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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.

Residents of New Haven, Jamaica, are bracing for potential flooding and crocodile sightings as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The community, already plagued by blocked gullies filled with trash and debris, fears that heavy rainfall could exacerbate the situation, leading to dangerous backwater spillage into homes. Residents have expressed concerns about the safety of children in the area, as crocodiles are known to inhabit the clogged waterways.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s imminent landfall, Springs Plaza on Constant Spring Road has become a focal point of robust security measures. The iconic commercial hub, a cornerstone of the Half-Way Tree business district for over four decades, has been fortified with dozens of armed security personnel to prevent potential vandalism and looting.

In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) has been actively addressing widespread infrastructure damage across the island. As of Monday morning, the NWA reported 15 incidents, including fallen trees, rock falls, downed power lines, and landslides, which have disrupted roadways. Minister of Works Robert Morgan confirmed that all but one road have been cleared and reopened. The remaining blockage, caused by fallen trees near St Ann’s Bay, is currently being addressed. Morgan emphasized the urgency of the situation during a media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), urging citizens to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to rock falls, such as the Little Bay main road in St Mary. The NWA has undertaken significant mitigation efforts, including drain cleaning and debris removal, particularly from the Sandy Gully near the Spanish Town Road Bridge, to safeguard critical infrastructure. Morgan also advised the public to avoid damaged or unstable roads, bridges, and structures, and to report such issues to the NWA or ODPEM immediately.

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 — 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.

Residents of Cassia Park in Kingston, Jamaica, are raising urgent concerns about a deteriorating breakaway in the Sandy Gully, which they fear could endanger their homes as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The issue first emerged during Hurricane Beryl last year and has since worsened, leaving the community vulnerable to potential landslides and property damage. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, including Member of Parliament Dennis Gordon, no substantial action has been taken to address the problem. Residents emphasize that their homes comply with building codes and are situated at a safe distance from the gully. However, the erosion caused by the breakaway has destabilized the hillside, putting their properties at risk. With Hurricane Melissa imminent, frustration and anxiety are mounting among residents, who feel neglected by their elected representatives. Efforts to seek assistance from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Local Government and the National Works Agency, have yielded no tangible results. The community now faces the grim possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods due to the lack of intervention.