标签： Jamaica

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, the Jamaican Government has ramped up emergency efforts to address vulnerabilities in the Sandy Gully, a critical drainage system in Kingston. Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized that the current measures are temporary, pending the finalization of a multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation project. Speaking during a site visit to the Spanish Town Bridge section of the gully, Morgan revealed that crews from the National Works Agency (NWA) have been deployed to clear debris and reinforce at-risk areas.

The Sandy Gully, which spans approximately eight kilometers from Red Hills to Kingston Harbour, has long been plagued by silt buildup, illegal dumping, and encroachment, significantly reducing its capacity to handle stormwater. Morgan highlighted that the large-scale rehabilitation project is progressing through the Public Investment Management System (PIMS), the Government’s framework for major capital projects. However, he stressed that immediate safety remains the top priority.

Despite these efforts, Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, criticized the Government’s focus on the bridge section, arguing that it overlooks more severe damage further upstream. Hylton warned that eroded areas upstream pose a direct threat to residents, infrastructure, and Jamaica Public Service (JPS) installations. He expressed frustration over the lack of urgent intervention, noting that his repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.

Hylton revealed that he had to enlist the help of an international organization to clear debris at the gully’s mouth, where blockages could exacerbate flooding in nearby communities. He emphasized that temporary clean-ups are insufficient to prevent future disasters, urging the Government to address the broader issues affecting the gully.

Both officials agree that protecting lives is paramount as Tropical Storm Melissa looms. While Morgan insists that the Government is acting swiftly to manage immediate risks, Hylton maintains that comprehensive, long-term solutions are essential to safeguard homes and livelihoods. The Sandy Gully’s vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for sustained investment and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in Jamaica.

A tragic incident unfolded in the community of Triumph, Guyana, on Wednesday when a 29-year-old contractor, Winston Semple, lost his life after being attacked by a swarm of bees while working on a road construction project. Semple sustained multiple bee stings across his body and collapsed at the scene. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Another worker, 40-year-old Glendon Sampson, was also attacked during the same incident and remains in critical condition. Local residents played a crucial role in swiftly transporting both men to the hospital following the attack. Authorities have announced that a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Semple’s body to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, multiple agencies are collaborating to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

A member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been hospitalized following a severe vehicle accident that occurred on Thursday morning. According to police reports, the incident took place shortly after 9:00 am when the JDF unit, en route to Mandeville town centre, lost control upon reaching New Green Road. The vehicle veered left, collided with an embankment, and overturned, reportedly trapping the soldier underneath. Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured soldier to Mandeville Regional Hospital, where he remains under medical care. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which has raised concerns about road safety and the conditions of military vehicles. This incident highlights the risks faced by military personnel even during routine operations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has announced proactive measures to mitigate the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, expected to hit the island later this week. Speaking at a Jamaica House press briefing on Thursday, Grant emphasized that while power outages are anticipated, the recovery process will be significantly faster compared to the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in July 2023.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the impending threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all schools across the island maintain remote learning operations on Friday, October 24, 2025. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff as the storm approaches.