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Hurricane Melissa Death Toll Rises To 33 Across the Caribbean

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 30, 2025: The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 33, as the record-breaking storm continues to devastate parts of the Caribbean after tearing through Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and The Bahamas earlier this week.

An aerial view seen October 29, 2025 shows the destroyed Black River Market and surrounding buildings following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Now downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 1 hurricane, Melissa gained speed today as it swept across The Bahamas and is expected to make landfall in Bermuda later in the day.

In Jamaica, authorities have confirmed nine deaths, including five in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, which was among the hardest hit. In Haiti, at least 23 people, including 10 children, were reported dead following widespread flooding after days of relentless rain, even though the country escaped a direct hit. One fatality was also reported in the Dominican Republic.

Melissa – the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in modern history – made landfall Tuesday, October 28th, with sustained winds of 185 mph, surpassing Hurricane Katrina’s peak intensity in 2005. The storm left widespread destruction across southern Jamaica, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, and St. Ann’s, flattening and flooding, homes, downing power lines, and washing out roads.

After leaving Jamaica, Melissa weakened to a Category 3 storm as it struck Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed the hurricane caused “considerable damage,” though casualty figures have not yet been released.

In The Bahamas, nearly 1,500 residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas in one of the nation’s largest emergency operations on record. While flooding disrupted several communities, the Ministry of Tourism said most major destinations — including Nassau, Freeport, Eleuthera, and the Abacos — remain open and largely unaffected.

As of this morning, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Melissa moving north-northeast at 21 mph (33 km/h) with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph, classifying it as a Category 2 hurricane. The NHC said the storm’s center is expected to pass northwest of Bermuda later today or early tomorrow.

Many across the Caribbean Diaspora are pitching in to help as Jamaican officials urge direct support HERE

Authorities across the region are warning residents to remain vigilant as the full scale of Melissa’s destruction continues to emerge. See some of the destruction from Jamaica and Cuba below.

An aerial view shows destroyed buildings following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Flooded homes are seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Howard Acres neighborhood in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. Hurricane Melissa ripped up trees and knocked out power after making landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025 as one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, inundating the island nation with rains that threaten flash floods and landslides. Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

An aerial view dated October 29, 2025 shows a flooded Wilton Community following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A building is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Debris is seen littering the side of a road following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A building is seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Buildings are seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A woman clears debris October 29, 2025 near a damaged building following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Anglican church St. Boniface is seen heavily damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Pondside, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

An aerial view shows destroyed buildings October 29, 2025 following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A man walks with a shovel in hand over rubble on Main Street in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

A family from the town of El Cobre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, remain in their destroyed house after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on October 29, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

A resident of the town of El Cobre, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, observes the damage caused to her home after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, on October 29, 2025. (Photo by YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images)

RELATED: Rising From Ruin: Turning Caribbean Pain Into Power Following Hurricane Melissa

Wild Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail Of Destruction Across South Western Jamaica

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 29, 2025: Thirty seven years after Hurricane Gilbert, came Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, in South Western Jamaica Tuesday as a Category 5 storm – the strongest ever to make landfall in the Caribbean island. It arrived with maximum sustained winds estimated at 185 miles per hour.

Flooding in western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa’s direct hit.

The storm left behind a trail of devastation across most of the Southwestern areas including St. Elizabeth including Black River, Sav La Mar, Clarendon, Montego Bay and other areas. It ripped roofs from hospitals, submerged bridges, and flattened homes across western and southern parishes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has officially declared a national disaster area.

The roof of the St. Elizabeth hospital in Jamaica was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

The Government’s preliminary needs list estimates at least 400,000 people will require assistance, including temporary shelter, food, and medical aid.

Damage in Black River, Jamaica, located on the southwest side of the island.

International donors, Diaspora organizations and local communities are mobilizing to provide urgent relief to the island.

Major Donations Begin Flowing In

In one of the largest early relief contributions to date, the Miami HEAT, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation announced a US $1 million (JMD $150 million) donation through the humanitarian group Direct Relief.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “Direct Relief provides life-saving and ongoing assistance — critical as residents begin the long road to rebuilding.”

Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein echoed the sentiment, noting the company’s deep connection to Jamaica: “We need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”

Direct Relief CEO Amy Weaver confirmed that 100 field medic packs — containing first aid and triage supplies — are already prepared for deployment. The organization also stands ready to ship additional medical and hygiene supplies once the Norman Manley International Airport reopens on Thursday.

