PORT OF SPAIN: 25TH OCTOBER 2025
The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is actively monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it moves through the Caribbean Sea and affirms that the safety of all nationals is an utmost priority.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training and Caribbean Airlines agreed that Trinidad and Tobago nationals, including students, seeking to leave Jamaica would be given priority on the national carrier.
Summary of student population and support measures:
- Total students actively under SATD and GATE in Jamaica: 268.
- Bursary recipients: 69;
- CAPE: 5;
- GATE: 179;
- UTECH: 15.
A blast email was sent to all students on 23rd October 2025 asking whether they wished to return to Trinidad and Tobago before the storm; Of the 268 students contacted, 72 students responded in the affirmative; 13 responded in the negative; and 183 did not respond.
Of the 13 who indicated “no”, 6 stated they were safe at residential homes and the remainder reported they were comfortable in the Halls of the UWI. The term “Halls” refers to on campus living arrangements.
An email was sent to all students on 24th October 2025 informing them of provisions that the UWI was making for students living on and off campus and listing shelters in Jamaica; the email also included the flight schedule for that day for students wishing to purchase tickets to return to Trinidad.
Caribbean Airlines operated two non‑stop flights from Kingston to Trinidad on Friday 24th October 2025: BW 415 KINGSTON – TRINIDAD (departure 11:25 am KIN local time; 38 open seats) and BW 405 KINGSTON – TRINIDAD (departure 10:30 am KIN local time; 121 open seats).
Persons are reminded that updated information on Caribbean Airlines’ flight availability and schedule is available via their official website (https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/#/plan-your-trip/flight-status).
On 25th October, 2025, the High Commission visited the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies and distributed food items to students living in all halls of residence, using a needs list compiled by the Trinidad and Tobago Students Association. The Charge d’Affaires, accompanied by the President of the TTSA, spent most of the day delivering parcels to representatives of the halls for onward distribution to students who had requested assistance.
At the time of writing, the Charge d’Affaires was en route to deliver a package of food items to a student of Edna Manley College who had requested help.
Regional coordination
The Government of Barbados contacted the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago requesting that Barbadian nationals be accommodated on Trinidad and Tobago’s national carrier, Caribbean Airlines, and the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago facilitated the request, coordinating with Caribbean Airlines to ensure arrangements were made to assist Barbadian nationals.
Safety advisory and actions
The Ministry urges all Trinidad and Tobago nationals in Jamaica to follow the measures below to protect life and property as Hurricane Melissa approaches. Students who were contacted and offered assistance are reminded that delaying decisions or failing to utilise available support needlessly places themselves and consular resources at greater risk. Students are expected to follow directions from verified, authorised sources only and not unverified channels
- Follow local instructions immediately. Obey directives from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and local parish authorities. Evacuation orders, shelter directions, road closures and other official instructions must be followed without delay.
- Expect hurricane conditions. Hurricane Melissa is forecast to pass south of Jamaica; hurricane force winds, very heavy rainfall and hazardous marine conditions are likely. Flash flooding and dangerous surf are possible.
- Prioritise personal safety. Stay indoors during strong winds, keep away from rivers and gullies, and avoid low lying and flood prone areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or cross swollen rivers.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Include water, non-perishable food, torches, spare batteries, essential medications, important documents, a phone charger and any items needed for infants or persons with disabilities.
- Avoid coastal and marine activities. Small craft and recreational vessels should remain in port; beaches and seaside areas may be dangerous due to large waves and rip currents.
- Keep communications open. Maintain contact with family and friends and let someone know your whereabouts. Charge mobile devices and keep key numbers to hand.
Consular assistance
- High Commission, Kingston: 1 876-926-5730; 1 876-926-5739; 1 876-968-0588.
- Student contact for assistance: Ms Amanda Fraser, High Commission, Kingston Mobile: 1 876-480-3537; email: hckingston@foreign.gov.tt.
- Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Port of Spain: (868) 623 6894.
Stay informed
- Monitor official meteorological and emergency management channels in Jamaica for the latest forecasts and advisories.
- Check local radio and television, official social media channels and parish notices for urgent updates.
- For further guidance regarding travel, safety preparations or consular help, refer to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and Caribbean Airlines Limited.
