Jamaican authorities are implementing an emergency restoration initiative to rapidly repair police facilities severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa across the island nation. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, announced the government’s accelerated response during the reopening ceremony of the Little London Police Station in Westmoreland on Friday.
The comprehensive Accelerated Infrastructure Restoration (AIR) Plan utilizes emergency procurement protocols and strategic institutional partnerships to expedite construction, repairs, and critical upgrades to damaged law enforcement infrastructure. Initial assessments indicate approximately 140 police facilities suffered varying degrees of destruction, with 53 requiring urgent restoration work. Among these, 33 stations sustained extensive structural damage that compromised their operational capacity.
Westmoreland Parish emerged as one of the most severely impacted regions, with multiple stations in Bethel Town, Bluefields, Darliston, Savanna-la-Mar, and Whitehouse experiencing substantial roof damage and structural compromises. Minister Cuthbert-Flynn reported significant progress already achieved, noting that Bethel Town’s roof replacement has been completed through the coordinated efforts of Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake and dedicated partner organizations.
The minister praised the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by police personnel who continued serving communities despite operating from facilities covered by temporary tarpaulin, without electricity, and with compromised infrastructure. Their commitment ensured uninterrupted policing services throughout the recovery period.
Future reconstruction efforts will incorporate enhanced disaster-resilient features designed to maintain operational continuity during future extreme weather events. The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security infrastructure, ensuring the Jamaica Constabulary Force operates from modern, purpose-built facilities that reflect the standards of a capable and resilient security force deserving of public trust.