Rameish fallout, with public opinion shifting by the hour and speculation dominating timelines across the island.

For both Frais and Jahvy, the consequences extend far beyond the legal arena. Frais, known for his fearless commentary and unfiltered delivery, now faces the possibility that this case could reshape his public image and disrupt his growing influence in entertainment. Jahvy, a rising producer with strong industry ties, risks losing momentum, partnerships, and opportunities as the case continues to unfold. Their careers, reputations, and futures now sit in the balance as the investigation deepens and the legal process moves forward.

As the island awaits the next hearing, the tension surrounding the case continues to build. This is no longer just a courtroom matter — it has become a defining moment in modern Jamaican entertainment, a collision of fame, ego, conflict, and consequence. With Buchanan and Champagnie steering the narrative, the stakes have never been higher, and Jamaica is watching every move with the intensity of a live‑streamed finale.

JamRadio may earn a commission if you purchase products advertised on our website at no extra cost to you.

  Follow JamRadio for updates: 

JamRadio News Desk

Dedicated to clear, reliable reporting — from national and world headlines to local stories that matter.

Share

Cuba has been hit by a nationwide power outage after its entire electrical grid collapsed on Monday, leaving millions of people without electricity. The country’s Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed that the system suffered a total failure, cutting power to every province, including the capital Havana.

El Capitolio building in Havana in complete darkness as Cuba's power grid collapses

Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the collapse but noted that no faults had been detected in the generating units that were operating at the time. The outage comes during a period of severe strain on Cuba’s energy network, which has been struggling with fuel shortages, ageing power plants, and repeated breakdowns.

Advertisement

Shop: Ecoflow Whole Home Power Supply Units from Amazon.com

The blackout disrupted daily life across the island. Homes and businesses were left in darkness, water pumping systems stopped, and mobile networks and internet services became unstable. Hospitals and essential services switched to backup generators as crews worked to restore electricity.

Advertisement

Shop: Ecoflow Whole Home Power Supply Units from Amazon.com

Cuba has faced months of rolling blackouts as the government warns of dwindling fuel supplies and limited access to imported oil following an energy bloakade on the island by U.S> president Donal Trump after invading Venezuela in January. Officials have said the island has gone more than three months without receiving new fuel shipments, forcing the grid to rely heavily on older thermoelectric plants that frequently fail.

Advertisement

Shop: Ecoflow Whole Home Power Supply Units from Amazon.com

Power has begun returning in some areas as engineers restart parts of the system, but there is still no clear timeline for full restoration. This is the third major outage in recent months, highlighting the deepening crisis facing Cuba’s energy infrastructure.

JamRadio may earn a commission if you purchase products advertised on our website at no extra cost to you.

  Follow JamRadio for updates: 

JamRadio News Desk

Dedicated to clear, reliable reporting — from national and world headlines to local stories that matter.

Share

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stripped Saint Lucia of its visa-free travel arrangement with the United Kingdom, in a decision that has ignited fury across the Caribbean — and forced an uncomfortable question that the government appears unwilling to answer: how can a country that opened its doors to over a quarter of a million Ukrainians overnight justify slamming them on the islands whose people built the National Health Service?

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood imposes visa restriction of four new countires including the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia.#Visa #StLucia #SLU pic.twitter.com/mjxTOxjX4O

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) March 5, 2026

The UK government says the decision was taken after an increase in asylum claims made by visitors arriving from Saint Lucia and concerns about the potential misuse of the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme. Officials argue that tightening visa requirements is necessary to prevent abuse of the asylum system and maintain control over border policies.

Bishop Desmond Jadoo - Chair of the Windrush National Organisation (WNO), presented Mike Tapp MP - Minister of State for Migration and Citizenship (right) with a Windrush borad game at the WNO's annual conference. Image credit: George Brown

The move has drawn attention because of the United Kingdom’s contrasting approach to the war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Britain has issued more than 250,000 visas to Ukrainians through humanitarian programmes such as the Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing many to travel quickly to the UK with sponsorship from British households. The programme was widely praised as a rapid and compassionate response to a major refugee crisis.

