[Kerwin at Passrider.com] Down, but not out: Hurricane Melissa Batters The Caribbean | Revisiting Tobago

In partnership with

Hi Fellow Traveler,

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to read my words. It is appreciated! Here’s hoping you had an amazing week.

A little delayed this week as I'm traveling in the Caribbean; Tobago and Grenada. I'll add some articles and send you an update.

The US falls backwards on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2a. I'm traveling tonght, so will see how it goes. I think I’m gonna miss a flight as a result, but will see.

Remember to give yourself extra time at the U.S. airport due to the U.S. government shutdown and also airport constructions especially at LAX, JFK and IAH. JFK is a piece of work!

And IAH is closing Terminal C and D security checkpoints as of Saturday, at 4a, so you can only access the airport at A and E. Keep abreast of wait times at https://www.fly2houston.com/iah/security/.

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

Hurricane Melissa Relief

Hurricane Melissa made its way through the Caribbean and left a lot of damage in her wake.

Many people are affected especially in the western parts of Jamaica, my island home. Your favorite vacation destinations. Some communities are either cut off or just wiped out, without shelter, food, water and infrastructure.

The affected islands are Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and parts of The Bahamas and Bermuda to a lesser extent. Jamaica took the brunt of the hit.

As travelers, you should stay out of these areas while assessment and recovery efforts are in progress. You don’t want to use the limited resources they have and get in the way.

I know that some of you want to help in the recovery, but be sure and research the organizations to which you’re giving. Also, Try not to donate things that people don't need as it only slows down the donation process and will more than likely be discarded.

In addition, there are several organizations who is in the business of disaster relief, they just need your financial support. TIME magazine has a really good article here with some links, please check it out https://time.com/7329186/hurricane-melissa-caribbean-impact-victims-how-to-help-relief-organizations/.

Jamaica is coordinating its efforts at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/donate.

This is a good place to start. Monetary donations are better so the recipients can use the funds as necessary.

UNICEF and the International Red Cross also have resources set up.

One thing too is that this rebuilding will take time, so don't forget the people in the affected areas beyond this initial period. Oftentimes, as soon as the item is put of the newsletter we forget about them.

If you have vacations booked in Jamaica, contact the folks you booked from as chances are, you may have no place to stay nor any ground transportation or meals, etc. Also, read your travel insurance to see what's covered.

There are three international airports in Jamaica KIN, MBJ and OCJ. Check with your airline to see if flights are operating. Most airlines are offering an opportunity to rebook and if the flights were cancelled, you are entitled to a refund.

But remember, the country's infrastructure is hard hit and fragile, so consider rethinking the trip, unless you are traveling with the specific purpose of being a part of the rebuilding efforts, and things are in place to facilitate that. Essentials like power, water, Internet and clear roadways are not available all over the island. Lots of roadways no longer exist.

I'm putting this together in a blog post and will send you the link so you may keep it handy and refer to it.

Passrider Schedules Premium

And if you want more functionality from the airline schedules, consider upgrading to Passrider Premium at https://www.passrider.com/join.

That’s all I got.