Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, who serves as chair of the committee from April 2026 to April 2027, said the meeting is intended to strengthen regional resilience through coordinated disaster management planning.

“Caribbean peoples and states rely on each other for comprehensive disaster management support through CDEMA mechanisms such as the TAC,” Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said. “This approach of regional cooperation makes us more self-sufficient because we are in a position to better anticipate and respond to all kinds of risks.”

Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome said that improving coordination is necessary as hazards become more complex and frequent, adding that adjustments to existing strategies will be a focus of the meeting.

“We have a strong regional strategy and are moving in the right direction, but this year’s meeting will help make adjustments to account for a hazard landscape that is changing by the day,” she said.

Jasen Penn, the Virgin Islands’ director of disaster management, said the discussions will include updates to the regional comprehensive disaster management plan, as well as reviews of CDEMA’s programs and activities at both regional and national levels.

“This is an opportunity for all the participating states to advocate for our individual needs, and to share what we have learned from recent incidents and hazard impacts,” Mr. Penn said.

Officials said the meeting is part of ongoing efforts to improve collaboration among Caribbean states in preparing for and responding to natural hazards and emergencies.

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The strikes occurred near Ukraine’s Odesa region as the ships traveled in designated maritime corridors for commercial traffic, according to Ukraine’s Operational Command South. One of the vessels was heading to the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to load grain for export when it was hit.

A Syrian national aboard the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel died as a result of the attack, and several crew members sustained injuries, Ukrainian officials reported. Details about the second vessel, including its flag and exact route, were not immediately disclosed.

The incident marks one of several reported attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea since the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Maritime authorities and industry groups have raised concerns about the safety of commercial vessels operating in or near conflict zones.

Ukrainian officials reaffirmed calls for strengthened international protections for civilian maritime traffic. The International Maritime Organization and other global shipping bodies have previously issued advisories urging heightened caution for vessels transiting the Black Sea.

Russia’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It has, in past incidents, generally denied responsibility for attacks that have affected commercial shipping or attributed such events to other causes.

The attack occurs against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities between Russian and Ukrainian forces, as both sides contend with strategic control of key coastal and maritime areas. The incident may prompt further discussions within the shipping industry and among foreign ministries regarding insurance and risk mitigation for vessels operating in the region.

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Jamaica experienced catastrophic damage when Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm on Oct. 28, 2025. The storm’s impact on homes, infrastructure and crops left an estimated 5 million tonnes of debris in western Jamaica, according to the United Nations Development Programme, and triggered fears of food-supply shortages.

For the British Virgin Islands and other smaller Caribbean jurisdictions, the scale of Jamaica’s losses underscores vulnerabilities shared across the region—particularly how extreme weather events, tourism declines and infrastructure damage can compound economic risks.

Tourism, trade and investment flows in the Caribbean are deeply interconnected. The Jamaica crisis may lead to reduced regional airline traffic, delayed cruise calls, and upward pressure on insurance and reconstruction costs—factors that could influence the BVI’s economy directly.

Holness emphasised that Jamaica will temporarily suspend its fiscal rules, seek regional and international financial support, and rebuild with greater resilience: “Every repaired bridge, re-roofed home and rebuilt road must be designed for the storms of tomorrow, not the storms of yesterday.”

Experts warn that as warming ocean temperatures drive more intense hurricanes, islands like the BVI must sharpen preparedness—covering early warning systems, climate-proofing infrastructure and regional cooperation on relief funds and insurance frameworks.

The lesson for the BVI: the ripple effects from Jamaica illustrate that regional shocks cannot be viewed in isolation. If disaster strikes one island, the tourism supply chain, aviation connectivity and shared insurance markets make all Caribbean states vulnerable.

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Photo: Aerial

The British Virgin Islands–based organization Pioneering Greatness has announced the rescheduling of its annual Success Conference, originally slated for November 1, following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica.

The decision comes as the island continues to recover from widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and prolonged power outages caused by the Category 5 storm earlier this week. According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), several parishes remain without full access to clean water and electricity, and road clearance operations are still underway. Thankfully, no major loss of life has been reported, though hundreds have been displaced from low-lying areas.

