分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the escalating severity of Hurricane Melissa, the University of Technology, Jamaica, has announced the immediate suspension of all academic activities. The decision, effective from Monday, will remain in force until further notice, as the hurricane is anticipated to strike the region between late Monday and Tuesday. The university emphasized that this measure prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and staff. In an official statement released on Monday, the institution urged all members of its community to stay indoors, refrain from non-essential travel, and stay updated through official channels, including the university and national emergency agencies. Despite the suspension, essential support and welfare services will continue to operate for international students and authorized local residents who have opted to remain on campus.

In the resort town of Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica, St Anthony’s Kitchen, a community initiative dedicated to providing meals for those in need, has reported a significant increase in the number of residents seeking warm meals as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The kitchen, operated by the Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, serves breakfast to hungry children heading to school and lunch to adults five days a week. Tim Lamb, the coordinator of the feeding program, noted that while the kitchen typically serves around 158 meals daily, the past week saw a surge to nearly 200 meals. ‘This past week, it has been really high all week. People were, I think, concerned about the storm and wanted to get some food,’ Lamb explained. The initiative has garnered support from local organizations and individuals, including the Rotary Club of Negril, Grace Kennedy, and hotelier Daniel Grizzle. Lamb emphasized that the kitchen has no eligibility requirements other than hunger, welcoming all who seek assistance. As the community braces for the hurricane, St Anthony’s Kitchen continues to play a vital role in ensuring food security for vulnerable residents.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has revealed that only 76 out of Jamaica’s 881 national hurricane shelters are currently active, with 972 individuals registered across these facilities. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, McKenzie highlighted regional disparities in shelter usage, noting that four parishes have no occupants, while Clarendon leads with 311 individuals, followed by St Thomas (227) and Kingston and St Andrew (179).

The minister expressed particular concern for parishes such as St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James, where shelter numbers remain alarmingly low. “St Elizabeth has 27, St James has 24, and Westmoreland has 32. These numbers are very low, and I expect them to increase by this afternoon as the storm approaches,” McKenzie stated. Projections suggest that approximately 50,000 individuals may need relocation to safe grounds or shelters.

McKenzie also addressed misinformation circulating about shelters, vehemently denying claims that fees are being charged for their use. “This is nonsense. These are attempts by malicious individuals to create confusion during a critical time. The only requirement for shelter access is to go to the designated centers. Families stay together, and basic necessities like medication, water, and crackers are advised for the initial hours,” he clarified.

The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges in persuading homeless individuals to seek shelter, stating, “I will personally engage with the homeless population to encourage them to move to safety.” He also reminded the public of a mandatory order in effect, warning that non-compliance could result in fines or arrests. “The director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has the authority to enforce this order. We hope it doesn’t come to that,” McKenzie concluded.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The intensifying impact of Hurricane Melissa has led to significant disruptions in Jamaica’s banking sector, with numerous automated banking machines (ABMs) temporarily decommissioned and all bank branches closed on Monday. The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA), representing the nation’s financial institutions, announced that ABMs in certain areas were taken offline due to safety concerns. Additionally, all physical branches of member banks and building societies will remain shut until conditions are deemed safe. With limited access to cash and in-person services, the public is encouraged to utilize online and mobile banking platforms. The JBA also cautioned that customer call centers may experience disruptions, resulting in delayed response times. The association assured that its members are closely monitoring the situation and will restore full services as soon as it is safe to do so. Residents are urged to adhere to official advisories from Jamaica’s disaster and meteorological offices.

The early onslaught of Hurricane Melissa has significantly impacted Portland, Jamaica, prompting the activation of 52 out of 74 designated shelters across the parish. As of late Monday evening, these shelters housed 295 individuals, including 107 adult females, 99 adult males, 48 female children, and 41 male children. The storm’s effects have been widespread, with landslides blocking key roads such as Cascade and Birnamwood in the Buff Bay Valley and Bellevue in the Rio Grande Valley. Although these roads were later cleared, other disruptions, such as a fallen tree and utility pole on Sommers Lane in Port Antonio, further complicated travel. High waves and strong winds in the Manchioneal area forced residents to seek refuge at the Manchioneal Primary School. Additionally, several areas, including Islington, Boston, Fairy Hill, and parts of Norwich Heights, remain without electricity. In response to the crisis, the Bring Back The Love Buff Bay Valley Foundation has stepped in to provide care packages to shelters in Charles Town, Tranquillity, Birnamwood, Cascade, Avocat, and the Woodstock Housing Scheme. Cassandra Bennett, the foundation’s president, emphasized the importance of their efforts, noting that government aid through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security often arrives late. The foundation also assists individuals unable to reach shelters, including shut-ins and those with visual impairments. As of now, the weather in Portland remains overcast with intermittent drizzles and low winds.