Diaspora-Led Drives Gain Momentum

Across the U.S., the Jamaican diaspora is mobilizing. In New York, the American Friends of Jamaica, (AFJ) has already raised $1 million in match funds within 48 hours, with a goal to double that total. “That will go to immediate relief efforts and rebuilding,” said AFJ President Wendy Hart.

In the Bronx, Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans At Home, (JAHJAH Foundation) has opened a donation drop-off site at The Original Dumpling Shop, collecting water, food, hygiene kits, zinc sheets, and lumber for reconstruction. “We intend to send two containers — one with building materials and one with essentials,” said Dr. Trevor Dixon, the group’s founder.

In Philadelphia, donation centers at Besco Shippers (5425 Baltimore Ave) and True United Church (6201 Old York Rd) are accepting tarps, generators, canned goods, and hygiene kits, while the Jamaica Consulate of Philadelphia is coordinating volunteers.

In South Florida, cities like Miramar and Lauderhill have set up multiple fire stations as collection points. Living Well Community Care, a Boynton Beach-based team of Jamaican health professionals, is preparing to travel to rural parishes to deliver medical aid and supplies.

Damage and Urgent Needs

Four major hospitals – Black River, Noel Holmes, Cornwall Regional, and Falmouth – have sustained significant damage, disrupting medical services. The Black River Hospital’s roof was completely torn off, forcing patient evacuations.

Torrential rains triggered flash floods, especially in St. Thomas, where video footage showed cars being swept into rivers and a community shelter for the disabled on the verge of collapse. More than 51,000 people remain without power, and Jamaica’s internet connectivity has dropped to 30% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks.

Relief Logistics

Energy and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed that Norman Manley International Airport will reopen Thursday to receive humanitarian flights. The government may also utilize Ian Fleming International Airport to deliver relief to the northern parishes, as Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport suffered “potential disabling impact.”

Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is coordinating a sea-lift operation from Barbados, carrying essential supplies from UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and WFP itself.

How to Help

Direct Relief: Donate at directrelief.org

American Friends of Jamaica: theafj.org

JAHJAH Foundation: jahjahfoundation.org

City of Miramar & City of Lauderhill in South Florida: Drop-off locations listed on official city websites.

Living Well Community Care: Accepting medical and food donations in Boynton Beach.

In Philadelphia – donations at Besco Shippers (5425 Baltimore Ave) and True United Church (6201 Old York Rd)

Ferocious Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica As South Florida’s Diaspora Mobilizes To Help

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica/MIAMI, Florida, October 28, 2025: Ferocious winds and torrential rain ripped across Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category Five storm, the most powerful storm ever to hit the island and one of the strongest hurricanes on record. Packing sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), the Category 5 monster carved a slow and devastating path across the Caribbean, leaving destruction, flooding, and chaos in its wake.

The Rio Cobre comes out of its banks near St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The National Hurricane Center, (NHC), warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening” winds, storm surge, and flooding, with rainfall totals expected to reach up to 40 inches in parts of Jamaica. Total structural failure was likely along Melissa’s path, especially in mountainous areas where wind speeds could reach 30% higher than those at sea level.

A flooded street is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Diaspora In South Florida Rallies Support

As the hurricane battered Jamaica, South Florida’s Jamaican community – home to one of the largest populations of Jamaicans outside the island – swiftly organized to send aid.

A fallen tree is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The cities of Miramar, Lauderhill, and Homestead established emergency donation drop-off points, while Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a Doral-based non-profit known for rapid disaster response, began accepting both monetary and in-kind donations. Volunteers are packing emergency supply boxes with essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, tarps, diapers, generators, and hygiene kits.

A torn off roof is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

“This hurricane is of unparalleled proportions to Jamaica,” said Wendy Hart, President of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), which is also collecting donations online. “We need to move quickly to get supplies where they’re most needed. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, every bit helps.”

A blown down fence is seen in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Organizations Stepping Up

AFJ, South Florida Caribbean Strong, and the Caribbean Bar Association have teamed up with GEM to mobilize volunteers and resources. “You don’t need an invitation to be there,” said Marlon Hill, lead volunteer with South Florida Caribbean Strong. “Everyone is welcome to help pack boxes for Jamaica.”

A man looks at a fallen tree in St. Catherine, Jamaica, on October 28, 2025. Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into Jamaica Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. The extremely violent Category 5 system was still crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions as maximum sustained winds reached a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour). (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Hill, who visited Jamaica earlier this year, expressed concern about the storm’s impact on agriculture. “Many homes were still covered with tarps from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. Melissa is going to make things much worse.”