This year’s Pioneering Greatness Success Conference was set to mark a milestone for the BVI-based movement, as it would have been the first time the event was held outside the Virgin Islands. Founder David D. Archer Jr., who also serves as Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, said the organization’s immediate priority is now to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

“Due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa and our concern for the people of Jamaica, we will reschedule and repurpose our success and motivational conference to a stronger effort to support Jamaica during this period,” Archer explained. “We will not host an event while the community is facing this challenge.”

Archer added that he plans to travel to Jamaica in partnership with Aerial Recovery, a disaster-response organization, to help coordinate and participate in hands-on recovery efforts.

“Our Pioneering Greatness team will serve to provide hands and hope during this period,” he continued. “When our Jamaican family is standing strong again, we will rise together for Pioneering Greatness 2025/2026: A Conference of Hope, Support, and Inspiration — a benefit for Jamaica and its people.”

The team expressed heartfelt concern for Jamaicans affected by the storm and gratitude for the emergency responders and volunteers working across the island.

“We trust that everyone is safe following the hurricane,” Archer said. “Our focus now is on standing with Jamaica in action, compassion, and rebuilding.”

Pioneering Greatness, founded by David D. Archer Jr., is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals, businesses, governments, and nations through leadership, education, and motivational experiences. Now in its seventh year, the organization has inspired people across the Caribbean and beyond to live with courage and purpose.

To learn more or to support Jamaica’s relief efforts, visit www.pioneeringgreatness.com, WhatsApp/Text +1 (284) 542-4348, or email pioneeringgreatness@gmail.com.

Follow @pioneeringgreatness on Instagram and Facebook.

#PioneeringGreatness #PGforJamaica #TogetherWeRise #CaribbeanStrong #JamaicaRelief #LiveUnafraid #HopeInAction

https://www.facebook.com/reel/702902939465964

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Team BVI is making the Virgin Islands proud at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, currently ranking 30th out of 181 teams as the international robotics competition enters its final day in Panama City.

This milestone marks the team’s best performance to date, reflecting the determination, skill, and teamwork of five young Virgin Islanders — Eleazar Brooks, Keyara Smith, Jayron Gibson, Judiah Case, and Denae Scatliffe-Chalwell — who are competing with their custom-built robot, Artemis.

The students return to the field this morning in Ranking Match 307 at 10:50 a.m. (AST), with hopes of finishing strong as they represent the Virgin Islands on the global stage.

Now in their third consecutive year of competition, Team BVI has shown consistent growth since their debut in Singapore in 2023, when they placed 143rd out of 191 teams. In 2024, they rose to 111th out of 180 teams in Greece — and this year’s jump into the top 30 cements their reputation as one of the fastest-rising teams in the region.

The FIRST Global Challenge brings together young innovators from more than 180 countries to design and build robots that tackle real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The 2025 edition, hosted in Panama from October 29 to November 1, emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and sustainability through robotics.

As the final matches unfold today, excitement continues to build both in Panama and back home in the Virgin Islands, where supporters are celebrating Team BVI’s success and cheering them on to the finish line.

“This incredible milestone reflects the teamwork, determination, and passion our students have poured into every match so far,” the team shared on social media. “We’re proud to represent the Virgin Islands with pride here in Panama.”

Team BVI’s journey not only highlights the growing strength of the Territory’s youth in STEM but also serves as an inspiration for future innovators across the Virgin Islands.

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At least 25 people have died in Haiti after heavy rainfall from Hurricane Melissa caused a river to overflow in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, officials said. The storm, which earlier struck Jamaica and Cuba, continued to impact large parts of the Caribbean.

Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported the bulk of the casualties occurred in Petit-Goâve and that ten of the victims were children. At least 12 others remain missing.

The storm did not make landfall in Haiti, but its outer bands delivered torrential rain, triggering flooding and landslides. More than 12,000 people were displaced and several homes were destroyed.

Regional relief efforts are underway, with agencies coordinating to deliver emergency assistance as access to affected areas remains limited due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing rainfall.

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Jamaican officials confirmed eight deaths as the Category 5 hurricane struck the island on Tuesday with sustained winds near 185 mph, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to homes and infrastructure. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said thousands of residents sought shelter as rivers overflowed and landslides cut off several communities.