The UK's High Commissioner to the Eastern Caribbean Simon Mustard announces the UK's decision to impose Visa restriction on St. Lucians, citing abuse of the asylum system. pic.twitter.com/7NmpWq6QwZ

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) March 5, 2026

For some observers in the Caribbean, the comparison highlights a tension in British migration policy. Saint Lucia, a former British colony with a population of roughly 180,000, has deep historical ties with the UK dating back centuries. Many Caribbean migrants from across the region helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War and played a significant role in developing institutions such as the National Health Service.

Advertisement

Ship Away - Windrush board game - by Patricia Jones

The visa decision does not affect humanitarian protection schemes like those created for Ukrainians, but it has nevertheless prompted debate about how Britain balances border enforcement with its historical relationships. Officials in Saint Lucia have said they are engaging diplomatically with the UK to better understand the decision and its implications for travel, tourism and family connections between the two countries.

 Photo: Milo Chandler/Alamy Live News

JamRadio may earn a commission if you purchase products advertised on our website at no extra cost to you.

  Follow JamRadio for updates: 

By TracyAnn Dunkley

Celebrity & Entertainment Reporter

Share

Dancehall fans across Jamaica and the wider diaspora are rallying around Kiprich and his partner, Kizzy Don, as the couple mourns the heartbreaking loss of their newborn daughter, Miracle. Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Jaro Plunkett, and Kizzy Don, born Danielle Banton, had quickly become one of social media’s most adored couples. Their supporters followed every step of their journey, from going public with their relationship, to building businesses and a home together, to the joyful anticipation of welcoming a baby girl.

Kiprich's partner Kizzy Don in emotional farewell to baby Miracle in Colombia : Image Credit Kizzy Don's Tiktok page.

Their excitement reached a peak during their baby shower, where they celebrated the upcoming arrival of their daughter. But while on a work trip in Colombia, Kizzy went into premature labour at six months. Baby Miracle fought bravely in intensive care as her parents did everything possible to save her, even launching a fundraising effort to secure specialised medical treatment abroad. Despite their efforts and the outpouring of support from fans and fellow artistes, Miracle passed away after approximately two weeks.

In a deeply emotional farewell shared with their supporters, the couple laid their daughter to rest during a private ceremony in Colombia. Kiprich spoke through tears, leaning on faith as he expressed the depth of their grief, saying they had tried everything in their power but trusted that the Lord always has a better plan. He sang Amazing Grace as a final tribute to his little girl, his voice breaking under the weight of the moment. Kizzy stood beside him, equally heartbroken, addressing Baby Miracle with the tenderness only a mother could give as they said goodbye to the daughter they fought so hard to save.

@1kizzydon God will work it out. My sweet girl Miracle #rip #fyp #kizzy ♬ God Will Work It Out (Acoustic Set) - Live - Maverick City Music

As the dancehall community sends love and strength to Kiprich and Kizzy during this unimaginable time, fans continue to honour Baby Miracle’s short but powerful life. Their story has touched hearts worldwide, reminding many of the fragility of life and the resilience of love. May Kiprich and Kizzy Don find comfort, healing, and peace as they navigate this painful chapter together.

  Follow JamRadio: 

Euen Herbert-Small

Assistant Editor

Share

When Trevor Noah sits down with Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, you already know the conversation won’t behave itself. And from the moment he opened with Rihanna and the Bajan accent, the tone was set: Caribbean and SouthAfrican heavyweights reasoning, laughing, and dismantling global hypocrisy with the kind of ease that only comes from lived experience.

Trevor kicked things off by teasing Mottley about Barbados’ most famous daughter — Rihanna — before slipping into a playful imitation of the Bajan accent. Mottley didn’t miss a beat. She fired back with humour, pride, and that unmistakable Barbadian cadence that instantly made the room feel like a family lime. It was the perfect soft entry before the conversation swung into the hard truths.