Gabrielle Thomas, president-elect of the Caribbean Bar Association, added: “Jamaicans in South Florida see ourselves as extended family. Everyone at home is praying and hoping to come out strong. Jamaicans are resilient—and we will help each other rebuild.”

Widespread Damage Across Jamaica

By early afternoon, Melissa’s eye was centered over western Jamaica near latitude 18.2°N and longitude 78.0°W, moving slowly north-northeast at 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds dropped slightly to 165 mph (270 km/h) but remained firmly within Category 5 intensity.

Authorities reported widespread power outages, flooded communities, and impassable roads as rivers burst their banks. Emergency teams were struggling to reach several rural parishes cut off by landslides.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to stay indoors and assured citizens that the Jamaica Defence Force, (JDF) and the National Works Agency (NWA) were mobilized for immediate recovery efforts.

How to Help

American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ): Donate here to support relief operations.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM): Volunteer or donate at the Doral warehouse, open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Americares Hurricane Fund: Contribute here to support emergency medical and disaster relief across the region.

Volunteers assemble relief packages for Hurricane Melissa at the Global Empowerment Mission headquarters in Miami, Florida, on October 27, 2024. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

What’s Next

The storm’s center is forecast to move off Jamaica’s northern coast later Tuesday, then cross southeastern Cuba early Wednesday before reaching the Bahamas. Storm surges of up to 13 feet are possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and rainfall across the island could exceed 30 inches, triggering catastrophic flash floods and landslides.

As the Caribbean braces for more devastation, the global Jamaican community continues to rally. “We’ve faced storms before,” said Hill. “But what makes us strong is how we show up – for each other.”

See more HERE

Water Mission Brings Emergency Safe Water Equipment to Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

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NEWS AMERICAS, N. CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 28, 2025: Water Mission, a Christian engineering nonprofit, has prepositioned a Disaster Assistance Response Team and safe water treatment equipment within Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa rapidly approaches the Caribbean island. Clean, safe water is critical during any disaster to prevent the spread of water-related illnesses, especially in the initial days following a disaster.

Initial reports indicate that the historic Category 5 hurricane will make landfall within hours, with sustained winds exceeding 170 miles per hour. Combined with an anticipated 40+ inches of rainfall, the slow-moving storm could result in devastating flooding and destructive landslides.

“Water Mission has responded to more than 60 disasters around the world, including responding to recent Hurricanes Helene and Beryl,” said Water Mission CEO and President George C. Greene IV, PE. “Our team is already in the country of Jamaica and is ready to provide emergency assistance as quickly as possible where it is needed most.”

Water Mission has nearly 25 years of experience responding to natural disasters and an extensive background in providing immediate and long-term safe water solutions. In the last two years alone, Water Mission has responded to hurricanes in the U.S. and Caribbean, flooding in East Africa, earthquakes in Myanmar and Morocco, a drought in Peru, and cholera outbreaks in Malawi. Water Mission has served more than 8 million people globally since 2001.

Click here to learn more about Water Mission’s disaster response in Jamaica, as the organization prepares to rush additional resources to the region.

About Water Mission
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit that builds sustainable safe water solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has served more than 8 million people in more than 65 countries, sharing safe water and the message of God’s love. Water Mission’s global headquarters is in North Charleston, SC, and the organization serves people in Africa; Asia; and North, South, and Central America. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission its top four-star rating 18 years in a row, a distinction shared by less than 1% of the charities rated by the organization. To learn more, visit watermission.org, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter.

Organizations Position Themselves To Help As Hurricane Melissa Barrels Toward Jamaica As A Category 5

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By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. Oct. 27, 2025: The effects of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt in Jamaica as the Category 5 storm approaches the island with catastrophic force. Waves at Kingston Harbour were already surging Monday afternoon as residents scrambled for shelter ahead of what could be the island’s most violent weather event on record. However, the hurricane could spare Kingston and make landfall in St. Elizabeth some models say.

A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

With maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa is expected to make landfall late tonight into early Tuesday, bringing life-threatening storm surge, flooding, and destructive winds.

Relief Organizations Mobilize Before Landfall

Several international relief organizations have already moved into position to help Jamaica respond once the storm passes.

Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island’s most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster response group, confirmed that its advance team is already in Jamaica and sheltering in place as the storm closes in. The organization says it stands ready to assist with search, rescue, and logistics support immediately after landfall.

