KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican authorities have publicly detailed their operational blueprint for responding to significant seismic events, emphasizing coordinated emergency management. Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Gary McKenzie, overseeing Strategic Operations, articulated the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) structured approach during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on January 13.
The disclosure coincides with the nation’s observance of Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-18), championed under the banner ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.
Dr. McKenzie outlined the protocol: immediate activation of a central command headquarters followed by the swift establishment of subsidiary command units across all parishes. This foundational step ensures rapid deployment of resources and personnel. The strategy prioritizes seamless collaboration with critical national agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
A core component of the response is maintaining robust communication networks and achieving swift community penetration to manage public panic, direct traffic flow, and facilitate urgent aid. Citizens are urged to utilize official emergency channels to report crises promptly. The JCF, in tandem with the JFB, will secure perilous zones, implement necessary quarantines, and support search and rescue operations.
Commissioner McKenzie reassured the public of the force’s operational preparedness, noting that personnel are extensively trained and equipped to handle diverse scenarios, from structural collapses and fires to hazardous material spills. Furthermore, the contingency plan includes deploying Marine Police units and JDF Coast Guard assets to address potential maritime threats, such as oil spills from critical coastal infrastructure like the PetroJam refinery.
This initiative, spearheaded by ODPEM, aims to bolster societal resilience and enhance public consciousness regarding earthquake preparedness throughout Jamaica.