标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa has left a significant portion of Jamaica in the dark, with approximately 51,439 customers of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company experiencing power outages as of Monday morning. The disruption was detailed by Minister of Energy and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz during a press briefing.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s imminent landfall, Springs Plaza on Constant Spring Road has become a focal point of robust security measures. The iconic commercial hub, a cornerstone of the Half-Way Tree business district for over four decades, has been fortified with dozens of armed security personnel to prevent potential vandalism and looting.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant traffic disruption has occurred at the intersection of Stanmore Manor and Red Hills Road in St Andrew, following the collapse of a large tree onto the roadway. The incident has forced authorities to reduce the affected area to single-lane traffic, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters. Local law enforcement has advised motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid congestion and ensure smoother travel. Officials are actively monitoring the situation and have promised to provide further updates as the cleanup and restoration efforts progress. Residents and drivers are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution in the area until normal traffic flow is restored.

Residents of New Haven, Jamaica, are bracing for potential flooding and crocodile sightings as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The community, already plagued by blocked gullies filled with trash and debris, fears that heavy rainfall could exacerbate the situation, leading to dangerous backwater spillage into homes. Residents have expressed concerns about the safety of children in the area, as crocodiles are known to inhabit the clogged waterways.

Jamaica’s efforts to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa are being severely hampered by criminal activities targeting critical infrastructure. Local utility companies, including major telecommunications providers, have reported significant thefts of essential equipment and resources, which are delaying the restoration of services across the island.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an impending hurricane, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the suspension of all Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus services. The company has shifted into emergency response mode to facilitate the evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Vaz emphasized that regular bus operations will remain halted until conditions are deemed safe. JUTC teams are currently on standby in critical regions, including Rockford, Spanish Town, Portmore, and all five rural school bus zones, to assist with evacuations. Since Saturday, the company has successfully evacuated approximately 148 individuals, though Vaz noted that this figure falls significantly short of the anticipated need for a Category 5 hurricane. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed warnings from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, predicting widespread flooding that will necessitate relocations. Vaz also highlighted the activation of the rural school bus system, which will transport residents to hurricane shelters. Despite challenges posed by muddy conditions, over 60 school buses across all parishes will be utilized to the fullest extent possible. Additionally, airports will remain closed until the hurricane passes, while toll booths have been opened to facilitate movement.

In Trelawny, Jamaica, Councillor Garth Wilkinson of the People’s National Party (Falmouth Division) has issued a stern warning against the unchecked construction of shops and storerooms along the shoreline of Falmouth Fishing Beach. Wilkinson emphasized that this unregulated development is obstructing fisherfolk from safely mooring their boats, particularly during emergencies such as the impending Hurricane Melissa.

Wilkinson passionately stated, ‘One of my most urgent appeals is for everyone constructing on the beach to recognize that there are critical times, like now, when boats must be brought ashore. Building shops that occupy the entire shoreline is unacceptable and must cease immediately.’

He further stressed the necessity of designated safe zones for fisherfolk to secure their vessels during such crises. ‘There must be accessible areas where fisherfolk can safely pull in their boats. It’s not feasible for every fisherman to decide to build a shop or storeroom along the shoreline,’ he added.

Despite the challenges, Wilkinson acknowledged that fisherfolk in key areas such as Half Moon Bay, Falmouth Fishing Beach on Rodney Street, and Rock have already taken proactive measures to safeguard their boats. ‘In Rock, most fisherfolk have relocated their boats to safety, storing them in the lagoon near the Excellence Resort,’ noted the former mayor of Falmouth.

Wilkinson’s call highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight to balance development with the safety and livelihoods of coastal communities, especially in the face of natural disasters.

In a distressing incident on Monday, two children were rushed to a medical facility following a motor vehicle collision on Orange Street in Montego Bay, St James. The accident occurred shortly after midday when a Toyota Voxy and a Toyota Corolla collided while traveling along the roadway. The exact conditions of the children remain undisclosed at this time. Authorities were promptly notified, and law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to conduct necessary investigations. The vehicles involved were subsequently removed from the area to restore normal traffic flow. Further details regarding the cause of the accident and the extent of injuries sustained by the children are awaited as the investigation progresses.