KINGSTON, Jamaica — The St. James Municipal Corporation has launched an extensive month-long initiative to bolster earthquake preparedness throughout the parish, designating January as Earthquake Awareness Month. This comprehensive program features enhanced public education sessions across educational institutions, commercial enterprises, and local communities, alongside realistic simulation drills and a coordinated media campaign to maximize public engagement.
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, addressed constituents during the January 8 municipal meeting, emphasizing the critical importance of community participation. “I urge all residents to actively engage in preparedness drills and assume personal responsibility for their safety,” Vernon stated. “Heeding official advisories from the Municipal Corporation is particularly crucial this year, more than ever before.”
Trevion Manning, the Corporation’s Director of Planning, provided crucial context regarding the distinct nature of earthquake emergencies compared to other disasters. “Public awareness regarding appropriate actions during and after seismic events requires specialized attention, as these situations differ fundamentally from hurricane protocols,” Manning explained.
Despite the earthquake preparedness focus, Manning clarified that post-hurricane recovery operations remain an ongoing priority for the municipality. “We continue to support displaced residents through shelter accommodations, meal provisions, and permanent housing solutions,” he noted. “Both the Council and national government maintain recovery operations throughout the parish, with our primary objective being the restoration of normalcy for affected citizens and businesses.”
The dual-focused approach demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to both immediate disaster recovery and long-term resilience building against future seismic events.