In a decisive move to safeguard its residents, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has officially launched the St James Parish Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in anticipation of Hurricane Melissa. The activation, announced on Sunday, underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts among key stakeholders and first responders to ensure effective disaster management.
标签： Jamaica
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Taxi driver pinned in two-vehicle Mandeville crash extricated by firefighters
A serious traffic accident occurred on New Green Road in Mandeville, Jamaica, early Sunday morning, involving two Toyota Wish vehicles, one of which was a taxi. The incident prompted an emergency response from the Mandeville Fire Station, which received a distress call at 7:31 am. According to a senior official from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, one individual was trapped inside one of the vehicles and required specialized assistance to be extricated. Firefighters successfully rescued the person, who was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, and authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay displays signs of normalcy as disaster looms
ST JAMES, Jamaica — Despite intermittent rainfall on Sunday, Montego Bay has managed to retain a semblance of everyday life. Although several buildings have been shuttered, residents were observed engaging in routine activities, such as visiting supermarkets and other essential locations. One local resident, seen exiting a supermarket on St James Street, mentioned she was completing some last-minute shopping. Taxis continued to operate as usual, stationed and ready to transport passengers to various destinations. While the timing of potential storm escalation remains uncertain, precautionary measures have already been implemented in key areas. Notably, the airport ceased operations at midday on Sunday. Additionally, the Western Regional Health Authority issued a statement urging individuals to collect their discharged family members promptly, ensuring a smooth transition amidst the weather uncertainties.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JN Group offices likely to remain closed on Monday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National (JN) Group has issued a public advisory regarding the potential closure of its local offices on Monday, October 27, as Hurricane Melissa advances toward the island. The group emphasized that its emergency response systems are fully operational to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and assets during the severe weather event.
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#EyeOnMelissa: WRHA urges families to collect discharged relatives as Melissa nears
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has issued an urgent appeal to families to promptly collect relatives who have been discharged from hospitals and health facilities across the western region. This measure aims to ensure the safety and comfort of stable patients who can be cared for at home, while allowing hospitals to concentrate their resources on emergency and critical care cases during the storm. St Andrade Sinclair, the Regional Director, emphasized the critical need for swift community cooperation, stating that timely action would enhance hospital readiness. Sinclair urged family members to act responsibly by collecting loved ones who are medically fit for discharge, ensuring hospitals remain well-equipped to handle storm-related emergencies and provide optimal care to those in critical need. Families are advised to contact hospital wards or facility administrators for discharge guidance and collection times. The WRHA also reminded the public to stay informed through weather updates and advisories from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The authority is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and local disaster response agencies to safeguard the well-being of patients and staff throughout the hurricane.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pagee residents upset over distance of shelters as hurricane approaches
As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, the residents of Pagee, a small fishing village in St Mary, are grappling with the challenges of relocating to emergency shelters. The nearest designated shelter is situated several kilometres away in Trinity, a distance that has sparked frustration and concern among the community. Barrington, a local resident, voiced his discontent, stating, ‘We used to have Kirk Church nearby, but now we’re told to go to Trinity Primary School, which is far from here.’ While Barrington has opted to stay with a friend rather than seek refuge in a shelter, he expressed deep worry for vulnerable members of the community, particularly the elderly and those with health issues, who may find the journey arduous or unaffordable. ‘They’ll either have to spend money they don’t have on transportation or risk staying home and facing flooding,’ he remarked, as he hurried to a part of the village with electricity to charge his phone.
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Dominica Prime Minister reiterates call for Caribbean to be zone of peace
In a powerful address at the 86th annual conference of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining itself as a zone of peace. He warned that any military escalation in the region would have dire consequences for all Caribbean nations. Skerrit’s remarks echoed those of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who earlier called for an end to the United States’ military build-up off Venezuela’s coast, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking. Both leaders stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy rather than force. Skerrit highlighted the region’s historical struggles for freedom and independence, urging Caribbean nations to stand firm on these principles. He shared excerpts of Mottley’s speech on the Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders’ social media page, underscoring the need to speak truth to power. Mottley, in her opening address, described the current situation in the southern Caribbean as ‘extremely dangerous and untenable,’ emphasizing the region’s tragic history of being subjected to external powers’ violence. She called for unity in upholding the Caribbean as a zone of peace, a principle enshrined since Caricom’s inception. Mottley also rejected the notion of extrajudicial killings and the conflation of law enforcement with military action, advocating for the rule of law. The recent deployment of the USS Gerald Ford and over 10,000 U.S. troops to the Caribbean has raised concerns among regional leaders, who view it as a potential precursor to an invasion of Venezuela. The U.S. claims these actions are part of a counter-drug initiative, but critics argue they lack transparency and justification.
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Santosha Jamaica
Nestled on the serene south coast of Jamaica in the parish of Westmoreland, near the quaint fishing town of Whitehouse, Santosha stands as a 12,000-square-foot sanctuary of modern contemporary architecture. This luxurious retreat offers a tranquil haven, enveloped by a calm natural environment, designed to provide a space for relaxation and a complete disconnection from the stresses of daily life. The villa’s décor, inspired by nature’s vibrant palette, creates a fresh, colourful, and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for multi-generational gatherings, special events, and corporate retreats. Guests can indulge in tailored dining experiences, savouring fresh local cuisines prepared by a private chef, while a dedicated butler and housekeepers ensure a restful and harmonious stay. The property boasts a fully equipped gym, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and holistic health programmes, catering to both physical and mental well-being. The infinity edge pool, private beach, and access to the Caribbean Sea offer endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. With a gated entry and secure parking, Santosha promises a safe and luxurious escape, evoking summery feelings from dusk to dawn.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Braeton residents concerned over uncollected garbage ahead of potential flooding
Residents of Braeton, a community in Portmore, St Catherine, Jamaica, are raising alarms over the prolonged absence of garbage collection services as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Reports indicate that waste has been left uncollected for over a week, leaving the neighborhood littered with accumulating trash. The situation has sparked fears among locals that the uncollected garbage could obstruct drainage systems, exacerbating the risk of severe flooding.
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India and China resume direct flights as ties improve
In a significant development for bilateral relations, India and China have resumed direct flights after a five-year suspension. The first flight, IndiGo 6E1703, departed from Kolkata and landed in Guangzhou, China, early Sunday morning, marking the official restart of nonstop air links that were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. This move is seen as a symbolic step toward rebuilding ties between the two Asian giants, who remain strategic rivals but have gradually eased tensions since a deadly border clash in 2020. The resumption of flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact and normalize bilateral exchanges, according to the Indian government. The decision comes amid strained relations between India and the United States, following President Donald Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs and accusations that India is supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing its oil. Regular flights between India and Hong Kong have already been operational, with additional services from New Delhi to Shanghai and Guangzhou set to begin in November. Business leaders, such as Rajeev Singh of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, have hailed the move, emphasizing its potential to reduce logistics costs and transit times. Kolkata, with its historical ties to China dating back to British rule, stands to benefit significantly from the renewed air connectivity. The city’s Indo-Chinese culinary fusion remains a testament to its cultural links with China. Civil society leaders in Kolkata’s Chinatown, like Chen Khoi Kui, have welcomed the development, noting its positive impact on trade, tourism, and family reunions. Despite the thaw, India faces a long-term challenge in managing its relationship with an increasingly assertive China. The two nations continue to grapple with a significant trade imbalance, with India heavily reliant on Chinese raw materials. While recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, have improved relations, fundamental strategic realities remain unchanged. The resumption of flights is a step forward, but the path to full normalization of ties is fraught with complexities.