Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration says it has been in close communication with its Jamaican counterpart following growing safety concerns about Belizean nationals studying in Jamaica, as the island braces for the impact of powerful Hurricane Melissa.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a Category 4 storm as it churned northwest through the Caribbean Sea on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds have rapidly increased to near 140 miles per hour (220 km/h), with higher gusts expected. The NHC warned that continued rapid intensification could push Melissa to Category 5 strength before landfall.

The NHC has cautioned that the multi-day event could bring catastrophic and life-threatening flooding, destructive winds, and storm surge through Tuesday. 

Despite the threat, the Government of Jamaica has assured Belizean authorities that all regional and international students, including Belizeans residing on the University of the West Indies (UWI) Halls of Residence, will continue to be accommodated and cared for.

No foreign students have been asked to evacuate. Only Jamaican students have been advised to temporarily relocate, with exceptions made for those unable to do so. Belizean students are urged to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and to remain in contact with local authorities and the Belize High Commission.

At this time, the Ministry notes that there are no plans for repatriation.