分类： society

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.

Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, has issued a stern warning to citizens, emphasizing that today is the final opportunity to prepare for Hurricane Melissa, which is anticipated to strike the island early next week with devastating consequences. Speaking at a special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Thompson stressed the urgency of immediate action. ‘Today is your last day to prepare. If you haven’t started yet, don’t assume you can easily complete your preparations tomorrow. Act now,’ he urged. Thompson highlighted the likelihood of overcrowded stores and advised residents to remain considerate of others, ensuring they only take what they need. He also encouraged Jamaicans to assist those who may be unable to prepare on their own. According to meteorological projections, Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring unprecedented rainfall, leading to severe, widespread, and life-threatening flooding. The storm’s slow movement will exacerbate the situation, as continuous rainfall will prevent water from receding. Thompson’s message underscores the gravity of the impending disaster and the critical need for preparedness.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the flood-prone parish of Westmoreland is grappling with significant challenges in disaster preparedness. Illegal electrical connections, unauthorized water pipes, and informal settlements are obstructing critical drain-cleaning efforts, exacerbating the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities. Abigail Malcolm, Caretaker of the Cornwall Mountain Division, highlighted the difficulties faced during drain cleaning in the Petersfield Division, where illegal wires and improperly placed structures hindered the work of heavy machinery. In other areas, illegal water pipes and homes built too close to drains have further complicated the process, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to flood damage. Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz, has raised concerns about the parish’s garbage management crisis, noting that garbage trucks assigned to Westmoreland and Hanover were reportedly reassigned to St James. Vaz questioned the prioritization of resources, emphasizing the urgent need for the National Solid Waste Agency to address the backlog and ensure equitable service delivery. The closure of the Frome Sugar Factory has also worsened the situation, as the factory’s annual drain-cleaning practices previously mitigated flooding in Petersfield. With heavy rainfall now causing heightened fears of property damage, local authorities are calling for increased awareness campaigns, enforcement of regulations, and resource allocation to address these long-standing issues and protect the community’s safety and livelihoods.

In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, 59 skilled linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday. Their mission: to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in swiftly restoring electricity services should Tropical Storm Melissa cause significant damage to the island’s power infrastructure. This deployment brings the total number of professionals—comprising Jamaicans, Vincentians, and North Americans—to approximately 650, all trained in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage electrical and telecommunications lines. The majority of the newly arrived team hails from the U.S.-based Sovereign Line Group. Roger Campbell, a general foreman with the group, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are just here to bring the power back on, whatever happens.’ Caleb Young, another general foreman, emphasized the importance of arriving early, noting that pre-storm deployment ensures readiness to act immediately after the storm passes. Jeff Files, also a general foreman, described the decision to assist Jamaica as a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting the collaborative effort between Sovereign Line Group and JPS. Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, JPS’s director of people operations, underscored the strategic planning behind the initiative, which was informed by lessons learned from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. The linesmen, who work under challenging conditions to restore power, are critical to ensuring reliable electricity delivery in the aftermath of natural disasters.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a dramatic reversal of sentiment, residents of Savanna-la-Mar have transitioned from a defiant stance to a state of urgent preparedness as Hurricane Melissa looms closer. Initially, many locals confidently declared their intention to remain in their homes despite the impending storm. However, by Saturday afternoon, a palpable sense of urgency had taken hold, with families hastily packing their belongings and preparing to evacuate to safer locations.

Carey Levy, a local resident, encapsulated the growing anxiety, stating, ‘We not staying. We know it ago bad. Later tonight we a push out.’ This shift in attitude underscores the escalating threat posed by the hurricane, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and potentially devastating winds.

Marcine Campbell-Kerr, the Disaster Coordinator for Westmoreland, emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures. She urged residents to stock up on essential supplies, particularly those with medical conditions like diabetes, and to seek refuge in designated shelters. ‘We know that residents may be in the shelters for more than 24 hours, so we are encouraging them to carry enough food supplies. Even if it’s perishable items, bring them,’ she advised.

Local authorities have been working tirelessly to ensure that shelters are well-equipped to accommodate evacuees. Campbell-Kerr confirmed that shelters have been on standby since October 23, with two residents already checking into the Godfrey Stewart shelter. As dark clouds gather and the threat of severe weather intensifies, the once-casual atmosphere in Savanna-la-Mar has been replaced by a mood of cautious readiness.

With the community bracing for a potentially long and challenging night, officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and prioritizing safety. Residents are being urged to heed all warnings, stay alert, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the impending storm.

Residents of New Haven in St. Andrew, Jamaica, are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa with growing anxiety over potential flooding and the threat of crocodiles invading their homes. The community’s concerns stem from the inadequate maintenance of local waterways, including a river, gully, and drainage systems, which they believe exacerbate their vulnerability during heavy rains.

LAGOS, Nigeria (AFP) — A Nigerian conservation NGO has expressed deep disappointment over Turkey’s decision to retain a young African gorilla rescued from wildlife trafficking, calling the move illogical. The primate, named Zeytin, was discovered at Istanbul airport in December, concealed in a wooden crate during a transit from Nigeria to Thailand. Initially taken to a Turkish zoo for recovery, Zeytin’s repatriation to Nigeria was halted after DNA tests revealed he belonged to a gorilla species not native to the West African nation. Turkish authorities announced on Friday that Zeytin would remain in a Turkish zoo, a decision that has drawn criticism from conservationists. The Pandrillus Foundation, a Nigerian NGO, had planned to house Zeytin alongside another young gorilla of the same sub-species before transferring them to a sanctuary in central Africa. Liza Gadsby, director of the Pandrillus Foundation, voiced her frustration, stating that Turkey’s actions contradict its obligations as a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). She emphasized that while Turkey’s initial confiscation of Zeytin was commendable, retaining him in captivity undermines conservation efforts. The Pandrillus Foundation is now focusing on repatriating another gorilla confiscated by Nigerian customs over two years ago, reaffirming their commitment to wildlife conservation.