Recovery in full gear

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has unveiled plans to establish multiple field hospitals across the island as the death toll rises to 28. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, severely damaged healthcare facilities in western Jamaica, prompting urgent measures to address the crisis. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced during a media briefing on Saturday that the first field hospital will be constructed in Black River, St. Elizabeth, with assistance from the international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse. The facility, equipped with an operating theater and critical diagnostic equipment, is expected to begin operations on Sunday, November 2. Additional field hospitals will be set up in Savanna-la-mar, Falmouth, Noel Holmes, and Cornwall Regional. The Indian, Canadian, and Spanish governments have also pledged support by providing field hospitals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has distributed essential supplies such as food, water, and care packages to patients and staff at Black River Hospital. International aid continues to pour in, with the World Food Programme delivering 5,000 food kits to feed 15,000 people for a week and the Dominican Republic sending a Navy vessel loaded with over 1,050,000 food rations and other relief supplies. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported significant progress in clearing major roads, including the reopening of the Class A road from Kingston to Lucea and the southern route from Santa Cruz to Black River. Additionally, the Jamaica Public Service Company has restored electricity to 150,000 customers across several parishes. The Jamaica Defence Force has also been actively involved, delivering relief packages to affected communities in Black River.