Local News
Hurricane Beryl: Catastrophic Category 5 Storm Targets Jamaica After Devastating Caribbean Islands
Hurricane Beryl, now a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm, has set its sights on Jamaica after leaving at least three persons dead and causing widespread devastation across several Caribbean islands on Monday.
The storm is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica on Wednesday, and the Cayman Islands will be impacted on Thursday, where a hurricane watch has been issued.
Beryl is making history as it marks an unusually early start to the hurricane season, being the earliest Category 5 hurricane and only the second Atlantic storm of such strength recorded in July. Its alarming intensification is fueled by abnormally warm ocean waters, a consequence of fossil fuel-driven climate change.
In just minutes, Beryl tore through Grenada on Monday, destroying buildings and knocking out power and phone service for nearly all residents. “In half an hour, Carriacou was flattened,” Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said.
A path of “immense destruction, pain (and) suffering” swept through St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where at least one person has died, according to Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Many areas, including hospitals, are without electricity, and some lack water. Approximately 90% of homes on Union Island are damaged or destroyed, with hundreds more homes, schools, churches, and government buildings in St. Vincent severely impacted.
“Tomorrow we get up with our commitment and conviction to rebuild our lives and our families’ lives,” Gonsalves said Monday night.
Despite potential fluctuations in strength, Beryl is expected to remain an “extremely dangerous major hurricane” (Category 3 or stronger) through mid-week, the hurricane center reported. The storm will continue to bring strong winds, torrential rain, and hazardous seas across much of the Caribbean, even if it doesn’t make landfall in Jamaica. Its outer bands will still have significant impacts.
The Latest on Beryl
Jamaica Braces for Severe Impacts: A hurricane warning is in place for Jamaica, where hurricane conditions are expected on Wednesday. Tropical storm-force winds are anticipated earlier in the day, with storm surges raising water levels by 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels and rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches.
Dominican Republic and Haiti Under Storm Warnings: The southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic are under tropical storm warnings, with conditions beginning Tuesday. Storm surges up to 3 feet and rainfall totals up to 6 inches are possible.
Extended State of Emergency in Grenada: Due to severe damage, the state of emergency has been extended until July 7, said Neila K. Ettienne, spokesperson for the prime minister’s office. About 95% of Grenada has lost power, with telecommunications and internet services down in some areas.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rush to Restore Power: Local authorities are “working feverishly, urgently and with great focus to get electricity in certain places tonight,” Prime Minister Gonsalves stated. Many trees have fallen on power lines, but government buildings will reopen Tuesday, and business owners are urged to open if possible.
Huge Blow to Barbados Fishing Industry: Though Barbados avoided the brunt of the storm, significant storm surge damaged many fishing vessels, a massive loss to the fishing industry. At least 20 boats have sunk, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley reported. Fishermen at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex could only watch helplessly as waves destroyed their livelihoods.
Cricket Team and Fans Stranded: Some cricket fans and the winning Indian team at the T20 World Cup in Barbados were stranded as Hurricane Beryl forced Grantley Adams International Airport to suspend operations. However, the Indian team is expected to leave Tuesday after the airport’s planned reopening, Mottley said.
Beryl has shattered numerous records, indicating a troubling start to a hurricane season influenced by global warming. On Sunday, it became the earliest major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Atlantic in 58 years and the only one to reach Category 4 status in June. It is also the strongest hurricane known to have passed through the southern Windward Islands, based on NOAA data dating back to 1851.
The storm’s rapid development is attributed to ocean temperatures that are as warm now as they would typically be at the peak of the hurricane season, said Jim Kossin, a hurricane expert and science advisor at the nonprofit First Street Foundation. “Hurricanes don’t know what month it is, they only know what their ambient environment is,” Kossin explained. “Beryl is breaking records for the month of June because Beryl thinks it’s September.”
The unusually warm ocean temperatures fueling Beryl’s unprecedented strengthening “certainly have a human fingerprint on them,” Kossin added.
As Beryl continues its path through the Caribbean, communities brace for its impact, demonstrating resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
Entertainment
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
Business
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Large Quantity of Drugs Seized At Port Purcell
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Police Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
-
Education5 days ago
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
-
Local News5 days ago
RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
-
Business5 days ago
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations