分类： society

In Trelawny, Jamaica, Councillor Garth Wilkinson of the People’s National Party (Falmouth Division) has issued a stern warning against the unchecked construction of shops and storerooms along the shoreline of Falmouth Fishing Beach. Wilkinson emphasized that this unregulated development is obstructing fisherfolk from safely mooring their boats, particularly during emergencies such as the impending Hurricane Melissa.

Wilkinson passionately stated, ‘One of my most urgent appeals is for everyone constructing on the beach to recognize that there are critical times, like now, when boats must be brought ashore. Building shops that occupy the entire shoreline is unacceptable and must cease immediately.’

He further stressed the necessity of designated safe zones for fisherfolk to secure their vessels during such crises. ‘There must be accessible areas where fisherfolk can safely pull in their boats. It’s not feasible for every fisherman to decide to build a shop or storeroom along the shoreline,’ he added.

Despite the challenges, Wilkinson acknowledged that fisherfolk in key areas such as Half Moon Bay, Falmouth Fishing Beach on Rodney Street, and Rock have already taken proactive measures to safeguard their boats. ‘In Rock, most fisherfolk have relocated their boats to safety, storing them in the lagoon near the Excellence Resort,’ noted the former mayor of Falmouth.

Wilkinson’s call highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight to balance development with the safety and livelihoods of coastal communities, especially in the face of natural disasters.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica’s south-western coast, authorities in St Elizabeth are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. With the storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday, local officials are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, emphasized that law enforcement is fully mobilized to enforce safety measures and keep citizens off the streets during the hurricane. ‘We are appealing to everybody to remain indoors,’ he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon highlighted that emergency preparations are complete, with 29 shelters already accommodating 360 individuals. This marks a significant increase from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which saw 100 people seeking refuge. Both officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly those in flood-prone and coastal areas, and encouraged residents to heed evacuation advisories and stay updated through official channels.

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, looms over Jamaica, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reassured the public that the island’s 881 shelters are secure and well-equipped to handle the impending disaster. Addressing concerns raised in media reports, McKenzie emphasized that each shelter is managed by a dedicated team, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the hurricane. He also highlighted that men and women are housed separately, except for families, and that police patrols will be active before and after the storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable coastal areas, including Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. McKenzie urged residents to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that recovery from the hurricane is only possible if lives are preserved. He advised those in at-risk areas to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, and relocate to shelters or stay with relatives if possible. The government has provided buses to facilitate transportation to shelters, which McKenzie described as literal sanctuaries from the storm.

In a distressing incident on Monday, two children were rushed to a medical facility following a motor vehicle collision on Orange Street in Montego Bay, St James. The accident occurred shortly after midday when a Toyota Voxy and a Toyota Corolla collided while traveling along the roadway. The exact conditions of the children remain undisclosed at this time. Authorities were promptly notified, and law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to conduct necessary investigations. The vehicles involved were subsequently removed from the area to restore normal traffic flow. Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries sustained by the children are awaited as the investigation progresses.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, approaches the Caribbean island with maximum winds of 175 miles per hour. Forecasters warn it could be the most devastating hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history, surpassing the destruction caused by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which claimed over 40 lives locally and hundreds more across the region. Despite urgent evacuation orders from top officials, many residents remain defiant, choosing to stay in their homes rather than seek refuge in government shelters.

Jamal Peters, a hotel manager in Port Royal, highlighted the resilience of Jamaicans, stating that many prefer to weather the storm at home rather than abandon their properties. Preparations at his 63-room waterfront hotel included relocating guests to higher floors, securing the premises, and trimming trees. Similarly, Roy Brown, a local plumber, expressed skepticism about evacuation, citing distrust in government-run shelters and a fatalistic outlook on life.

Meanwhile, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt has been actively sharing emergency preparedness tips with his 4.6 million followers on X, encouraging Jamaicans to take the threat seriously. Across the island, residents are fortifying their homes, trimming trees, and securing vehicles, while zoos are taking measures to protect their animals. Joey Brown of Hope Zoo posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, urging everyone to stay safe as the storm approaches.

Despite the mixed reactions, the island is bracing for torrential rains and deadly flooding. Ishack Wilmot, a surf camp manager in Kingston, shared that his family is accustomed to enduring storms and has completed essential preparations, including stockpiling food and water. However, he emphasized the importance of being with loved ones during such critical times. As the storm’s impact intensifies, Jamaicans remain divided between cautious preparation and steadfast defiance.

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.