Local News

Hurricane Beryl: Catastrophic Category 5 Storm Targets Jamaica After Devastating Caribbean Islands

Published

11 months ago

July 2, 2024

Editor

Hurricane Beryl, lower center right, churns toward the southeast Caribbean on Saturday. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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.

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Local News

Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2025

Editor

Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a final-seconds shot was ruled a 3-pointer instead of a 4-pointer.

The decision stems from a play with three seconds remaining in regulation. The shot was initially scored as three points by officials. However, after the match, video footage showed the shooter’s feet were behind the 4-point line.

“There was a controversial call involving a shot initially ruled a 3-pointer on the court,” tournament organisers stated. “After the game, video footage surfaced showing that the shot was, in fact, a 4-pointer.”

Despite the post-game evidence, the tournament’s existing rules do not permit video review or reversal of calls. “Unfortunately, King of the Courts does not utilise video review for officiating decisions, and the tournament director does not intervene in referee rulings made during the game,” the statement said.

“Under the current rules, the decision made on the court stands and cannot be changed post-game,” organisers confirmed.

Referees involved in the game have issued apologies to Team USVI. “Our referees have performed commendably throughout the tournament and have personally expressed their apologies to Team USVI for what transpired.”

In the same statement, King of the Courts referenced the challenges faced in basketball officiating. “Even in leagues like the NBA, where video review is available, controversial calls still occur.”

Organisers also stated they will review procedures going forward. “We will explore potential solutions to better address situations like this and ensure continued fairness and transparency in the competition.”

As a result of Team USVI’s withdrawal, St. Kitts — which finished third in its group — will play in the third-place match.

Crime/Police

Deputy Commissioner Confirms 17 Gun Robberies, Two Fatalities in 2025

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2025

Editor

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported a sharp rise in gun-related incidents in early 2025, with a disturbing increase in violent crime targeting public establishments. Among these crimes is the fatal shooting of Nyron Erickson, a West End resident, on May 10, a case currently under active investigation.

According to Deputy Commissioner Kendrick Davis, during a press conference held on May 16, the number of robberies involving firearms increased dramatically between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. “From January to April 2024, there were six robberies, three of which involved guns. In the same period this year, we have recorded 19 robberies, 17 of them involving firearms,” Davis stated during the briefing.

Police officials note that offenders appear to be targeting bars, pubs, and other establishments that handle cash and valuables. “Their interest seems to be focused on cash and jewelry worn by patrons,” Davis said.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Erickson marks one of two deadly firearm incidents in the territory this year. The first occurred on January 15, when Quentin Noel of Personal Estate was killed. In the case of Mr. Erickson, police have identified and issued a bulletin for a suspect, John Emmanuel, also known by aliases including Brent Danglade and “Small Brent.” He is wanted in connection with the May 10 shooting.

“We believe that, aside from being of interest to the investigation, this suspect poses an ongoing threat to public safety,” Deputy Commissioner Davis emphasised. Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Emmanuel, who is believed to be in the territory.

The RVIPF has responded to the surge in gun violence by increasing patrols and implementing targeted operations. Since January, nine firearms and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, with several arrests made in connection with these incidents.

Deputy Commissioner Davis concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he advised. “Every bit of information is important and could be the key to solving these serious matters.”

The investigation into the shooting of Nyron Erickson remains ongoing. Authorities have not released further details to avoid compromising active inquiries.

For those with information, the police have provided several contact numbers, including an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers.

Contact information for tips: