分类： society

As Hurricane Melissa, now projected to make landfall on Tuesday, approaches Jamaica, the island’s major utility providers have warned that the storm’s intensity could lead to unprecedented damage, potentially requiring extensive rebuilding rather than mere restoration. Speaking at a joint media briefing on Sunday, Hugh Grant, CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), emphasized the severity of the situation. ‘A Category Four hurricane passing through the island could cause unprecedented damage to our facilities. At JPS, we’re likely looking at a rebuild, not just a restoration,’ Grant stated. He added that the company has bolstered preparations by securing additional resources, including bucket trucks, crane trucks, and overseas line workers, to ensure a swift and safe response post-storm. Grant also urged the public to exercise patience during potential service disruptions, acknowledging the inconvenience but stressing the importance of safety. Meanwhile, telecom providers Flow and Digicel have also ramped up their readiness. Stephen Price, Flow’s vice-president and general manager, highlighted the vulnerability of their infrastructure to the storm’s intensity, noting that some areas may require rebuilding. Digicel’s CEO, Stephen Murad, appealed to Jamaicans to protect critical infrastructure, citing past incidents of theft and vandalism that hampered recovery efforts. The National Water Commission (NWC) and the National Works Agency (NWA) have also mobilized to maintain essential services and clear roads, though disruptions are inevitable. With predictions of extreme flooding and landslides, Jamaica’s utility providers and emergency services are on high alert, preparing for the worst while urging public cooperation and patience.

In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s arrival, security forces in Norwood, St James, have proactively relocated some of their operational infrastructure. The site, previously occupying a community playfield as part of the Zones of Special Operation initiative, now appears significantly less populated, with only a few structures remaining. The removed buildings primarily consisted of tents that had been utilized to accommodate staff. While the exact relocation site remains undisclosed, sources suggest that a base near the airport is the likely destination. This strategic move underscores the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding both personnel and resources in the face of the impending natural disaster.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a stern warning to residents living near Sandy Gully in St. Andrew as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. During a visit to his constituency, Holness emphasized the potential dangers posed by the storm, particularly in areas adjacent to the gully. Accompanied by Abka Fitz-Henley, chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s communication taskforce, the Prime Minister addressed residents in the Waterhouse community, urging them to avoid the gully during the hurricane.

“Stay away from the gully,” Holness cautioned, highlighting a specific section of the community to illustrate the risks. “As you can see what could happen.” Sandy Gully, one of Jamaica’s largest drainage systems, spans approximately six miles, traversing densely populated areas such as Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse, and Riverton City before reaching Kingston Harbour via Hunt’s Bay.

As Hurricane Melissa nears landfall, emergency services across the island are intensifying preparations. Shelters are being activated, and residents are being advised to secure their homes. Authorities have warned of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds, underscoring the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the government’s proactive measures to mitigate the storm’s impact and protect vulnerable communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa has left a significant portion of Jamaica in the dark, with approximately 51,439 customers of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company experiencing power outages as of Monday morning. The disruption was detailed by Minister of Energy and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz during a press briefing.

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.