KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that Jamaica has secured significant pledges of support from both regional and international partners to aid in hurricane preparation and recovery efforts. The pledges come as the island braces for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm expected to bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread flooding. Holness expressed gratitude for the outpouring of assistance from entities such as the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Additionally, all member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have offered various forms of support. Speaking at a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston, Holness emphasized the unusual nature of Hurricane Melissa, which is anticipated to linger over the country for an extended period, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding in areas typically unaffected. The Prime Minister assured citizens that the government is fully prepared to manage the crisis, with plans already in place for relief, recovery, and rebuilding phases depending on the extent of the damage.