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As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern warning to construction operators across the nation. The hurricane, expected to intensify with wind speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour), poses a significant threat to the island, with projections indicating prolonged rainfall lasting at least two days. During a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday, McKenzie emphasized the urgent need to secure loose equipment and materials on construction sites to mitigate potential hazards. His appeal comes after a morning inspection revealed numerous sites in the Corporate Area where materials such as sand, gravel, steel, and even cranes were left unsecured. McKenzie urged operators nationwide to take immediate action to remove or secure these items, warning that unsecured materials could block drains, exacerbate flooding, and cause severe damage to property and lives. Additionally, he called for the temporary removal of advertising billboards, which could become dangerous projectiles in the hurricane’s strong winds. McKenzie also warned that abandoned vehicles on roadsides would be removed and disposed of to prevent them from becoming hazards. ‘We cannot afford to create missiles that will harm people during this period,’ he stated, appealing for cooperation from all stakeholders. The government’s proactive measures aim to minimize the hurricane’s impact and safeguard the population as Jamaica braces for the storm’s arrival.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stark warning to residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas, signaling that mandatory evacuation orders are imminent. The Category 1 hurricane, expected to make landfall between Monday and Tuesday, is projected to bring heavy winds and torrential rainfall, lingering over the island for several days. Port Royal, a historic seafaring town notorious for its residents’ refusal to evacuate during past storms, remains a top concern for authorities. McKenzie emphasized the gravity of the situation during a special Jamaica House media briefing on Saturday, urging residents to act swiftly to ensure their safety. He referenced the Bible, stating, “God helps those who help themselves,” in a bid to counter the common belief that Jamaica is divinely protected from natural disasters. The minister also revealed that he has written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, recommending the declaration of Jamaica as a “threatened area” under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA). This designation paves the way for compulsory evacuations in high-risk zones such as Rocky Point, Taylor Land, New Haven, and Riverton City. McKenzie appealed to residents to relocate voluntarily, warning that first responders’ lives would be endangered if people refused to move. The government has already begun relocating vulnerable populations, including residents of three infirmaries and the homeless, to safer accommodations. Relief supplies are being prepositioned, and a team from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is assisting with communication and on-ground support. Prime Minister Holness echoed McKenzie’s concerns, emphasizing that the entire island will be impacted by Melissa’s wide-reaching outer bands. He urged Jamaicans to prepare for prolonged rainfall, strong winds, and potential power outages, while also safeguarding essential documents. Holness acknowledged the limitations of government resources, stating that while supplies are being distributed, not all those in need will be reached. Churches, Members of Parliament, and first responders will assist in the distribution efforts. The prime minister also called on parents to keep their children calm and safe during the storm. As Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa, the government’s message is clear: preparedness and cooperation are essential to minimize the storm’s devastating impact.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica with projected Category 4 strength, the island’s homeless community remains unfazed, opting to brave the storm on the streets rather than seek refuge in shelters. For many, this is not their first encounter with nature’s fury. One man, who has lived on the streets of downtown Kingston since 1996, recounted his experiences with past hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan. Despite the dangers, he and others like him prefer the familiarity of the streets to the uncertainty of shelters. A 62-year-old woman at Justice Square shared similar sentiments, explaining that she seeks refuge in a market on Princess Street during severe weather events, as she did during Hurricane Beryl in 2023. Both individuals cited poor conditions and negative experiences in shelters as reasons for their reluctance to leave the streets. The Ministry of Local Government and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have been urging homeless individuals to seek safety in shelters, but many remain resistant. Acting inspector of poor at the KSAMC, Donna-Gaye Brady, emphasized the outreach efforts to relocate the most vulnerable, yet the homeless community’s distrust of shelters persists. Their resilience highlights the broader challenges faced by Jamaica’s homeless population, even in the face of life-threatening storms.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, most citizens are seeking safety in their homes. However, essential workers, including firefighters and medical professionals, are preparing to leave their families and face the storm head-on to protect lives and maintain order. For these individuals, the call of duty often means personal sacrifice and emotional strain.