Caribbean bishops warn against military escalation in region
October 29, 2025
Where Hope lives
October 29, 2025
By Kaelanne Jordan
mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org
As of press day last Tuesday, Bishop John Persaud of Mandeville, and Apostolic Administrator of Montego Bay, Jamaica, said he and his diocese were awaiting the full landfall of Hurricane Melissa.
The storm was moving slowly through the central Caribbean as a powerful Category 5 system affecting Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with the Cayman Islands and parts of the Bahamas experiencing severe coastal flooding as it neared Jamaica.
Speaking from Canada, where he was on a scheduled break, the bishop said he remained in constant contact with his diocese and was being briefed regularly on the situation.
“We’ve done as much preparation as possible, both at the level of the central government of Jamaica, their local government, as well as our Church communities,” Bishop Persaud said in a video message.
He explained that parishes across the diocese had been working to identify and assist those most at risk.
“We have been able to reach out and look for the most vulnerable in our communities—those who live alone, the elderly, and those living in homes that are definitely going to be vulnerable,” he explained.
“We’ve been encouraging them to move toward shelters, prepared by the government, which sometimes include our own school buildings.”
Bishop Persaud described the storm as terrifying and unprecedented.
“I’ve been told that this is probably going to be the worst hurricane Jamaica has ever lived through, and so in many ways it’s a little frightening,” he said. “There’s going to be damage at the level of just simply the winds… as well as from flooding, which I feel is going to be even worse.”
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Bishop Persaud expressed deep confidence in the faith and resilience of Jamaicans.
“We are resilient, very hopeful people and a faith-based people. We know that God will not abandon us,” he said.
He thanked the wider Caribbean community for “praying and caring for us….We look forward to continuing that relationship especially after the hurricane has passed, when the rebuilding of our lives and livelihoods will be a serious challenge. But in all of this, we truly trust God,” Bishop Persaud said.
In the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), issued a call for the faithful across the Caribbean to unite in prayer for those affected by the hurricane.
He made special mention of the Archdiocese of Kingston under Archbishop Kenneth Richards, and the Dioceses of Mandeville and Montego Bay led by Bishop Persaud.
“May the Lord protect them and all communities in the hurricane’s path from harm,” the Archbishop said.
Referencing the AEC’s Pastoral Letter on Natural Disasters (2025), Archbishop Gordon noted that “our shared vulnerability calls us to deeper faith, solidarity, and stewardship of creation.” He urged all Caribbean people to respond “through prayer, compassion, and concrete acts of generosity.”
Before the hurricane struck, Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston had urged clergy, religious, and lay faithful to take precautions.
“I urge all clergy, religious and faithful within the Archdiocese to remain vigilant and to take every necessary precaution to ensure personal safety and the protection of property,” Archbishop Richards said in an October 23 message.
He called on parishes to secure their buildings, maintain contact with vulnerable parishioners, and follow guidance from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
“Above all we commend ourselves and our nation to the loving protection of Almighty God,” he said. “Let us unite in fervent prayer for the safety of all, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, as well as for our leaders, first responders and all who serve the common good.”
