KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has established a dedicated system to facilitate the secure delivery of aid to affected western communities. The initiative, announced by Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), provides official police escorts for relief convoys to ensure supplies reach those in need safely and efficiently.
To access this service, suppliers and donors must first coordinate with authorities by sending detailed information to a designated email address: pstebrelief@jcf.gov.jm. The required communication must outline the origin of the supplies, the responsible parties, and the intended destination. Upon review, the JCF will engage in discussions to provide logistical support where warranted.
Simultaneously, ACP McKenzie issued a urgent public safety advisory, highlighting the severe risks posed by widespread power outages across the western parishes. The absence of street lighting following the Category 5 hurricane has created perilous conditions on roadways, particularly during nighttime hours.
Emphasizing the heightened vulnerability of pedestrians, McKenzie urged residents in impacted areas to exercise extreme caution. He specifically advised individuals to wear highly visible, bright-colored clothing after dark and to cross roads only at well-illuminated or clearly visible locations. The appeal also called for greater overall responsibility among all road users, including drivers and motorcyclists, to prevent accidents during the ongoing recovery period.