标签： Jamaica

Jamaican authorities are adopting a meticulously planned, science-based strategy for the restoration of Black River and other coastal communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. Floyd Green, Government Minister and Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, has outlined a dual-phase approach that prioritizes both immediate stabilization and long-term, sustainable redevelopment.

The immediate short-term response, slated for the next three months, focuses on extensive cleaning operations and the provisional re-establishment of critical services. This includes deploying a field hospital to the site of the severely damaged Black River Hospital, with plans to restore the main ward by January to significantly increase treatment capacity. Temporary structures for essential government entities like the municipal corporation and tax office are also being prioritized to restore basic administrative functions.

However, the cornerstone of the government’s strategy is a comprehensive, data-driven study to guide the permanent reconstruction. The recently announced National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) will spearhead this process, conducting expert analyses to determine the most resilient and sustainable future for these vulnerable towns. Minister Green emphasized that rebuilding will not be ‘anecdotal’ or ‘piecemeal.’ Key government buildings—including the destroyed courthouse, municipal corporation, and tax office—may be permanently relocated to safer areas based on the study’s findings.

Beyond infrastructure, the vision for Black River includes a cultural renaissance that leverages its rich heritage. Green expressed a desire to transform the town into a cultural destination, with the restoration of historical buildings—such as those from the era when it was the first town with electricity—into interactive spaces that immerse visitors in its unique history.

Economic recovery is already underway, with successful clean-up efforts allowing businesses like pharmacies, supermarkets, and a KFC to reopen, a critical step in restoring employment for thousands of residents. The second phase of cleaning, managed by the Urban Development Corporation, will involve the complete removal and proper disposal of debris from the town. Expressing unwavering optimism, Green concluded that Black River will ultimately ’emerge better’ from this catastrophe, rebuilt as a more resilient and vibrant community.

The Jamaican Ministry of Works has officially initiated its comprehensive GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, commencing critical road patching operations across key Kingston corridors. This targeted intervention aims to address immediate infrastructure deterioration and improve overall road safety conditions for motorists.

Initial construction activities are currently focused on high-priority thoroughfares including Waterloo Road, East Kings House Road, and Mandela Highway, with additional roads in Kingston and St. Andrew receiving urgent attention. The ministry’s technical teams are specifically addressing severe road surface failures, including dangerous potholes, scouring damage, and general pavement degradation that has compromised driving conditions.

Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works, confirmed the programme will adopt a phased geographical approach. “The GO Programme will expand beyond Kingston and move into other parishes in the coming days,” Morgan stated, emphasizing the government’s structured rollout strategy designed to restore vital transportation routes nationwide. The initiative directly supports Jamaica’s economic activity by facilitating safer daily commuting, commercial transportation, and public transit operations.

The ministry has issued advisories urging motorists to exercise heightened caution when approaching active work zones, obey all posted traffic instructions, and anticipate intermittent delays during construction hours. Regular updates regarding the programme’s expansion schedule and subsequent target areas will be communicated to the public as rehabilitation work progresses across the island.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – In a significant development for public sector employees, British Virgin Islands Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that a substantial portion of long-delayed increment payments will be disbursed to government workers in time for the Christmas season. The remaining balances are scheduled for settlement by early 2026.

The Premier made this announcement during a recent press conference, characterizing the move as a relief measure for public servants who have endured years of financial uncertainty regarding their owed increments. “I am pleased to declare that a majority of our dedicated public servants will receive the bulk of their outstanding increment payments this Christmas, with the residual amounts finalized in the early part of 2026,” Wheatley stated.

This decision culminates years of persistent appeals from public officers and commentators demanding the resolution of unpaid increments, some of which have been pending across multiple performance review cycles. Historical partial disbursements failed to fully address the issue, with employees repeatedly highlighting how the protracted delays inflicted financial strain and diminished morale within the vital public service sector.

The accumulation of increment arrears has emerged as a perennial national concern, frequently surfacing in legislative budget debates, union negotiations, and public discourse forums. Previous administrations have acknowledged the existing backlog, attributing the delays to a combination of fiscal constraints and administrative complexities.

Premier Wheatley framed the initiative as reflecting the benevolent spirit of the holiday season. He further indicated that the Minister of Communications and Works is poised to unveil an additional government-led community initiative for the wider Virgin Islands populace in the near future.