分类： society

In Greater Portmore, St Catherine, a modest hut-like structure beneath a tree near the Monza Housing Scheme has become the unlikely home of 40-year-old Kirk Walker. Since 2022, Walker has endured harsh living conditions after being compelled to leave the Monza scheme, where he previously resided. Despite the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to bring torrential rains and fierce winds to Jamaica, Walker remains steadfast in his decision to stay put. On Saturday, he expressed no urgency to seek refuge in a shelter, instead choosing to face the storm head-on. Having survived Hurricane Beryl in the same location last year, Walker is confident in his ability to withstand Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall early next week. While he hopes for assistance to secure a more permanent and suitable residence in the future, his immediate focus is on weathering the impending storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has escalated its response to Hurricane Melissa by activating the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) at its highest alert level. The tropical storm, rapidly intensifying, is anticipated to unleash severe weather across the island, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated national effort.

As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 3 storm, edges closer to Jamaica, Alando Terrelonge, Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, has announced that emergency preparations are in full swing across the constituency. Terrelonge, alongside Councillor Joy Bella Brown of the Gregory Park Division, was seen overseeing critical drain cleaning operations in the flood-prone Dover area on Saturday.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Authorities in Antigua have officially suspended the search for Philippe Daniel Jules, a boat captain who went missing after reportedly falling overboard during a voyage from Antigua to Dominica on Tuesday night. The incident occurred as the vessel, carrying five crew members and six passengers, navigated waters northeast of Guadeloupe. According to the Coast Guard, Jules either fell overboard or was struck by the mast while attempting to avoid it. The boat was subsequently diverted to Guadeloupe, where it remains docked. Search-and-rescue operations, involving both aerial and marine efforts, were conducted across the surrounding area. However, after several days of intensive searching, officials have now halted the operation. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Coast Guard has expressed regret over the delayed response, noting that official notification of the incident was not received until early the following morning, significantly reducing the chances of a successful recovery.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, residents and authorities are ramping up efforts to minimize the potential destruction. The storm, which is predicted to intensify into Hurricane Melissa, has prompted widespread preparations across the island. In Montego Bay, workers were observed dismantling a large sign atop a building on Saturday, a precautionary measure to prevent it from becoming a hazardous projectile in the anticipated strong winds. The Western Parks and Markets agency has also initiated extensive clean-up operations to reduce the risk of garbage clogging drains and exacerbating flooding. With heavy rains and flooding expected, the accumulation of debris could severely impact drainage systems, leading to more extensive water damage. The community remains on high alert, taking proactive steps to safeguard lives and property as the storm approaches.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa poised to bring severe weather conditions, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has issued an urgent call to its member organizations to prioritize the safety of workers, worksites, and assets. The Council is also advising the public to exercise heightened caution around construction zones, particularly avoiding unsecured or partially completed sites during and after the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican authorities have prepared more than 881 shelters across the island to ensure the safety of residents during and after the storm. Richard Thompson, Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), announced this during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, October 24.

In response to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) warning of potential higher electricity bills due to Tropical Storm Melissa, Opposition Spokesman on Energy Phillip Paulwell has urged the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to intervene and ensure fair practices. JPS CEO Hugh Grant attributed the anticipated cost increase to the more expensive fuel mix required for generators during the storm. However, Paulwell emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in JPS’ billing process. In a recent statement, he called on the OUR to closely monitor JPS’ actions and demanded detailed disclosures, including billing cycles, fuel price averages, and the methodology for calculating fuel costs. Paulwell also questioned JPS’ claim that 20% of power during the storm would come from solar and wind-powered independent providers (IPPs), urging IPPs to verify this assertion. He further highlighted past grievances, such as estimated billing and excessive fuel charges following Hurricane Beryl, and stressed the importance of fair billing practices that balance the interests of JPS and its customers.