Charles & Sandy Pitt-Shanice King / BACKGRID

Once they got going, the interview became a masterclass. Mottley broke down the global debt system with the clarity of someone who has spent years fighting it. She exposed how wealthy nations judge African and Caribbean development through a lens of hypocrisy, while small states are left to rebuild after climate disasters with loans they can’t afford and interest rates designed to punish them. Trevor, ever the sharp observer, pushed the conversation deeper — highlighting how the world praises Caribbean culture while ignoring Caribbean struggles.

Mottley educated Noah on the historical truth that Barbados has the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth started in 1639 and that European settlement on the island, almost always erases that fact that the there were thousands of Amerindians (Kalinago-Caribs) who had lived there before the British arrived. Mottley spoke of the creation of the 1661 slave code being created in Barbados in what she truthfully describes as the bedrock for Trans-Atlantic Slavery.

They talked climate justice, migration, the power of small nations, and the absurdity of global systems that punish the very countries least responsible for the crises they face. But they did it with humour, rhythm, and a shared understanding of what it means to come from places the world loves to visit but rarely listens to.

And then came the cultural gems: road tennis, Bajan sayings, the politics of small-island identity, and the way Caribbean people navigate global spaces with both pride and pressure. It was political, comedic, and deeply Caribbean — the kind of conversation that reminds you why Mottley has become one of the most respected voices on the world stage, and why Trevor Noah remains one of the sharpest cultural translators of our time.

This wasn’t just an interview.
It was a moment — a reminder that when Caribbean voices lead the conversation, the world finally gets the truth with style.

  Follow us on: 

By TracyAnn Dunkley

Celebrity & Entertainment Reporter

A profound wave of grief is sweeping across the Caribbean and the global reggae community following the sudden passing of Stephen “Cat” Coore, the legendary co‑founder, guitarist, cellist, and musical director of the iconic band Third World. Coore, who died at 69, leaves behind more than five decades of musical innovation that helped define reggae’s evolution and carry Jamaican culture across continents. His loss is being felt intensely in Jamaica, Anguilla, Antigua, and throughout the wider Caribbean diaspora, where generations grew up on the sound of Third World and the unmistakable musical fingerprints of Cat Coore.

Third World, formed in 1973, became one of Jamaica’s most internationally celebrated bands, known for fusing reggae with soul, funk, jazz, R&B, rock, and even classical influences. Under Coore’s musical leadership, the group produced timeless classics such as “Now That We’ve Found Love,” “96 Degrees in the Shade,” and “Try Jah Love,” songs that helped propel reggae into new sonic territories and global stages. Their performances at major festivals, international tours, and historic collaborations cemented them as pioneers of reggae fusion, earning them a revered place in music history.

Advertisement 

If Your Parent Was Born in the UK or Its Territories, You Might Already Qualify for British Citizenship and a Passport. Book a consultation today!

Cat Coore himself was a virtuoso whose mastery of both guitar and cello made him one of the most distinctive musicians in Caribbean music. Born on April 6, 1956, he brought a rare classical training into the heart of reggae, famously performing the Jamaican National Anthem on cello at Rebel Salute—an unforgettable moment that showcased his range and reverence for culture.

His contributions extended far beyond the studio and stage; he was a cultural ambassador whose artistry shaped the soundscape of Caribbean identity. His presence at events such as Moonsplash in Anguilla connected him deeply with island communities, where his performances became part of the region’s collective memory.

As tributes pour in from artists, fans, and cultural institutions worldwide, the magnitude of Cat Coore’s legacy becomes even clearer. His music was a bridge—between genres, generations, and geographies.  His passing marks the end of an era, but the vibrations he created will continue to echo through sound systems, festivals, and hearts across the Caribbean and beyond.

Stephen “Cat” Coore was not just a musician; he was a pillar of reggae history, and his influence will endure for lifetimes to come.  

