All BVI students in Jamaica evacuated to
All Virgin Islands students studying in Jamaica were safely relocated to the Cayman Islands as Hurricane Melissa approached and later struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. Jamaican authorities report widespread destruction and, according to Reuters, at least 19 fatalities; Premier Natalio D. Wheatley has offered condolences, confirmed contact with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, and said the Virgin Islands will provide assistance where it can.
Several Virgin Islands students who were studying in Jamaica have been safely relocated to the Cayman Islands as Hurricane Melissa bore down on Jamaica and later made landfall, the Government of the Virgin Islands confirmed. Initial reports of the evacuation were published by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), and later coverage by BVI News clarified that all BVI students studying in Jamaica were part of the relocation.
BVI News credited the Cayman Islands government with facilitating the safe transfer of the students to Cayman. The evacuation took place as Hurricane Melissa intensified rapidly while moving toward Jamaica. Local and regional outlets reported that the storm reached Category 5 strength with sustained winds up to 175 mph (282 km/h), producing torrential rainfall and a dangerous storm surge that threatened coastal communities (BVI News).
Jamaican authorities ordered mandatory evacuations in low-lying and flood-prone areas amid warnings of up to three feet of rain in parts of the island. The storm struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025. VINO reports the hurricane caused widespread destruction across the island, and Reuters has reported at least 19 people died as a result of Hurricane Melissa.
The scale of damage includes collapsed homes, severe flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas, and emergency services continue search-and-rescue and relief operations. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley has been addressing the situation as it unfolds.
In a statement issued on October 27, the Premier expressed solidarity and prayers for those affected, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with every family, community, and nation affected by this powerful storm" (Jahphix Television/JTV). During the continuation of the Tenth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on October 30, 2025, Premier Wheatley again extended sympathy and solidarity to the government and people of Jamaica and confirmed he had spoken directly with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Andrew M.
Holness, to "commiserate as well as offer the VI’s thoughts, prayers and well-wishes for Jamaica’s full recovery" (VINO). The Government of the Virgin Islands says it has been in communication with regional partners and disaster agencies to determine where support is needed and to coordinate efforts. "We stand ready to assist in any way we can," the Premier told reporters, adding that the territory will provide support as recovery needs become clearer (JTV).
The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has pledged support for Jamaica’s restoration efforts and will send a team, along with other utility companies that are members of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), to assist with power-system recovery (VINO). For families of students and other residents concerned about loved ones in Jamaica, officials urge staying in contact with evacuees and monitoring communications from the Government of the Virgin Islands, as well as advisories from Jamaican and Cayman authorities.
Local outlets including VINO, BVI News and JTV say they will continue to monitor developments related to Hurricane Melissa and any further assistance the BVI government may provide. BVI Live will follow up with updates on the condition of evacuees, the scope of damage in Jamaica, and specific assistance plans as more information becomes available.
Primary source: VINO