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In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has unveiled plans to provide safe and dignified temporary housing for displaced families. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the urgency and humanity driving the effort. The Category 5 hurricane has left numerous families homeless, many of whom are currently housed in shelters that are far from ideal. Dr. Morris Dixon highlighted the need for facilities that respect the dignity of those affected, stating, ‘If we were in the same position, we would want a facility that honors our dignity.’

The Government is actively reviewing proposals for temporary housing units that can be swiftly deployed across the hardest-hit parishes. These units are being designed with durability and safety in mind, ensuring they can withstand future weather events. Dr. Morris Dixon noted that the solutions will not be one-size-fits-all but will cater to the diverse needs of affected families, including single individuals and large households. International support and best practices from other countries are being incorporated into the planning process.

A comprehensive damage assessment is currently underway to determine the scale of the crisis and the specific needs of those impacted. Dr. Morris Dixon assured that the Government is committed to delivering quality housing solutions, even if it means a longer timeline. ‘We don’t want to just have them feel like they’re a charity case,’ she said. ‘We’re about giving people decent houses.’ The goal is to provide semi-permanent structures that are structurally sound and capable of offering long-term shelter. While tents have been considered, the focus remains on more durable and dignified options.

Jamaica’s northern and western regions, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, may face further challenges this week as adverse weather conditions threaten to disrupt ongoing relief operations. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has forecast intermittent showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds from Tuesday through Thursday, potentially hampering recovery efforts in several parishes. Alvin Gayle, Director General of ODPEM, emphasized that even moderate rainfall could complicate relief work, particularly in northern parishes where many homes remain roofless. During a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Gayle detailed the expected weather patterns, noting that isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds would likely affect western parishes as well. In preparation, ODPEM and its partners have distributed over 80% of the 45,000 tarpaulins available on the island to provide temporary shelter. Gayle highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to address immediate shelter needs while supporting long-term recovery goals. Despite these efforts, the forecasted weather could slow progress in areas still recovering from the hurricane’s devastation.

Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully restored electricity to 64% of its customers, according to JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant. Speaking at a government-organized press briefing on Tuesday, Grant described the progress as a “solid achievement” given the extensive damage caused by the storm. Over 300,000 customers have been reconnected since the hurricane left large parts of the island without power. Grant emphasized that the on-ground devastation was far more severe than aerial assessments suggested, particularly in the western region, which requires extensive rebuilding rather than simple repairs. To accelerate restoration, JPS has deployed over 200 additional overseas line workers and is bringing in specialized equipment, including bucket trucks and hole-digging vehicles. The company has prioritized restoring critical services such as hospitals, water pumps, and economic hubs. Notable successes include the restoration of power to Cornwall Regional Hospital, St Ann’s Bay Hospital, Ocho Rios Port, Dunn’s River Falls, and Sangster International Airport. Grant also highlighted creative solutions, such as rerouting power from Manchester to supply St Elizabeth. Despite challenges, JPS remains committed to transparency and aims to provide detailed restoration timelines for all affected areas by the end of the week.

Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green delivered a sobering report to Parliament on Tuesday, revealing the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the nation’s agricultural sector. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused an estimated $29.5 billion in damages, affecting 41,390 hectares of farmland and over 70,000 farmers across the country’s most productive regions. The devastation included the destruction of 32,400 hectares of vegetable crops, significant losses in banana and plantain production, and the death of approximately 1.25 million animals. The fisheries sector also suffered a $5.76 billion blow, with 25% of the national fishing fleet damaged or destroyed. Minister Green, however, expressed unwavering resolve, stating that recovery efforts have already begun. He announced the reactivation of the Agricultural Disaster Recovery Task Force and the reallocation of $450 million from the Production Incentive Programme to emergency recovery. Immediate measures include the importation of essential food items like tomatoes, lettuce, and cabbage, as well as chicken, fish, and eggs, to stabilize the food supply. On the ground, seeds, fertilizers, and other critical inputs are being distributed to farmers, with a focus on early planting in less-affected areas such as Eastern Jamaica and agro-parks. Support for the fisheries sector includes clearing debris to reopen beach access and repairing damaged vessels. For livestock farmers, the Veterinary Services Division is implementing a recovery program to stabilize animal health and reduce further losses. Looking ahead, Minister Green emphasized the need for climate-smart agricultural practices and improved infrastructure resilience. He concluded with a rallying call, urging private sector partners to remain committed and praising the resilience of the nation’s farmers and fishers, stating, ‘We shall rise again.’