Meanwhile, World Central Kitchen (WCK) — founded by Chef José Andrés — announced it will deploy teams to Jamaica this week to assist with emergency food relief. In a call to action shared on Instagram, the group asked chefs and cooks to join as part of its humanitarian effort. WCK said it expects to begin food distribution operations by Wednesday once conditions allow.

Faith-based organization Samaritan’s Purse also said it is preparing to respond with disaster relief specialists, supplies, and aircraft on standby. “We can help meet urgent needs related to shelter, water, hygiene, food, and medical issues,” the organization said in a statement. “This includes the ability to deploy our Mobile Emergency Hospital if required.”

Storm Already Deadly

This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Melissa churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea captured at 17:18Z on October 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center. (Photo by NOAA via Getty Images)

Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where torrential rains caused flash flooding and landslides over the weekend. Forecasters warn that Jamaica could face 15 to 30 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 40 inches — rainfall totals “never seen before,” according to Jamaica’s Minister of Information, Dana Morris Dixon.

Current Watches and Warnings

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the following warnings remain in effect:

Hurricane Warning: Jamaica; Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin

Hurricane Watch: Southeastern and Central Bahamas; Turks and Caicos Islands

Tropical Storm Warning: Haiti; Cuban province of Las Tunas

Forecasters say catastrophic hurricane-force winds are expected to begin in Jamaica tonight, with the potential for total structural failure in areas near the eyewall, particularly in elevated regions.

Prime Minister Holness Outlines Recovery Framework

A fallen Jamaica Public Service Company light pole is seen on the Sugar Man’s beach main road in Hellshire, St Catherine parish, near Portmore, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. (Photo by Ricardo Makyn / AFP) (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

In a national address, Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness assured citizens that the government has activated a multi-layered disaster response plan. This includes the National Natural Disaster Risk Fund, Contingency Fund, and insurance mechanisms to ensure swift relief and rebuilding.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), National Works Agency (NWA), and National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) have been mobilized to reopen roads, restore utilities, and provide humanitarian assistance once the storm clears.

Holness also urged citizens to remain calm, obey curfews, and “prepare for the worst but pray for the best.”

Forecast Path

At 2:00 PM EDT, Melissa was located near 16.5°N, 78.3°W, about 145 miles southwest of Kingston, moving west-northwest at 3 mph. The storm is forecast to turn north later today, crossing Jamaica overnight before tracking over southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas midweek.

Forecasters warn of storm surges up to 13 feet, waves capable of coastal destruction, and winds exceeding 170 mph capable of widespread infrastructure damage and power outages.

Amnesty Urges Action As Cuban Migrant Deported From U.S. To Eswatini Launches Hunger Strike

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BY NAN NEWS EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, Fri. Oct. 24, 2025: Amnesty International has urged the governments of the United States and Eswatini to immediately disclose the legal basis for the detention of a Cuban national deported under a secret transfer deal, after he reportedly began an indefinite hunger strike in protest of his continued imprisonment.

The human rights organization said Roberto Mosquera del Peral, one of 14 Cuban men deported from the U.S. to Eswatini in July 2025, is being held without charge at the Matsapha Correctional Centre, where his health has now deteriorated.

Roberto Mosquera del of Cuba, who was deported to Eswatini is on a hunger strike.

‘Human Cost of Secret Transfers’

In a strongly worded statement, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, called Mosquera’s hunger strike “a stark warning about the human cost of secret transfer arrangements and unlawful detention without due process.”

“The authorities in Eswatini must urgently facilitate a medical assessment for Roberto by a qualified health professional, ensure confidential access to lawyers and families for all detainees, and disclose the legal basis for these detentions,” Chagutah said.

He added that both Eswatini and the United States must be transparent about the terms of their agreement, which has remained undisclosed since the men’s deportation earlier this year.

“No one should be transferred to a country where they are at real risk of serious human rights violations,” Chagutah continued. “Such transfers breach the principle of non-refoulement as laid out in international human rights law. Moreover, no one should be unlawfully detained. The Eswatini authorities must promptly either release Roberto and the 13 others, or establish lawful grounds for their detention before a competent court.”

Detained Without Charge

According to Amnesty and family members, none of the 14 men deported from the U.S. have any known ties to Eswatini. Despite being in custody for more than three months, they have not been charged or brought before a court.

Lawyers attempting to represent the group say they have been repeatedly denied confidential access to their clients. Relatives in Cuba and the U.S. have also been unable to confirm their wellbeing.

