As Hurricane Melissa, the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, approaches Jamaica, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has voiced grave concerns about the potential devastation to the island’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SBAJ President Garnet Reid warned that the hurricane could deliver a ‘double whammy’ to businesses already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Reid emphasized that many SMEs may face permanent closures if the storm hits as projected, potentially ruining the upcoming holiday season for countless businesses. The hurricane, expected to cause billions in losses, has already disrupted operations with widespread flight cancellations and business closures. Reid highlighted limited access to finance as a critical barrier to SME recovery and called for urgent government intervention, including the establishment of a special emergency fund through entities like the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ). He also expressed strong opposition to a proposed increase in electricity rates by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), arguing that such a move would exacerbate the economic hardships faced by small businesses. Reid urged the government to reject any rate hikes and focus on restoration and recovery efforts instead. Additionally, he advocated for greater competition in the energy sector, suggesting that a monopoly stifles fair pricing and consumer choice. The small business sector, often described as the engine of Jamaica’s economy, plays a vital role in employment and tax revenue, making its recovery crucial for the nation’s overall economic stability.
标签： Jamaica
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NMIA, Ian Fleming International Airport to open for relief flights
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant update, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced the phased reopening of Jamaica’s key airports following a period of closure due to a recent crisis. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, are set to resume operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, initially for relief flights only. Commercial operations, including both incoming and outgoing flights, will commence at 7:00 am on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday to facilitate relief efforts. Vaz emphasized that assessments are ongoing, with commercial passenger flights expected to resume no later than Friday morning. The minister highlighted the extensive devastation observed during his aerial tour, urging collective efforts for recovery. ‘The devastation is enormous. Words can’t describe it. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. God bless Jamaica,’ Vaz stated. The arrival of relief flights will mark the beginning of the recovery process, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.
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Climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely
A groundbreaking study by scientists at Imperial College London has revealed that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood and intensity of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit Jamaica. Published on Wednesday, the rapid analysis found that global warming, primarily driven by fossil fuel emissions, made such a catastrophic event four times more probable.
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Flow Jamaica expands emergency connectivity with Starlink
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Liberty Caribbean, the parent company of Flow Jamaica, has unveiled a groundbreaking emergency communication solution powered by Starlink’s satellite technology. This initiative aims to bolster network resilience across the island, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for its users. The service, branded as “FLOW STARLINK,” is now accessible to 70% of Flow’s mobile data customers in Jamaica, marking a significant step forward in the region’s telecommunications infrastructure.
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‘She gwaan bad’: Piggery resident says Hurricane Melissa destroyed his home
PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.
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St James Municipal Corporation assessing hurricane damage
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, the St James Municipal Corporation has joined forces with state agencies and non-governmental organizations to evaluate the extensive damage and deliver emergency aid to the hardest-hit areas. The hurricane wreaked havoc across the parish, demolishing homes, businesses, and critical road infrastructure. It also uprooted trees, destroyed utility poles, and severed power lines, leading to widespread electricity outages and water supply disruptions. Mayor Richard Vernon of Montego Bay emphasized the scale of the recovery effort, stating, ‘We are mobilizing all available resources to assess the damage and initiate the challenging task of restoring essential services and access.’ He acknowledged that the process would be substantial and time-consuming but assured residents of transparency and timely updates as assessments and relief plans progress. Despite the destruction, Mayor Vernon highlighted the unwavering spirit of Montego Bay, pledging a comprehensive and transparent recovery aimed at restoring services, rebuilding livelihoods, and enhancing resilience against future storms. Residents are advised to remain cautious due to ongoing risks such as downed power lines, hidden debris, and weakened structures. Authorities have urged the public to avoid flooded areas, report hazards, and follow official guidance as repairs to roads, utilities, and communication networks begin.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Montego Bay wakes up to destruction after Hurricane Melissa
Montego Bay, St James, Jamaica, awoke to a scene of widespread destruction on Wednesday as the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact became apparent. The storm, which battered the city throughout Tuesday, left a trail of devastation, with roofs torn off buildings and debris scattered across roadways. The Catherine Hall and West Green communities were particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe flooding and significant silt accumulation. The Sangster International Airport also sustained substantial damage, especially in its departure area, disrupting travel operations. Government buildings, including the St James Municipal Corporation, were not spared, with reports of shattered windows and structural harm. Authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, but the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the hurricane’s ferocity. Residents are now grappling with the challenges of recovery as they begin to rebuild their lives and communities.
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Conditions ‘devastating’ in St Elizabeth, says Black River mayor
The parish of St Elizabeth in Jamaica is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as described by Black River Mayor Richard Solomon. The hurricane has left the region in a state of devastation, with severe damage to infrastructure and limited communication capabilities. Solomon emphasized that the term ‘catastrophic’ barely captures the extent of the destruction witnessed on the ground. Emergency and security forces are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently immobilized and relies on Starlink satellite internet for communication. Solomon revealed that the local hospital has been ‘totally devastated,’ and police units, along with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), are non-operational after being submerged during the hurricane. Rescue operations are currently impossible, and the situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Solomon urged residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are being made to address the crisis. He appealed for external assistance, stressing that the parish urgently needs all the help it can get.
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US says 4 killed in new strike on alleged Pacific drug boat
In a continuation of its aggressive anti-drug operations, the US military launched a strike on Wednesday targeting a vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Pentagon spokesperson Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, stating that the boat was suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. The strike took place in international waters, marking another escalation in President Donald Trump’s contentious campaign against narcotics smuggling, which has now claimed at least 62 lives in recent weeks. A video shared by Hegseth on social media depicted the stationary boat engulfed in flames following a massive explosion. However, critical details of the vessel were obscured, making it impossible to ascertain the exact number of people on board. Hegseth asserted that intelligence reports identified the boat as part of a known drug trafficking route and carrying illicit narcotics. Despite these claims, the US government has not publicly disclosed concrete evidence to substantiate its allegations against the targeted vessels. This latest strike follows a series of attacks two days prior, which resulted in the deaths of 14 people across four boats in the same region. The US had requested Mexico’s assistance in rescuing a survivor from those strikes, but Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Wednesday that search efforts were unsuccessful.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Flash flood watch in effect for several parishes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Services of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Watch for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes, warning that additional rainfall could exacerbate localized flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. This alert comes despite the discontinuation of the tropical storm warning previously in effect for the island.