News

Residents of Black River and surrounding communities descend on the shopping district of the St Elizabeth capital in search of food and other supplies last Thursday.
December 9, 2025 by Tiffany Pryce

Desperation turns to disorder

What was once the commercial heartbeat of St Elizabeth has now been reduced to devastation and desperation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, widespread looting has gripped Black River, as…
Savanna-La-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. - File photo.
December 9, 2025

Pregnant 18-year-old among Hurricane Melissa deaths in Westmoreland

An eight month pregnant woman is among the dead in central Westmoreland following the passage Hurricane Melissa. She has since been identified as 18-year-old Monique Coke. Reports are that Coke, her…
A long line of frustrated persons at a gas station in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland.
December 9, 2025

Long lines, short tempers at gas station in Savanna-La-Mar

Chaos erupted at the Dunn’s River Total Energies gas station in Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland early Friday as residents and motorists sparred over who should be served first. Scores of people lined…
December 9, 2025

Police criminal records offices in St James and Clarendon to remain closed

The police are advising that the criminal records offices in Summit, St James, and May Pen, Clarendon, will remain closed until further notice following Hurricane Melissa. However, the records…
An aerial view of Black River in St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025.
December 9, 2025

JMDA and MAJ appeal for volunteer doctors at Black River Hospital

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) and the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), in coordination with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), are urgently appealing for volunteer…
Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford. - File photo
December 9, 2025

Jamaica Fire Brigade urges caution in use candles and generators following Melissa

With thousands of Jamaicans still without electricity following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging persons to avoid the use of candles or other sources of open…
File photo
December 9, 2025

Portmore police hunt thieves who stole car during Hurricane Melissa

The police in Portmore, St Catherine, are searching for hoodlums who stole a vehicle from a woman’s home during the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday night. Reports are that about 11:00 p.m. on…
Damaged light pole in St Ann following Hurricane Melissa.
December 9, 2025

It may take up to six weeks before return to normal traffic in St Ann, says official

Motorists traversing roadways in St Ann could face up to six weeks of delays before normalcy returns, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday. The storm battered the parish — blocking…
File photo.
December 9, 2025

Two men shot in Portmore

Two men were shot and injured along Mattis Lane in Dunbeholden, Portmore, St Catherine, early Friday morning. Reports are that about 12:20 a.m., the men were standing along the roadway when a dispute…