标签： Jamaica

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.

As Hurricane Melissa, now projected to make landfall on Tuesday, approaches Jamaica, the island’s major utility providers have warned that the storm’s intensity could lead to unprecedented damage, potentially requiring extensive rebuilding rather than mere restoration. Speaking at a joint media briefing on Sunday, Hugh Grant, CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), emphasized the severity of the situation. ‘A Category Four hurricane passing through the island could cause unprecedented damage to our facilities. At JPS, we’re likely looking at a rebuild, not just a restoration,’ Grant stated. He added that the company has bolstered preparations by securing additional resources, including bucket trucks, crane trucks, and overseas line workers, to ensure a swift and safe response post-storm. Grant also urged the public to exercise patience during potential service disruptions, acknowledging the inconvenience but stressing the importance of safety. Meanwhile, telecom providers Flow and Digicel have also ramped up their readiness. Stephen Price, Flow’s vice-president and general manager, highlighted the vulnerability of their infrastructure to the storm’s intensity, noting that some areas may require rebuilding. Digicel’s CEO, Stephen Murad, appealed to Jamaicans to protect critical infrastructure, citing past incidents of theft and vandalism that hampered recovery efforts. The National Water Commission (NWC) and the National Works Agency (NWA) have also mobilized to maintain essential services and clear roads, though disruptions are inevitable. With predictions of extreme flooding and landslides, Jamaica’s utility providers and emergency services are on high alert, preparing for the worst while urging public cooperation and patience.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, approaches the Caribbean island with maximum winds of 175 miles per hour. Forecasters warn it could be the most devastating hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history, surpassing the destruction caused by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which claimed over 40 lives locally and hundreds more across the region. Despite urgent evacuation orders from top officials, many residents remain defiant, choosing to stay in their homes rather than seek refuge in government shelters.

Jamal Peters, a hotel manager in Port Royal, highlighted the resilience of Jamaicans, stating that many prefer to weather the storm at home rather than abandon their properties. Preparations at his 63-room waterfront hotel included relocating guests to higher floors, securing the premises, and trimming trees. Similarly, Roy Brown, a local plumber, expressed skepticism about evacuation, citing distrust in government-run shelters and a fatalistic outlook on life.

Meanwhile, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt has been actively sharing emergency preparedness tips with his 4.6 million followers on X, encouraging Jamaicans to take the threat seriously. Across the island, residents are fortifying their homes, trimming trees, and securing vehicles, while zoos are taking measures to protect their animals. Joey Brown of Hope Zoo posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, urging everyone to stay safe as the storm approaches.

Despite the mixed reactions, the island is bracing for torrential rains and deadly flooding. Ishack Wilmot, a surf camp manager in Kingston, shared that his family is accustomed to enduring storms and has completed essential preparations, including stockpiling food and water. However, he emphasized the importance of being with loved ones during such critical times. As the storm’s impact intensifies, Jamaicans remain divided between cautious preparation and steadfast defiance.