The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) marked World Polio Day on Friday, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action to preserve the Americas’ polio-free status. The region has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus in over three decades, a milestone achieved through widespread vaccination efforts. However, PAHO warns that declining immunization rates pose a significant threat to this hard-earned achievement.
标签： Jamaica
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#EyeOnMelissa: JCF ready to protect key infrastructure if Melissa hits says Blake
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, has announced the full activation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) hurricane preparedness plan. The JCF has mobilized its resources to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island’s southeastern coast.
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Crawling threat
Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which continues its steady advance toward the island. The Government has escalated emergency preparations as meteorologists warn of potential hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Rohan Brown, Weather Services Manager at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, stated during a press conference at Jamaica House that Melissa could intensify into a major hurricane by the weekend, posing significant threats to the region. The storm’s slow but relentless progression has prompted widespread readiness measures. The island’s international airports have activated emergency protocols, public hospitals are on high alert, and utility companies have mobilized resources. The Jamaica Public Service Company has introduced a new incident command structure to ensure faster and safer power restoration. Telecommunications providers Flow and Digicel, along with the National Water Commission, have also declared full preparedness. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pregnant women urged to prepare as storm nears
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa advances across the Caribbean Sea, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a critical advisory urging expectant mothers to take immediate precautions. The ministry emphasized the heightened risks for pregnant women, especially those in their final trimester or with high-risk conditions such as hypertension, sickle cell disease, or diabetes. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry reassured the public that all maternity wards and hospitals across the island remain fully operational and prepared to assist pregnant women during the storm. Pregnant mothers are advised to stay informed through official updates from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The ministry outlined several safety measures, including consulting healthcare providers for guidance, preparing essential items such as maternity records and hospital bags, keeping phones charged and important contacts accessible, staying indoors away from windows, and ensuring access to clean water, non-perishable food, and medications. Additionally, pregnant women residing in low-lying or coastal areas are urged to relocate to safer shelters promptly. The ministry also warned against walking or driving through floodwaters and advised avoiding flooded areas altogether.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Portlanders urged to bring 72-hour emergency supplies to shelters
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Authorities in Portland are urging residents planning to seek refuge in shelters to bring sufficient food and supplies to last up to 72 hours as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Maxwell Hamilton, Parish Manager for the Portland office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, emphasized the importance of preparedness during a meeting of the Parish Disaster Committee on Thursday. The meeting was held at the Portland Municipal Corporation offices.
Hamilton highlighted the potential duration of the storm, stating, ‘This event is setting up to be one that might extend over several days. We want to avoid the need to rush food supplies into shelters because people arrive unprepared. Additionally, we cannot risk the safety of our officers.’ He urged local councillors to assist by encouraging residents in their divisions to bring adequate provisions.
In its latest bulletin on Friday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica maintained a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for the island. A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that Jamaica could experience sustained wind speeds of 63-118 km/h within 36 hours. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Watch suggests that hurricane conditions, including winds of 119 km/h or higher, may pose a threat within 48 hours. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official updates as the situation develops.
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Is That A Fact set for Bruceontheloose Sprint
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta has set his sights on the upcoming Bruceontheloose Sprint, scheduled for Mouttet Mile race day in December, with his exceptional five-year-old American-bred bay horse, Is That A Fact. This announcement follows Is That A Fact’s impressive triumph in the $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Cup on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The race, an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward over one mile (1,600m), saw Is That A Fact dominate the field, defeating runner-up Run Julie Run, ridden by Dane Dawkins, by a length and three-quarters. The victory was marked by a commanding performance, with Is That A Fact completing the event in 1:39.1 (24.0 x 46.4 x 1:12.0 x 1:25.2). DaCosta praised the jockey, Shaheem Gordon, for executing a flawless ride and adhering to the race strategy. “It was a perfect ride by the jockey, and he followed instructions well,” DaCosta remarked. He also expressed confidence in Is That A Fact’s form, stating, “I think he is peaking at the right time, and he was working exceptionally well coming into this race.” Despite initial concerns about Run Julie Run’s challenge, DaCosta remains focused on the upcoming Sprint on Mouttet Mile race day. Gordon, who held Is That A Fact off in the early stages, timed the surge perfectly, propelling the horse to the front in the deep stretch and fending off Run Julie Run’s challenge to secure the win. “The trainer gave me an instruction, I know it was a winning ride and so I stuck to the plan and we won,” Gordon said. Linguist trailed behind in third place. DaCosta’s strategic planning and Gordon’s expert execution have positioned Is That A Fact as a strong contender for the upcoming Sprint.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Digicel urges customers to report acts of vandalism during Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Digicel Jamaica is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism that could disrupt network services. Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the company’s preparedness while calling for community cooperation to safeguard connectivity during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa slowly moving across the Caribbean
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an urgent warning for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa advances slowly across the Caribbean. The storm is predicted to unleash prolonged severe weather conditions on the island early next week, posing significant risks to life and property.
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‘Jamaica deserves it!’
Mount Pleasant Football Academy has taken a monumental step towards the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final after a resounding 5-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC in the first-leg semi-final. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, showcased the Jamaican Premier League champions’ dominance, with Raheem Edwards scoring twice and contributions from Warner Brown, Shaqueil Bradford, and Kimoni Bailey. Head Coach Theodore Whitmore emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation in securing the win, stating, ‘We eliminated their game plan and ours worked.’ Despite the commanding performance, Whitmore expressed disappointment at conceding a goal, ending their streak of clean sheets. Mount Pleasant now stands on the brink of becoming only the second Jamaican team to reach the Caribbean Cup final, following in the footsteps of reigning champions Cavalier FC. Whitmore highlighted the significance of this achievement for Jamaican football, urging fans to rally behind the team. A spot in the final would also secure Mount Pleasant’s qualification for the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup, where they could face elite clubs from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central America. The second-leg match is set to take place at the National Stadium in Jamaica, where Mount Pleasant aims to seal their historic progression.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JR2R sets new date for Pink Run 2025 due to hurricane watch
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R) has made the decision to postpone the 25th anniversary of the Pink Run, originally set for this Sunday, in response to the ongoing hurricane watch affecting the island. The event has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 15, 2025, and will be held at Emancipation Park in New Kingston. This move underscores JR2R’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, volunteers, and attendees. Additional information regarding the rescheduled event will be released in the coming weeks via JR2R’s official website and social media channels. Sandra Samuels, President of JR2R, emphasized the organization’s dedication to safety, stating, ‘The safety of everyone is our top priority. We deeply appreciate the understanding, flexibility, and unwavering enthusiasm of our participants, sponsors, and supporters. We eagerly anticipate uniting everyone on November 15 to run in solidarity, hope, and support for those impacted by breast cancer.’