Mosquera’s hunger strike, which began on October 15, is now in its second week. Rights monitors say he has lost significant weight and is showing signs of serious physical weakness.

Calls for Transparency

Amnesty International’s statement comes amid mounting concern over the opaque deportation arrangement between Washington and Mbabane. The agreement has never been publicly acknowledged by either government, and Eswatini has no formal resettlement program for foreign nationals.

Human rights observers say the case raises broader questions about U.S. deportation practices that involve third-party states. “If confirmed, this would represent a troubling precedent — using a small African nation to detain individuals the U.S. cannot legally repatriate elsewhere,” said one regional analyst familiar with U.S.–Africa policy.

No Comment From Governments

Neither the U.S. Department of State nor Eswatini’s Ministry of Home Affairs has publicly commented on the detentions. Requests for clarification from journalists and human rights groups have gone unanswered.

The Eswatini government has also not indicated whether the detainees have been granted access to medical care or consular assistance.

Violations of International Law

Legal experts say if confirmed, the secret transfer could violate international humanitarian and refugee law, including the Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which prohibit states from sending individuals to places where they face potential abuse or indefinite detention.

“This kind of offshoring of responsibility allows governments to evade accountability,” said a human rights attorney in Johannesburg. “It undermines the rule of law and the right to due process.”

Health Concerns Intensify

As of Friday, Mosquera remains in detention in Matsapha, with no indication that authorities intend to review his case. Amnesty said his condition must be monitored closely by independent medical professionals.

“The Eswatini authorities must ensure Roberto receives appropriate medical care,” Chagutah said, warning that his life may be in danger if the hunger strike continues.

For now, the 14 men remain behind bars — detained in a country they have no ties to, under an agreement no one will explain.

Republican Senator Criticizes Trump Administration As Caribbean Sea Death Toll From U.S. Strikes Tops 30

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By News Americas Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Oct. 20, 2025: The fallout from a series of deadly U.S. military strikes in Caribbean waters continues to widen – drawing condemnation from a leading U.S. senator against the Trump administration, sparking regional divisions within CARICOM, and even threatening Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic ambitions on the world stage.

A US Marines’ Lockheed Martin F35-B jet prepares to land at José Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on September 13, 2025, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. (Photo by MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO/AFP via Getty Images)

At least 30 to 33 people have now been reportedly killed in U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in international waters near Venezuela since early September. The Trump administration claims the boats were tied to narcoterrorist networks. But human rights groups, legal experts, and regional governments are questioning both the legality and motives of the strikes.

Rand Paul Breaks Ranks With Trump

Senator Rand Paul (R–Ky.) has emerged as the sole Republican voice openly condemning the operations, calling them “contrary to American principles” and “a violation of the rule of law.”

“When the U.S. kills someone, you really need to know someone’s name,” Paul said on NBC’s Meet the Press. “You have to accuse them of something. You have to present evidence. So all these people have been blown up without us knowing their name, without any evidence of a crime.”

Paul questioned the rationale for using military force thousands of miles from U.S. shores. “If our policy now is to blow up every ship we suspect of drug running, that would be a bizarre world in which 25 percent of the people might be innocent,” he warned, adding that the distinction between “war and peace” is being dangerously blurred.

The senator has also clashed publicly with Vice President JD Vance, who called the strikes “the highest and best use of our military.” Paul responded on X, calling such remarks “despicable” and warning that the U.S. is “glorifying killing without trial.”

CARICOM Reaffirms ‘Zone of Peace’ — But Trinidad and Tobago Breaks Ranks

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the escalating militarization of the region. In a joint statement issued October 18, 2025, Heads of Government – except for Trinidad and Tobago, which reserved its position – reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and to resolving disputes through dialogue and international law.

CARICOM leaders underscored their shared opposition to narcotrafficking and the illegal arms trade but stressed that these challenges must be addressed “through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.”

They also reaffirmed “unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Region and the safety and livelihoods of the people of the Region.”

However, Port of Spain’s dissenting stance has triggered unease across the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago’s nomination for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–28 could now be in jeopardy, according to well-placed sources quoted by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“There is a perception that some regional leaders are unhappy with Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to side with Washington,” the sources said, referring to CARICOM’s collective position and the fact that two Trinidadian nationals were reportedly among those killed in the latest U.S. strike.

