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.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Holness says security forces deployed to deal with law and order
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.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Holness urges residents to stay away from Sandy Gully as hurricane approaches
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.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Cassia Park residents on edge as landslide threatens their homes
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.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ‘All when it’s category 6, mi not moving’, says Port Royal resident
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, expected to make landfall between Monday evening and Tuesday, one Port Royal resident has firmly decided to remain in his seaside community rather than seek refuge in a shelter. Roy Brown, in an interview with Observer Online on Monday, expressed his reluctance to evacuate, citing past traumatic experiences during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Brown recounted how residents who sought shelter at the National Arena faced severe hardships, including theft, harassment, and the absence of transportation back home after the storm passed. He emphasized that he would rather face the hurricane’s wrath than endure similar conditions again. Brown’s defiance reflects a broader sentiment among some residents who feel safer staying put, despite the potential dangers of the approaching storm. His statement, ‘I don’t believe I can run from death,’ underscores his resolve to weather the storm at home, regardless of its intensity.
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Catholic Bishops call for peace amid rising military tensions in Caribbean
The Catholic Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have issued a fervent plea for peace and dialogue in response to escalating military activities in the Southern Caribbean. In a statement released on October 25 following their annual conference, the bishops expressed deep concern over the increasing presence of naval and military assets in the region, warning that such developments could destabilize the socio-economic and political fabric of Caribbean nations. The bishops emphasized that the well-being of the region’s people is at stake, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict. Their appeal coincides with the arrival of the USS Gravely, a US warship, in Port of Spain on October 26. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the vessel’s presence, citing potential benefits such as technical assistance and humanitarian efforts. However, the bishops cautioned that the militarization of the Caribbean could have broader geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela. Archbishop Jason Gordon, president of the AEC, stressed the need for cooperation and reconciliation to foster lasting peace. The bishops also condemned the arbitrary use of force, particularly in anti-drug operations, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to protecting human dignity and sovereignty. They called on regional leaders to de-escalate tensions and recommit to unity, emphasizing that war or the threat of war is never a viable solution. The statement concluded with an appeal to the faithful to seek hope through prayer and acts of reconciliation, underscoring the Church’s unwavering mission to safeguard the vulnerable and promote the common good.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fisherfolk fear major losses as rough seas batter Savanna-la-Mar coastline
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica’s eastern Westmoreland coast, residents of Savanna-la-Mar are grappling with the dual challenges of impending devastation and the lingering scars of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Fishermen, in particular, are anxious about the potential loss of their fish pots, which cost approximately $60,000 each to replace—a significant financial burden for those still recovering from previous losses. Oshane Rowe, a fisherman from Wharf Road, voiced his frustration, lamenting the lack of support from local authorities and the slow pace of recovery. ‘We just started rebuilding, and now another storm is coming,’ he said. Along Wharf Road and Smithfield, boats and fish pots have been pulled ashore as residents scramble to secure their livelihoods. While some are preparing to evacuate, others, like Garnet Williams, are determined to stay and protect their homes and livestock. ‘I’m not leaving my son or my animals,’ Williams declared, though he acknowledged the risks posed by his home’s proximity to the sea and the threat of flooding from clogged drains. In Savanna-la-Mar, vendors have already closed their shops, and waves have grown noticeably higher, signaling the storm’s approach. At the Godfrey Stewart High School shelter, 33 residents, including infants and elderly individuals, have sought refuge. However, concerns about food shortages and medical needs are mounting. Sharon Atkinson, a diabetic amputee, expressed her distress over the lack of suitable food, while Theresa Grant, another diabetic resident, highlighted the instability of her home and her urgent need for medical attention. As light rain begins to fall, the resilience of Westmoreland’s coastal communities is once again being tested, with many still struggling to rebuild from the last disaster. Across the town, 17 shelters are now open, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the looming crisis.
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Pioneer of British Lovers Rock Reggae, Vivian Jones, passes at 68
Vivian Jones, a trailblazer in the British lovers rock reggae scene, passed away on October 27 at the age of 68. His death was announced via social media and the German reggae platform, reggaeville.com. Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Jones moved to the United Kingdom in 1968, where he became a prominent figure in the 1970s sound system culture. His career soared in 1979 with the release of his hit single *Good Morning*, which was followed by other notable tracks like *Sugar Love* and *Strong Love* in the 1980s. In a 2014 interview with the *Jamaica Observer*, Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the revival of lovers rock, citing documentaries and the success of artist Bitty McLean as key factors. ‘People want the real reggae, and lovers rock is real reggae,’ he remarked. Raised in Willesden, a London neighborhood with a significant Caribbean community, Jones began his career as a deejay and later performed with bands such as The Spartans, The Mighty Vibes, The Pieces, and Ruff Cutt. His UK hits during the late 1970s included *Black Gold and Green* and *Who’s Going to Get Caught (In Babylon Trap)*. Alongside artists like Maxi Priest, Peter Hunnigale, Janet Kay, and Carroll Thompson, Jones played a pivotal role in popularizing lovers rock. His collaborations extended to Jamaica, where he worked with legendary producers Bobby Digital and Sly and Robbie during a visit 11 years ago.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Hurricane Melissa disrupts ABMs and shuts banks in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The intensifying impact of Hurricane Melissa has led to significant disruptions in Jamaica’s banking sector, with numerous automated banking machines (ABMs) temporarily decommissioned and all bank branches closed on Monday. The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA), representing the nation’s financial institutions, announced that ABMs in certain areas were taken offline due to safety concerns. Additionally, all physical branches of member banks and building societies will remain shut until conditions are deemed safe. With limited access to cash and in-person services, the public is encouraged to utilize online and mobile banking platforms. The JBA also cautioned that customer call centers may experience disruptions, resulting in delayed response times. The association assured that its members are closely monitoring the situation and will restore full services as soon as it is safe to do so. Residents are urged to adhere to official advisories from Jamaica’s disaster and meteorological offices.
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#EyeOnMelissa: 972 people registered in shelters across Jamaica — McKenzie
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has revealed that only 76 out of Jamaica’s 881 national hurricane shelters are currently active, with 972 individuals registered across these facilities. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, McKenzie highlighted regional disparities in shelter usage, noting that four parishes have no occupants, while Clarendon leads with 311 individuals, followed by St Thomas (227) and Kingston and St Andrew (179).
The minister expressed particular concern for parishes such as St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James, where shelter numbers remain alarmingly low. “St Elizabeth has 27, St James has 24, and Westmoreland has 32. These numbers are very low, and I expect them to increase by this afternoon as the storm approaches,” McKenzie stated. Projections suggest that approximately 50,000 individuals may need relocation to safe grounds or shelters.
McKenzie also addressed misinformation circulating about shelters, vehemently denying claims that fees are being charged for their use. “This is nonsense. These are attempts by malicious individuals to create confusion during a critical time. The only requirement for shelter access is to go to the designated centers. Families stay together, and basic necessities like medication, water, and crackers are advised for the initial hours,” he clarified.
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges in persuading homeless individuals to seek shelter, stating, “I will personally engage with the homeless population to encourage them to move to safety.” He also reminded the public of a mandatory order in effect, warning that non-compliance could result in fines or arrests. “The director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has the authority to enforce this order. We hope it doesn’t come to that,” McKenzie concluded.