KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has expressed confidence in the preparedness of Jamaica’s security forces to maintain law and order as the nation faces the impending impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm. Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday, Holness emphasized the importance of safeguarding against potential disruptions during disasters.
Holness highlighted the presence of individuals who may exploit such crises, stating, ‘Whenever there’s any kind of disaster, there will always be that element in our society who is not a part of the common good and has no concern for their neighbor. We have to protect ourselves against them and protect them as well.’ He assured the public that security forces are fully mobilized and well-versed in their roles during emergencies, stressing that citizens’ rights must be respected at all times.
The Prime Minister outlined the legislative framework guiding the emergency response efforts of agencies such as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the National Works Agency (NWA), and ODPEM. He urged Jamaicans to remain indoors, emphasizing the unpredictability of the storm’s conditions. ‘Don’t venture outside unnecessarily because the winds can pick up at any time, the rains can come at any time, and you can be caught in a flash flood. Stay inside—that’s the safest place to be at the moment,’ he advised.
Holness also called on citizens to avoid looting and other anti-social behaviors, such as hosting parties or playing sports in hazardous conditions. He particularly appealed to young people, many of whom may not have experienced the full force of a hurricane, to heed warnings and stay indoors. ‘I urge you to stay inside,’ he pleaded, urging heads of households and elders to communicate the seriousness of the situation to younger generations.