His strings shaped the soundtrack of a people, a culture, and a movement—leaving behind a legacy that refuses to fade. Even in his absence, the world will continue to feel the pulse of his genius, carried forward in every note, every stage, and every soul his music ever touched.

  Follow us on: 

JamRadio News Desk

Dedicated to clear, reliable reporting — from national and world headlines to local stories that matter.

The government of Dominica has confirmed a new agreement with the United States that would allow Washington to send certain asylum seekers to the island for processing — a move that places the small Caribbean nation inside a growing network of countries assisting the U.S. with migration management.

BREAKING:
Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he has agreed with the Trump Administration to accept Refugees from the United States.

Full story in comments#DCA #Dominica #CBI pic.twitter.com/G1pbVJYtAB

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) January 6, 2026

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed the arrangement following recent high‑level talks with U.S. officials. He described asylum cooperation as “one of the primary areas of collaboration” under discussion, while stressing that Dominica would not be required to accept individuals considered violent or posing national‑security risks, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

If Your Parent or Grandparent Was Born in the UK or Its Territories, You May Qualify for Citizenship—and a UK Passport

You may qualify for British citizenship by descent or doube descent... Learn more.

The announcement comes as Dominica continues negotiations with Washington over partial U.S. visa restrictions imposed last year. Skerrit said the government is working to resolve those issues but did not provide details on when asylum transfers might begin or how many people the island could receive.

The deal mirrors a similar agreement recently confirmed by Antigua and Barbuda, which said it would accept some refugees who cannot be safely returned to their home countries. Both arrangements reflect a broader U.S. strategy of partnering with foreign governments to manage rising asylum claims and reduce pressure on its own immigration system.

U.S. authorities have not yet released specifics on implementation timelines, funding, or logistical support for Caribbean states participating in the programme.

Humanitarian Visas For Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Click to view and sign the petition on Change.org

A political storm erupts in St. Kitts & Nevis as former PM warns “Project Destiny” drags the nation back to the era of Trans‑Atlantic slavery.

JamRadio News Desk

Dedicated to clear, reliable reporting — from national headlines to local stories that matter.

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis - In a fiery address to citizens of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris issued a scathing denunciation of Project Destiny and the Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Act, branding them as instruments of exclusion, neo-colonialism, and racial injustice.  Dr. Harris called on Nevisians to resist what he described as a return to plantation-era subjugation under the guise of sustainable development.

A political storm erupts in St. Kitts & Nevis as former Prime Minister warns “Project Destiny” drags the nation back to the era of Trans‑Atlantic slavery.

Ex PM Dr. Timothy Harris describes the "Special Sustaiability Zone Act" as neo-colonialism under the guise of… pic.twitter.com/s2xpCp27C3

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) November 15, 2025

Former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris likens Project destiny to an Apartheid State

“This story—if we don’t remember it—we are going to have to live it again,” Harris warned, invoking the ancestral trauma of land dispossession and servitude. He accused the current administration and Premier Mark Brantley of enabling a foreign-led takeover of Nevisian land and governance, likening Project Destiny to a “state within a state” where local laws, courts, and sovereignty are rendered irrelevant.

Olivier Janssens founder and CEO of Project Destiny - also citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis by Investment - Credit: destiny.com

Project Destiny is a privately led development initiative on the island of Nevis, launched under the legal framework of the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act (SSZ Act No. 21 of 2025). Spearheaded by libertarian entrepreneur Olivier Janssens, Destiny proposes the creation of a semi-autonomous zone with its own infrastructure, governance, and economic model—promising thousands of jobs, profit-sharing for Nevisians, and major investment in hospitals, roads, and education. The SSZ Act, passed by the federal government of St. Kitts and Nevis—shrouded in secrecy, grants the Prime Minister sweeping powers to authorize such zones, allowing private developers to operate with minimal oversight, international arbitration mechanisms, and exemptions from local laws.

