As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern warning to construction operators across the nation. The hurricane, expected to intensify with wind speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour), poses a significant threat to the island, with projections indicating prolonged rainfall lasting at least two days. During a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday, McKenzie emphasized the urgent need to secure loose equipment and materials on construction sites to mitigate potential hazards. His appeal comes after a morning inspection revealed numerous sites in the Corporate Area where materials such as sand, gravel, steel, and even cranes were left unsecured. McKenzie urged operators nationwide to take immediate action to remove or secure these items, warning that unsecured materials could block drains, exacerbate flooding, and cause severe damage to property and lives. Additionally, he called for the temporary removal of advertising billboards, which could become dangerous projectiles in the hurricane’s strong winds. McKenzie also warned that abandoned vehicles on roadsides would be removed and disposed of to prevent them from becoming hazards. ‘We cannot afford to create missiles that will harm people during this period,’ he stated, appealing for cooperation from all stakeholders. The government’s proactive measures aim to minimize the hurricane’s impact and safeguard the population as Jamaica braces for the storm’s arrival.