Despite the controversy, Trinidad and Tobago reiterated its stance on Sunday, defending its support for U.S. operations. In an official statement, the government said the actions were “aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime,” adding that such operations are intended to make the Caribbean a “true Zone of Peace where all citizens can live and work in a safe environment.” The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government “wishes to once more, categorially express its strong support for the on-going military intervention of the United States of America in the region.”

“These operations aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true “Zone of Peace” where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment,”  the statement said.

U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert in Trinidad

Amid rising tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain issued a security alert on October 18, 2025, citing a “heightened state of alert” and advising Americans to avoid all U.S. government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago through the holiday weekend.

The advisory urged U.S. citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, monitor reputable news outlets, and report suspicious activity to local authorities. It also reminded travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates.

Mounting Regional and Legal Backlash

International legal experts and human rights organizations, including the ACLU and the Center for Constitutional Rights, continue to denounce the U.S. strikes as extrajudicial killings carried out under a legally dubious “war on narcoterrorism.”

“This represents a dangerous precedent — expanding the definition of war to justify killing criminal suspects,” one legal analyst warned.

With the death toll now surpassing 30 individuals, including possible Caribbean nationals, CARICOM’s commitment to peace and the region’s sovereignty faces one of its toughest tests in decades.

As Senator Paul summed up: “Did we really return to a world where accusation alone justifies execution? That’s not justice – it’s lawlessness.”

Is The US Committing Murder In Caribbean Waters? Rights Group Say Yes

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News Americas, New York, Fri. Oct. 17, 2025: With over 27 people now dead from unilateral U.S. military strikes in Caribbean waters near Venezuela, human rights organizations are accusing the Trump administration of murder.

An infographic titled “US strikes another ‘narco-trafficking vessel’ off Venezuelan coast” created in Ankara, Turkiye on October 15, 2025. US President Donald Trump said the US carried out another strike Tuesday on ‘a narco-trafficking vessel’ off the coast of Venezuela. (Photo by Yasin Demirci/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“All available evidence suggests that President Trump’s lethal strikes in the Caribbean constitute murder, pure and simple,” said Jeffrey Stein, staff attorney with the ACLU’s National Security Project. “The public deserves to know how our government is justifying these attacks as lawful, and, given the stakes, immediate public scrutiny of its apparently radical theories is imperative.”

On October 15, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA) request seeking the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, (OLC) opinion authorizing these strikes. The groups argue that the U.S. has crossed a dangerous legal and moral line by targeting unarmed civilians under the guise of anti-narcotics operations.

Lethal Strikes Under “Counter-Narcotics” Cover

Since early September, the U.S. has launched repeated airstrikes against private vessels it claims were drug-smuggling boats operating in international Caribbean waters. The strikes – now totaling at least six – are part of a new Joint Task Force, (JTF), initiative under the U.S. Southern Command, (SOUTHCOM), which aims to “synchronize and augment counter-narcotics efforts” across the Western Hemisphere.

The JTF, led by the II Marine Expeditionary Force, integrates military, intelligence, and Homeland Security resources, expanding aerial and maritime surveillance, real-time intelligence sharing, and rapid-response capabilities. The Trump administration claims these measures are essential to dismantling narcotrafficking networks it now labels as “terrorist non-state armed groups.”

However, legal scholars say the administration’s reclassification of narcotics cartels as “terrorists” stretches the limits of both domestic and international law, effectively treating criminal suspects as combatants.

Legal Ambiguity and Public Outrage

During recent Senate hearings, Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to confirm the existence of legal guidance authorizing such strikes. But Charles Young, nominated as U.S. Army general counsel, admitted that the OLC opinion exists, drafted by an interagency working group including White House and executive branch lawyers.

“This is an unprecedented expansion of presidential power,” said Baher Azmy, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights. “In a constitutional democracy, no president can arbitrarily choose to assassinate individuals from the sky based on his whim or say-so.”

Amnesty International condemned the attacks as “murder—plain and simple,” noting that the administration has provided “no plausible legal justification” for killing alleged drug smugglers without evidence or due process.

“This was the fifth U.S. strike in the Caribbean since early September, bringing the body count to 27,” said Daphne Eviatar, Amnesty International USA’s Director for Security and Human Rights. “These airstrikes outrageously flout international law and set a dangerous precedent for other leaders around the world.”

Military Fallout and Regional Alarm

Meanwhile, tensions are rising within the U.S. military itself. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads SOUTHCOM operations in Latin America, will step down two years early. Sources told Reuters that disagreements over the legality and escalation of Caribbean operations contributed to his decision.

