BVI students evacuated to Cayman as Melissa nears Jamaica

The government has announced that all BVI students studying in Jamaica have been safely relocated to the Cayman Islands as Hurricane Melissa bears down on the island, bringing the potential for catastrophic damage.

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley confirmed the evacuation in a statement on Monday, assuring residents that his government has been monitoring the situation closely and maintaining communication with regional partners. He expressed solidarity with those in the storm’s path and pledged that the BVI would play its part in supporting regional recovery efforts once the full extent of the damage is known.

“Moments like these remind us that we are one regional family, bound by history, friendship, and shared resilience,” he said. “Importantly, students studying in Jamaica have been safely evacuated to the Cayman Islands. We thank the Premier and Government of the Cayman Islands for assisting in the process.”

The Premier said the situation in Jamaica remains serious and urged residents to continue praying for protection and swift recovery for the people of Jamaica and other islands affected.  He also said the government stands ready to provide support as recovery needs become clearer in the coming days, emphasising that the Virgin Islands will not hesitate to lend a helping hand to its Caribbean neighbours.

The relocation of BVI students highlights the severity of the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a Category 5 storm as it approached Jamaica. The hurricane generated sustained winds of up to 175 mph (282 km/h), accompanied by torrential rainfall and a dangerous storm surge that could inundate coastal communities.

Jamaican authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in flood-prone and low-lying areas as the storm moves across the island. Reports indicate that Melissa could dump up to 3 feet of rain in some areas, triggering flash floods and landslides.

The Cayman Islands, while spared a direct hit, are bracing for rough seas, heavy rain, and strong winds as the storm’s outer bands pass to the north. Regional disaster agencies are warning residents across the western Caribbean to remain alert as Hurricane Melissa continues on its destructive path.