In Haiti, authorities reported 23 deaths, many in Petit-Goâve, where heavy rainfall and flash flooding destroyed homes and swept away vehicles. One death was confirmed in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a national disaster and said emergency services were working to restore power and clear major roads. “The Government is mobilising all available resources to assist affected communities,” Mr. Holness said in a televised statement.

The storm left nearly 77 percent of Jamaica’s power customers without electricity, according to utility officials. Damage was concentrated in St. Elizabeth Parish and surrounding southern areas.

In Cuba, more than 700,000 people were evacuated from eastern provinces ahead of Melissa’s arrival, which caused extensive flooding and damage to coastal towns.

International assistance has begun to reach the region. The United Kingdom announced a £2.5 million (US$3.3 million) aid package for Jamaica, including water purification systems and emergency shelter kits. Relief organisations across the Caribbean are coordinating to support recovery efforts.

Meteorologists said the hurricane, now weakening as it moves north, continues to pose threats of flash flooding and storm surges across the northwestern Caribbean. Officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid flooded areas until authorities declare them safe.

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– Virgin Islands students studying in Jamaica evacuated to the Cayman Islands

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According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, two of the deaths occurred while workers were cutting trees in preparation for the hurricane, and a third person was electrocuted. At least 13 others were injured during storm-readiness efforts.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Melissa remains an “extremely dangerous” Category 5 storm, with a central pressure of 892 millibars — among the lowest ever recorded in the Atlantic. The hurricane was moving north-northeast at about 8 mph and is expected to pass over or near Jamaica late Tuesday before heading towards eastern Cuba.

Meteorologists warned of life-threatening conditions across southern and coastal parishes, including a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet, rainfall totals of up to 40 inches, and widespread flash flooding and landslides. Authorities said power outages and structural damage are likely across the island.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to take all warnings seriously and seek shelter immediately. “We are asking every Jamaican to move to safety now,” he said in a televised address.

More than 650 emergency shelters have been opened across the country, and all flights at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay were suspended. Public transport was halted in several parishes as the government ordered evacuations in flood-prone areas.

The World Meteorological Organization described Melissa as potentially the most powerful hurricane to strike Jamaica this century. After crossing the island, forecasters expect the storm to continue northwards towards Cuba and the Cayman Islands, bringing destructive winds and flooding to those areas by Wednesday.

At press time, outer rainbands were already affecting Jamaica’s southern coast, with reports of rising water levels and downed trees. Officials warned that rescue operations would be suspended once winds reach unsafe levels.

Regional Alerts and Evacuations

Cuban authorities have issued hurricane warnings for the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, where Melissa is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall by early Wednesday. The Cuban Civil Defence Agency has begun evacuating coastal residents and relocating vulnerable populations inland.

In the Cayman Islands, the National Emergency Operations Centre activated its highest alert level, advising residents to complete preparations and remain indoors as outer rainbands from Melissa are forecast to affect the islands later Tuesday night. Airports across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac have suspended operations until further notice.

Regional forecasters have urged residents across the western Caribbean to monitor updates closely, as Melissa’s path could continue to threaten other islands as it moves through the region this week.

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Melissa formed from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of West Africa in mid-October and developed into a tropical storm on Oct. 21. Over the weekend, the system rapidly intensified over the central Caribbean, prompting hurricane warnings for Jamaica and southeastern Cuba, and a hurricane watch for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The NHC said the hurricane’s slow movement increases the risk of prolonged rainfall and flooding. Forecast models project rainfall totals of up to 40 inches in some areas, with flash floods and landslides likely in mountainous terrain. “The entire island will be impacted,” Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management said in a statement Sunday, urging residents in coastal and flood-prone areas to evacuate.

In Haiti, officials reported at least three deaths related to flooding and structural collapses as the storm’s outer bands reached the country’s southern region. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center said several homes were damaged and power outages were reported in multiple provinces.

Forecasters expect Melissa to maintain major hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica late Monday or early Tuesday before turning northwest toward southeastern Cuba. Storm surge of up to 13 feet is possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, and large swells are expected to affect nearby islands, including the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, later in the week.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually active, with several systems undergoing rapid intensification fueled by warm sea surface temperatures. Authorities across the Caribbean have urged residents to monitor official advisories and complete preparations before conditions deteriorate.

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