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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has inflicted severe damage on more than 116,000 buildings out of the 428,000 structures recorded in the National Spatial Data Management Branch’s database. The devastation is particularly concentrated in the parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and Manchester, as confirmed by satellite imagery and drone assessments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the crisis during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. He emphasized the unprecedented use of geospatial intelligence to conduct a rapid, high-resolution national housing damage assessment, marking a historic milestone for Jamaica. ‘Melissa has caused extensive damage to the nation’s housing stock, especially in the western parishes,’ Holness stated. ‘These findings are now guiding targeted relief and reconstruction efforts across affected communities.’ The government is transitioning from emergency sheltering to stabilization and repair, with field verification underway in priority areas. Housing support teams are collaborating with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and local authorities to expedite aid. Holness added that as access to western communities is restored, beneficiary verification will be completed, and roofing support, building materials, tarpaulins, and rapid-repair crews will be deployed to ensure safety and habitability. The data is being integrated into the post-disaster needs assessment to shape a resilient housing and building recovery program, led by Minister Robert Montague, who oversees Titling and Settlements.

In a strategic move to bolster disaster management efforts following Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The decision, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives, is effective immediately. This realignment aims to enhance logistical coordination between ODPEM and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), ensuring a more efficient and unified response to the crisis.

Australia is set to enforce one of the world’s most stringent social media bans targeting users under the age of 16, with popular platforms Reddit and Kick joining the list of restricted websites starting December 10. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. The new legislation will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove underage users or face hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million). Wells emphasized that while technology has been used to target children, it should now be leveraged to protect them. The ban aims to ensure children can enjoy their childhood while giving parents peace of mind. However, experts have raised concerns about the law’s effectiveness, with some labeling it as symbolic. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and WhatsApp remain unaffected for now, though streaming site Twitch is under review. The government has clarified that the list of banned platforms is not static and may evolve. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that while age restrictions are a powerful tool, they are not a quick fix. Social media companies have criticized the laws as vague and rushed, but the government has maintained that platforms must take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate underage accounts.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the St Elizabeth police have launched a groundbreaking initiative to address connectivity challenges faced by residents in the Brompton community. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, revealed that mobile units equipped with Starlink devices are being deployed to restore communication for those cut off from their loved ones. The service is currently operational along the Brompton main road and has extended to areas such as Spring Park, Speculation, Black River, and Siloah/Maggotty. Minto emphasized that this effort transcends traditional law enforcement duties, focusing instead on providing essential support during a crisis. ‘Today’s initiative is not about operations, but intervention,’ he stated. Residents have expressed gratitude for the initiative, with Jamar Allen, a local, praising the police for their timely assistance. ‘Bless up to the police officer fi weh dem a do…Because [a lot] of persons stand up here for days cyah get to reach out to them family,’ he said. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has been commended for its innovative approach, demonstrating its commitment to serving the public in unconventional yet impactful ways.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Transport Authority has issued a stern warning to public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators against the unlawful practice of hiking fares. The Category Five storm, which struck the island last Tuesday, has reportedly led to several operators exploiting the situation by overcharging commuters.

Ralston Smith, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, emphasized that such actions are not only illegal but also a blatant violation of commuters’ rights. Smith highlighted that demanding fares beyond the approved rates constitutes a breach of the Road Traffic Act, which could result in severe consequences, including the suspension or revocation of road licences.

“Under section 68 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, operators found guilty of overcharging passengers risk losing their licences,” Smith stated. The authority is also advising commuters to steer clear of unlicensed vehicles, which are often the primary culprits in charging exorbitant prices.

To assist in identifying legitimate transport services, the authority noted that licensed vehicles are marked with red licence plates and a light blue Transport Authority sticker on the windshield, valid until 2026.

The public is encouraged to report any instances of fare overcharging by calling (876) 926-8912 or sending WhatsApp messages to (876) 551-8196. Reports should include the vehicle’s licence plate number, route details, and any supporting photos or videos.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has made substantial strides in restoring water access to 65% of its customer base following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The agency is now working tirelessly to increase this figure to 80% before the weekend, as confirmed by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Monday.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has reassured citizens that the nation’s fuel supply remains stable, urging the public to avoid panic-buying in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz addressed the media during a briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, emphasizing that the Petrojam refinery, a critical fuel production facility, sustained no significant damage. To facilitate recovery efforts, the refinery has extended its operating hours until 6:00 pm, enabling the refueling of tanker trucks for distribution to western Jamaica, including areas severely impacted by the hurricane. Since October 30, over 400 tanker trucks have been dispatched to these regions. Minister Vaz stressed that the National Works Agency (NWA) is actively clearing roads to ensure uninterrupted fuel transportation. He reiterated, ‘There is no need to panic-buy or store excess fuel. We have adequate fuel.’ Additionally, Rubis, a major fuel retailer, has reopened 41 of its service stations across the island, representing 82% of its network. Seven stations remain closed, with the status of two yet to be confirmed. Rubis has also deployed staff and resources to reopen remaining stations and conduct maintenance in St James. The Rubis Westgate service station in St James is now operating 24 hours daily to meet demand, while Johnson’s petroleum network continues to function smoothly, delivering fuel island-wide. Minister Vaz also highlighted the sufficient supply of aviation fuel, with 75% to 80% capacity maintained at international airports. The government is collaborating with international partners, including the Grey Bull Rescue Foundation and the Fuel Relief Fund, to support energy fuel distribution for humanitarian efforts.