Concept image courtesy destiny.com

Harris’s critique centered on the SSZ Act, passed in September 2025, follows weeks of backlash after the surprise bill was rushed through Parliament and became law. The controversial legislation empowers the Prime Minister to authorize private zones with independent governance, international arbitration, and minimal democratic oversight. “They don’t want your laws to apply to them,” Harris said. “And if you have any problem, we don’t even wanna bother with your courts. Let’s go to international arbitration. Well, they have money… it is not about us—it is for themselves.”

Controversy erupts in St. Kitts & Nevis: Opposition leader & Nevis Premier Mark Brantley accused of colluding with the federal government to quietly pass a bill paving the way for an apartheid‑styled state on Nevis. #ProjectDestiny #Nevis #CaribbeanPolitics #SSZAct #Prospera pic.twitter.com/ZTgPTRtoyQ

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) November 16, 2025

Nevis' Premier Mark Brantley seeks to justify project Destiny.

The debate over the SSZ Act is sharpened by the unique constitutional structure of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. While united under one federal government, Nevis enjoys semi-autonomous rule through its own island administration, Led by Premier Mark Brantley with limited powers enshrined in the constitution to manage local affairs. This arrangement often creates tension between Basseterre (the federal capital on St. Kitts) and Charlestown (the seat of Nevis’s government), especially when national legislation is perceived to encroach on Nevisian sovereignty. Brantley despite being ledder of the Nevis Island government also sits a opposition leader to the federal government in the federal Parliament a Unique and but extremly controversial Constitutional arrangement not found anywhere else in the world.

The former Prime Minister painted a dystopian picture of Destiny as a self-governing enclave with its own police and legal structure—a law unto itself, without reciprocal accountability. “They will do all the things that the government should do… but they ain’t got no obligation to nobody,” Harris declared. “It is a special exclusionary zone because they want to exclude us.”

If Your Parent or Grandparent Was Born in the UK or Its Territories, You May Qualify for Citizenship—and a UK Passport

Read more

Millions worldwide may have a right to British citizenship through descent. This report explains how family history could unlock a UK passport.

The Act, before becoming law, passed the scrutiny of the nation’s Attorney General, Garth Wilkin, who defended its provisions as legally sound and consistent with the government’s development vision. Yet the measure drew sharp criticism from his own father, Charles Wilkin KC, one of the federation’s most senior lawyers, who denounced the SSZ Act and the related Project Destiny proposals as a dangerous experiment that risked creating a “state within a state” and undermining national sovereignty

Harris’s speech was not just political—it was historical. He recalled past battles over land access, access to beaches and coastline, and foreign encroachment, including his confrontation with Christophe Harbour developer Buddy Darby. “He told me we should allow him to put a ‘welcoming center’—code name for "gate"—so that when people come, somebody will assist them with their forwardness. We went through that fight before. We will not allow that state to return here.” Harris recounted.

The speech resonated deeply with Nevisians, many of whom fear that Destiny will privatize large parts of the island to billionaires, restrict access, and create gated zones where locals must seek permission to enter. He framed the SSZ model as a betrayal of the federation’s hard-won independence and dignity. “Gone are the days when our great grandparents had to go to a massa on the estate and ask as a favor if they could get a plot of land for housing or even to farm. We passed that—and we will not allow that state to return here.”

Book a British Nationality Guidance Consultation

Secure your one‑on‑one consultation today and get expert guidance on UK citizenship eligibility.

In a final rhetorical flourish, Harris rejected the Destiny narrative outright. “That is not our destiny. It may be this—it may be Drews’ destiny—but it’s not our destiny,” he said, alluding to the vision of St. Kitts' Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew. 

Share this

The Southern Caribbean remains on edge this weekend as U.S. Marines set to conduct traning exercises with Trinidad and Tobago Defence Forces amid escalating tensions with Venezuela

Port of Spain - Trinidad has become the latest flashpoint in a widening U.S. military presence across the Caribbean. American military equipment was off‑loaded ahead of joint exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Officially, these drills are framed as counter‑narcotics and crime‑fighting cooperation, but the scale of deployments and their proximity to Venezuela has fueled speculation of a looming confrontation.