Holsey’s resignation comes as the U.S. continues a military buildup near Venezuela, deploying guided missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine. The administration insists these moves are necessary to counter “narcoterrorist threats,” though critics say they risk igniting a regional conflict.

Adding to concerns, Trump confirmed he has authorized CIA covert operations inside Venezuela, heightening fears of regime-change efforts against President Nicolás Maduro.

Collateral Damage and Human Cost

Boats are pictured on the shore of La Cueva Bay, north coast of Trinidad and Tobago, on October 16, 2025. Police in Trinidad and Tobago told AFP on October 16, 2025, they are investigating whether two citizens were among six people killed in a US strike on a boat allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela after reports by residents of Las Cuevas village. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

Among those killed in the fifth strike were two men from Trinidad and Tobago – Chad “Charpo” Joseph and Rishi Samaroo – whose families insist they were not involved in drug trafficking. “If you see a boat, you are supposed to stop and intercept it, not blow it up,” said Joseph’s aunt, Lynette Burnley, calling the attack “wickedness.”

To date, at least 28 people have been killed in the ongoing U.S. operation, which rights groups warn amounts to extrajudicial execution.

As the ACLU and CCR press for transparency, the question remains: can the U.S. justify these killings under international law – or is it rewriting the rules of engagement in its own image?

Ramotsamai Itumeleng Khunyeli contributed to this story.

Fifth US Strikes Near Venezuela Brings Death Toll To 27

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By NAN Caribbean Desk

News Americas, Miami, FL, Tues. Oct. 15, 2025: The US strikes near Venezuela is turning deadlier by the week. Donald Trump today confirmed a fifth strike killing six more “just off the coast,” bringing the regional death toll to 27.

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster departs from José Aponte de la Torre Airport, formerly Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, on September 12, 2025, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The Trump administration recently carried out a drone strike in the southern Caribbean against a boat that had left Venezuela and was suspected of transporting drugs. Eleven people died in the attack. The president claimed that the vessel was operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump announced the latest strike on social media Tuesday, claiming the vessel targeted was “affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization conducting narcotrafficking.” The administration has provided no evidence to substantiate the link, nor identified the nationality of the victims.

Legal and human rights experts have condemned the operations as extrajudicial killings, arguing that suspected drug smugglers are civilians – not enemy combatants – and that the military cannot lawfully target them outside of an active armed conflict. Congress has not authorized the use of force against criminal cartels or drug traffickers.

New Joint Task Force Announced

The escalation came just four days after the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced the formation of a new Joint Task Force (JTF) under the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) to “synchronize and augment counter-narcotics efforts” across the Western Hemisphere.

According to SOUTHCOM, the task force will:

Integrate the capabilities of II MEF with Homeland Security and other U.S. agencies;

Expand aerial surveillance and maritime patrols;

Enhance intelligence fusion and rapid-response capacity;

Conduct joint training with regional forces and advise partner nations on counter-narcotics operations.

Adm. Alvin Holsey, SOUTHCOM Commander, who was said to be visiting Grenada today, said the goal is to “detect, disrupt, and dismantle illicit trafficking networks faster and at greater depth.”

Lt. Gen. Calvert Worth, head of II MEF and now JTF Commander, added that his team “will leverage maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, precision interdictions, and intelligence sharing to counter illicit traffic and uphold the rule of law.”

Regional Unease

Holsey’s visit this week to Grenada – his first since assuming the Command – has already sparked public concern in Grenada, where reports surfaced that Washington has requested permission to install US radar equipment and technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

The Grenadian government confirmed it is “carefully assessing” the U.S. request, citing the need to protect national sovereignty, tourism safety, and public interest. “The Ministries of National Security, Legal Affairs and Foreign Affairs are carefully assessing the request and reviewing the request in technical consultations, in coordination with the Grenada airports Authority and other relevant agencies,” the Dickon Mitchell government said, adding that it is carefully reviewing the request in accordance with established national procedures.

“Any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed. We wish to assure our citizens that any decision taken will be guided by Grenada’s sovereignty, public safety, and national interest, including the protection of our tourism industry, the traveling public, and the country’s economic well-being,” the government said, adding it  continue to keep the public informed as developments unfold.

However, former Senate President Chester Humphrey and ex-Foreign Minister Peter David have warned that the move could be a precursor to U.S. military action against Venezuela.

David said while Grenada values its long-standing ties with both Washington and Caracas, “unilateral action… perceived as hostile will be both counterproductive and destabilizing.”

