分类： society

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant traffic disruption has occurred at the intersection of Stanmore Manor and Red Hills Road in St Andrew, following the collapse of a large tree onto the roadway. The incident has forced authorities to reduce the affected area to single-lane traffic, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters. Local law enforcement has advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure smoother travel. Officials are actively monitoring the situation and have promised to provide further updates as the cleanup and restoration efforts progress. Residents and drivers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution in the area until normal traffic flow is restored.

In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) has been actively addressing widespread infrastructure damage across the island. As of Monday morning, the NWA reported 15 incidents, including fallen trees, rock falls, downed power lines, and landslides, which have disrupted roadways. Minister of Works Robert Morgan confirmed that all but one road have been cleared and reopened. The remaining blockage, caused by fallen trees near St Ann’s Bay, is currently being addressed. Morgan emphasized the urgency of the situation during a media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), urging citizens to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to rock falls, such as the Little Bay main road in St Mary. The NWA has undertaken significant mitigation efforts, including drain cleaning and debris removal, particularly from the Sandy Gully near the Spanish Town Road Bridge, to safeguard critical infrastructure. Morgan also advised the public to avoid damaged or unstable roads, bridges, and structures, and to report such issues to the NWA or ODPEM immediately.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an impending hurricane, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the suspension of all Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus services. The company has shifted into emergency response mode to facilitate the evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Vaz emphasized that regular bus operations will remain halted until conditions are deemed safe. JUTC teams are currently on standby in critical regions, including Rockford, Spanish Town, Portmore, and all five rural school bus zones, to assist with evacuations. Since Saturday, the company has successfully evacuated approximately 148 individuals, though Vaz noted that this figure falls significantly short of the anticipated need for a Category 5 hurricane. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed warnings from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, predicting widespread flooding that will necessitate relocations. Vaz also highlighted the activation of the rural school bus system, which will transport residents to hurricane shelters. Despite challenges posed by muddy conditions, over 60 school buses across all parishes will be utilized to the fullest extent possible. Additionally, airports will remain closed until the hurricane passes, while toll booths have been opened to facilitate movement.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s imminent landfall, Springs Plaza on Constant Spring Road has become a focal point of robust security measures. The iconic commercial hub, a cornerstone of the Half-Way Tree business district for over four decades, has been fortified with dozens of armed security personnel to prevent potential vandalism and looting.

Residents of Little Haiti, a squatter settlement in Negril, Jamaica, are facing a dire situation as Hurricane Melissa, forecasted to hit as a Category 5 storm, approaches. The fragile structures of their homes are unlikely to withstand the hurricane’s powerful winds, raising significant concerns for their safety. Councillor Arthel Colley, representing the Negril Division of the People’s National Party, emphasized the urgency of evacuation, stating, ‘My greatest concern is the hurricane wind and Little Haiti. The houses are not sturdy enough to endure such conditions.’ Despite efforts to relocate residents, many are reluctant to leave, fearing theft of their belongings if they abandon their homes. The area, located within the Nonpareil Road/Whitehall zone, is also prone to severe flooding, particularly during heavy rains when water flows from Mount Airy onto the main road near the Texaco Service Station. Elaine Allen Bradley, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, expressed additional worries about the lack of nearby shelters, noting that the closest options are in Sheffield or Mount Airy. In preparation, Councillor Colley reported that several drains in Negril have been cleaned to mitigate flooding risks. However, the community remains vulnerable as the storm looms, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster response and long-term infrastructure improvements.