A press release from the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) confirms that U.S. 22nd Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit under the United States Southern Command will conduct a five-day traning exercise from 16-21 November 2025. While the exercises are being styled military to miltary tactical traning, in response to a surge of gun and drug related crime on the Island nation, locals fear all out war with its closest neighbour.

U.S. Military Forces in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend amid rising tensions with Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/acYg0SG5th

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) November 14, 2025

In Puerto Rico, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD‑28) arrived in Ponce on November 8, carrying Marines and helicopters for amphibious training. Meanwhile, the USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp‑class assault ship capable of launching thousands of troops and aircraft, docked in St. Croix after a high‑profile visit to St. Thomas. Together, these movements mark the most visible amphibious footprint in the Caribbean region in decades.

USS Iwo Jima docked at Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

On November 11, 2025, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, entered the Caribbean region with its accompanying strike group — including destroyers USS Bainbridge, USS Mahan, and USS Winston S. Churchill, plus Carrier Air Wing Eight with more than 60 aircraft. The Ford adds over 4,000 sailors and expands U.S. air and missile capabilities in the Caribbean, joining an already formidable fleet of amphibious and surface combatants.

If Your Parent or Grandparent Was Born in the UK or Its Territories, You Might Already Qualify for Citizenship—and a UK Passport

Millions worldwide may already hold the right to British citizenship through descent. This report explains how family history could unlock a UK passport.

JamRadio UK • November 11, 2025

Caracas responded immediately. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced a massive nationwide military exercise involving 200,000 troops, deploying land, air, naval, and militia forces. President Nicolás Maduro warned Washington against launching another “forever war,” likening the buildup to Afghanistan and Libya. Venezuelan officials have characterized the U.S. presence as an “imperialist threat” and pledged to defend sovereignty with both conventional and guerrilla tactics.

US Naval assets in the Caribeean as of 9 November 2025

For Caribbean observers, the optics are unmistakable: amphibious ships, Marine Expeditionary Units, and now a nuclear‑powered carrier strike group positioned along the island chain that arcs toward Venezuela’s coast. Trinidad and Tobago, once seen as a neutral hub, now finds itself at the center of this unfolding drama, with its ports hosting U.S. equipment and its Defence Force engaged in joint drills.

Whether framed as training, deterrence, or preparation, the Caribbean is now host to a staggering projection of U.S. military might. And with Venezuela mobilising in direct response, the region stands at the intersection of cooperation and confrontation, a fragile balance that could tip at any moment.

Book a British Nationality Guidance Consultation

Secure your one‑on‑one consultation today and get expert guidance on UK citizenship eligibility.

Share this

By JamRadio Caribbean Desk 

KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Jamaican government has confirmed that it will begin airlifting food, water, and emergency supplies to communities rendered inaccessible by Hurricane Melissa, as widespread infrastructure damage continues to isolate large sections of the island.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness comforts a tearful survivor while visiting communites devastated by Hurricane Melissa

Speaking from Norman Manley International Airport, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, announced the arrival of the United States Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and additional recovery resources.

“We are here at the airport to receive specialists who know how to do this—who have been through areas that have suffered disasters,” the Minister stated. “They will work with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and ODPEM to reach those communities that remain inaccessible.”

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon

The Minister confirmed that helicopters are en route and will be used to airdrop critical supplies into remote areas, including St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Portland, where roads have been washed out and bridges destroyed.

The U.S. Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has arrived in Jamaica to coordinate humanitarian support following Hurricane Melissa. @StateDept is working with the Government of Jamaica and local partners to assist those most affected. pic.twitter.com/RpbEud8Khm

— Department of State (@StateDept) October 31, 2025

The airlift operation will prioritize emergency food, clean drinking water, medical aid and hygiene kits including temporary shelter materials and solar lights.