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, says his country has absolutely no interest in hosting any form of military assets, and that the situation regarding Grenada is “really a sovereign issue” for  the government of that island.

“If they decide to accommodate the United States, there is nothing we can do. We would have to respect the decision,”  Browne told reporters on a conference call from St. John’s.

Regional Implications

Analysts say the combination of lethal strikes and expanded U.S. presence marks a dramatic militarization of Caribbean waters, raising new questions about sovereignty, legality, and the region’s role in America’s “war on drugs.”

Critics argue that the Caribbean — long a zone of peace and cooperation on maritime security — is being transformed into a forward operating theater for U.S. military operations, with little transparency or regional consultation. Critics, including congressional Democrats, legal scholars, and human rights groups, have stressed that even if any of the boats recently bombed by the Trump administration were trafficking drugs, the strikes still violate international and federal law. Such criticism has not deterred the administration. Amnesty International USA declared: “This is murder. The US government must be held accountable.”

Is ExxonMobil Operating At A $6 Billion Or $3.4 Billion “Loss” In Guyana?

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Analysis By NAN Business Editor

News Americas, Georgetown, Guyana, Tues. Oct. 14, 2025: ExxonMobil’s Guyana President, Alistair Routledge on Monday claimed the company is “still operating in the red to the tune of around US$6 billion” in Guyana, as he retorted over to a question by three U.S. senators on the company’s tax breaks. So which number is closer to reality: $6 billion or $3.4 billion in losses?

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

What Routledge Said

Speaking at Exxon’s Ogle, East Coast Demerara headquarters, Routledge told reporters that the NGO Oil and Gas Governance Network, (OGGN) may have misled U.S. senators about the company’s tax filings. He said that ExxonMobil Guyana is still operating with a negative cash flow of around six billion US dollars.

“We continue to be actually cash flow negative on an accumulative basis… we are probably still around six billion US dollars in negative cash flow as we look at the cumulative expenditures and cumulative revenues that we’ve seen from the Stabroek Block,” he told reporters.

Routledge asserted that in ExxonMobil Corporation’s 2023 and 2024 tax filings, there were no Guyanese tax credits included in either of those filings, “and you would recall that prior to 2023, we were not making profits here in Guyana, so there were no tax credits from that. Up until this point, there have been no Guyana tax credits used by ExxonMobil.”

The Alternative Figure: $3.4 Billion

But Exxon’s own Guyana website identifies a different figure: US$3.4 billion in red ink — even while acknowledging an accounting profit in 2024. According to Exxon’s 2024 financials:

Gross production rose sharply with the Prosperity FPSO, boosting revenue for all partners

Despite posting an accounting profit, the company said it remains “in the red” by US$3.4 billion

Exxon and its co-venturers have invested a cumulative US$55 billion in Guyana to date. This divergence begs the question: how can a company be both profitable on paper and yet claim to be billions in losses?

The Contractual Context

Under the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Exxon’s Guyana deal allows it to recover up to 75% of its share of oil revenue for cost recovery before profit payments begin. In practice, this means a large portion of early revenue goes to recovering the developer’s costs- capital, exploration, infrastructure – leaving little net profit early on.

Furthermore, financials for 2024 show:

Operating expenditures of GYD 477.6 billion

Depreciation/amortization at GYD 301.8 billion

Exploration, production, royalties also eat into margins

These mechanics help explain how Exxon could legitimately claim negative cash flow despite strong revenues.

Why It Matters for Guyana

The optics of a $6B loss vs $3.4B matters deeply for public trust, fiscal policy, and future licensing. Guyana has collected over US$6.2 billion in oil profits and royalties since 2020 – so when Exxon claims it’s in the red, critics say the narrative raises concerns about transparency and fairness. If Exxon can delay or reduce profit sharing through cost recovery claims, that changes the magnitude and timing of what Guyana as a partner actually realizes.

Bottom Line

Both $6 billion and $3.4 billion claims could contain grains of truth, depending on accounting methods, timing, amortization and recovery policies.

Routledge emphasized cash flow negativity and absence of Guyanese tax credits in filings.

Exxon’s public data insists on a lower loss figure despite profits.

The discrepancy boils down to methodology, timing, and cost recovery mechanics.

So, while the $6B figure commands headlines, the $3.4B estimate rooted in Exxon’s own reporting asks where did the almost three additional billion come from?. It’s really a question of how loss and profit are really defined.