标签： Jamaica

The Jamaican Government is locked in a persistent struggle with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to obtain accurate and detailed information regarding the restoration of electricity following Hurricane Melissa. During a meeting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee at Gordon House on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer of the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy expressed frustration over JPS’s failure to provide parish-level and community-level updates. Palmer emphasized that broad percentage figures offered by JPS are insufficient and misleading, as they do not reflect the lived experiences of many Jamaicans still without power. MPs echoed these concerns, with St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell highlighting discrepancies in JPS’s claims of 79% restoration in her parish, noting that rural areas remain entirely without electricity. Palmer revealed that the Government has escalated the matter to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to ensure greater accountability. Additionally, the strained relationship between JPS and the Government, exacerbated by the impending renegotiation of JPS’s all-island licence, has further complicated recovery efforts. MPs also criticized the lack of structured communication from JPS, leaving them unable to address constituents’ urgent inquiries. Palmer assured the committee that the ministry is working to improve coordination and transparency, with the OUR tasked with verifying JPS’s cost estimates and supporting the Government’s push for clearer information.

In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, a larceny case has taken an unexpected turn as the complainant refused to engage in mediation. Raheim Tollo, accused of stealing a significant amount of alcohol, beverages, and meat from a local wholesale shop, appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Hugh Gentles, the Custos Rotulorum of Trelawny, has called for a strategic shift in relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Gentles emphasized that the immediate priority for the parish is the provision of building materials to aid residents in repairing and reconstructing their homes, which were severely damaged when the hurricane struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28. While the community has expressed gratitude for the initial humanitarian aid, including food, clothing, and care packages, Gentles stressed that the recovery process has now entered a critical phase focused on long-term reconstruction.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heartfelt display of community solidarity, the Dunbeholden Football Club has stepped up to assist residents in the storm-ravaged western region of Jamaica. On Sunday, club members traveled to Russia, Westmoreland, delivering essential relief supplies to families still recovering from the devastating aftermath of the recent storm. The aid included food packages, water, clothing, shoes, and tarpaulins, addressing immediate needs in the affected area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has reported a gradual decline in groundwater levels in Content, Manchester, following severe flooding triggered by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The flooding, caused by significant rainfall before and during the hurricane, has been a major concern for the community. Geoffrey Marshall, Deputy Managing Director of the WRA, confirmed that on-site observations indicate a slow but steady reduction in water levels. However, he warned that the movement of groundwater is causing rising water levels in downstream areas such as Porus and Harmons, as anticipated by the authority. Similar trends have been observed in Comfort Hall and Evergreen. Marshall emphasized that the recession of water in Content could take up to four weeks, longer than the two-week period recorded during a similar event in 2002, due to the greater volume of water involved this time. The WRA has urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious, avoid contact with contaminated floodwaters, and take necessary precautions if their properties are at risk. Marshall also advised against consuming untreated groundwater, stressing the importance of boiling or purifying water before use. The WRA continues to monitor the situation closely and conduct assessments across other communities.