The DART team joins a growing coalition of international responders, including Samaritan’s Purse, which has deployed aircraft and disaster response teams. World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating logistics and food distribution. The Red Cross has launched a $23 million emergency appeal to support 180,000 people across Jamaica and the region. These agencies are working in close coordination with Jamaican authorities to deliver aid by land, sea, and air.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds of 185 mph. It devastated roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools—leaving entire towns unreachable. Over 77% of the population is without electricity, and many remain displaced.

JamRadio UK continues to highlight the urgent needs of those stranded without power, food, or communication. We urge UK-based diaspora groups, charities, and public officials to support Jamaica’s recovery and demand accountability for delays in aid delivery.

As Hurricane Melissa’s eye wall closed in on Jamaica’s southern coast, a Weather Channel presenter—bald, visibly shaken, and standing amid roaring winds—delivered one of the most haunting live reports of the storm so far.

“Say a lot of prayers for Jamaica tonight. Especially for the people of Black River.”

“Say a lot of prayers for Jamaica. Especially for the people of Black River.”

As Hurricane Melissa’s pressure drops, the storm grows more violent.
News anchor pleads for solidarity. This is survival, not spectacle. Mighty God
FUll STORY IN COMMENTS#HurricaneMelissa #BlackRiver… pic.twitter.com/fLm2ubxAHv

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) October 28, 2025

His voice cracked as he described the storm’s intensifying pressure drop, a sign that Melissa was growing even more violent. The Category 5 hurricane, now packing winds over 185 mph, was bearing down on St. Elizabeth Parish, with Black River directly in its path.

A Moment of Raw Humanity

This wasn’t just a weather update—it was a plea. The presenter’s emotional appeal cut through the technical jargon and reminded viewers that behind every data point are lives at risk. His words have since been shared widely across social media, becoming a rallying cry for solidarity.

Black River, known for its colonial architecture and deep cultural history, now faces catastrophic flooding, storm surge, and structural collapse. The presenter’s choice to name the town directly underscored the human stakes of the unfolding disaster.

Melissa has already surpassed Katrina in intensity and is being called the strongest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica. The Weather Channel’s coverage has shifted from meteorological analysis to survival storytelling—anchored by this chilling moment.

Jamaica is under a full Hurricane Warning tonight as a rapidly intensifying Hurricane Melissa, barrels toward the island with sustained winds nearing 90 mph and the potential to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane by landfall.

The National Hurricane Center has issued dire warnings of life-threatening flash floods, landslides, and storm surges, with forecasts predicting up to 12 inches of rain in some areas. The storm’s slow pace—moving at just 5 km/h—means Jamaica could endure over 72 hours of hurricane conditions, a scenario meteorologists are calling “potentially catastrophic”.

Meteorolgist Brian Shields keeps Jamaicans informed of potentially deadly Hurricane Melissa

Already, at least four deaths have been reported across the region, including in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where torrential rains have triggered landslides and widespread flooding.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has urged citizens to take immediate precautions:

“Now is the time to be prepared. This storm is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory. We must act swiftly to protect lives.”

Hurricane Melissa continues to move slowly through the Caribbean, and projections now confirm that Jamaica will be impacted. The system’s wide outer bands are already bringing heavy rainfall to parts of the region, including the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and similar… pic.twitter.com/UxqTn8rnzm

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 25, 2025

Emergency shelters have been activated across the island, and residents in low-lying and coastal areas are being urged to evacuate. Flights have been grounded, and ports are closing as the nation braces for impact between Monday and Tuesday.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for real-time updates and official advisories from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the National Hurricane Center.

By JamRadio Caribbean Desk | Hurricane Watch

Melissa is intensifying in the central Caribbean, with Hurricane Hunters confirming sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure drop to 998 mb—a clear sign of strengthening. The storm is currently located 260 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moving west at 13 mph.

Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Haiti’s southern coast, while Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for Jamaica and parts of the Dominican Republic. Forecasters expect Melissa to reach hurricane status within 24 hours, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides likely across Jamaica, Hispaniola, and eastern Cuba.

Meteorologist Brian Shields, widely trusted across the Caribbean for his clear, community-focused updates, warned that “Melissa is not just a wind threat—it’s a water crisis in motion,” urging residents to prepare for catastrophic flooding and prolonged power outages.

JamRadio’s coverage will continue across all platforms. Our editorial team urges listeners in affected zones to monitor official alerts and prepare for worsening conditions.

Share this article

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA — Grenada’s government has confirmed that the United States has formally requested permission to install radar equipment and deploy technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport—barely 100 miles from Venezuela’s northern coast. The move, framed by Washington as a “temporary” measure, comes amid escalating U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and growing fears of an imminent confrontation with the Maduro government.

While Grenadian officials insist the proposal is under “careful review,” regional leaders and security analysts warn the request could fracture CARICOM unity and violate the Caribbean’s long-standing commitment to being a “Zone of Peace”. Critics argue that the radar installation is less about surveillance and more about staging—a strategic foothold in a region already bracing for the fallout of U.S. aggression.

“This isn’t just about radar. It’s about sovereignty, memory, and the militarisation of diplomacy,” said one regional analyst, pointing to the chilling parallels with Grenada’s past.

In 1983, the United States invaded Grenada under the banner of “Operation Urgent Fury” following a bloody coup that saw Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and several cabinet members assassinated by hardliners within his own revolutionary government. The invasion, condemned by the United Nations but celebrated in Washington, left deep scars on the island’s political psyche and remains a flashpoint in Caribbean-American relations.

Now, four decades later, the spectre of foreign boots on Grenadian soil has returned—this time not with helicopters, but with radar towers and diplomatic euphemisms.

Adding fuel to the fire, the U.S. State Department recently imposed visa restrictions on Grenadian officials and their immediate family members, citing their alleged complicity in Cuba’s coercive overseas medical missions. The move has been interpreted by some as a pressure tactic—tightening the screws on Grenada’s leadership as Washington seeks strategic compliance.

Venezuela, backed by China and Russia, has called an emergency session of the UN Security Council to halt what it describes as “U.S. military escalation in the Caribbean”. Meanwhile, Grenadians are left to reckon with a familiar question: when the superpowers flex, who gets crushed in the middle?

Share this article

Princess Juliana International Airport was plunged into emergency mode on Sunday afternoon as WestJet Flight WS2276 from Toronto suffered a dramatic crash landing on Runway 10. The Boeing 737-800 touched down hard on its right landing gear, which collapsed on impact, sending the aircraft skidding across the tarmac with its right engine scraping the pavement and trailing smoke.

Advertisement

Eyewitness footage from Maho Beach captured the terrifying moment as the jet’s wing dipped low, possibly caught in a crosswind, before the gear gave way. The pilot’s calm but urgent radio to air traffic control—“We’re stopping on the runway. Send fire and rescue”—underscored the gravity of the situation.

The terrifying moment a WestJet Boeing 737-800 crash landed in St. Maarten on Sunday afternoon after what appers to be a landing gear failure.

See full story in comments pic.twitter.com/BP5v9shcZQ

— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) September 8, 2025

Emergency crews responded within minutes, dousing the aircraft in fire-retardant foam while passengers evacuated via inflatable slides. All 164 people onboard survived, with only three taken to hospital out of caution.

The airport remains closed as heavy machinery works to remove the disabled aircraft. Flights have been diverted to San Juan, Puerto Rico and several outbound services—including JetBlue and KLM—are grounded until the runway is cleared and inspected.

Advertisement

WestJet has praised its crew for their professionalism and pledged full cooperation with investigators. The Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority has launched a formal inquiry, with support expected from Boeing and Canadian regulators.

JamRadio will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates as they unfold. For now, the Caribbean breathes a sigh of relief—and asks hard questions about runway safety, crosswind conditions, and aging aircraft.

 Follow JamRadio on