标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, threatening to escalate into a major hurricane, the Area 4 police team has pledged its full support to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure. Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Area 4, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety and protect vulnerable areas during and after the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the early closure of all non-essential government offices at 2:00 pm on Friday. The decision, communicated by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a Friday media release, aims to ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island. Essential services, however, will continue to operate without interruption, remaining accessible to the public. According to the OPM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that Tropical Storm Melissa remained stationary overnight, but a tropical storm warning remains in effect. The government has pledged to provide ongoing updates throughout the day. Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move to bolster national readiness, the Jamaican Government has doubled its allocation for constituency-level disaster preparedness from $200 million to $400 million. This significant increase comes as the nation braces for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend. The decision, announced by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Morgan, follows a directive from Prime Minister Andrew Holness to enhance flood mitigation and preparedness efforts. According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, the storm, currently stationary to the southeast of the island, is expected to bring heavy rainfall of 200–350 millimetres (eight–14 inches), particularly in eastern parishes, raising concerns of widespread flooding and landslides. Morgan emphasized that the additional funding will enable constituencies to scale up readiness activities, safeguarding lives, property, and infrastructure. The funds are being distributed through the National Works Agency (NWA) to constituencies across the island, empowering Members of Parliament and local teams to undertake urgent pre-impact works in vulnerable areas. These activities include drain cleaning, de-bushing, and clearing blocked roadways. Morgan urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and adhere to official guidance, stating, ‘Preparedness saves lives. We are acting decisively to ensure Jamaica is ready.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, Jamaicans in the Corporate Area have rushed to stores, leaving shelves bare in preparation for the potential impact. Despite the tropical storm warning and hurricane watch issued since Thursday morning, some shoppers expressed doubts about the necessity of their frantic purchases, citing past experiences where storms veered away from the island. Andrew Sinclair, a customer at the National Bakery on Balmoral Avenue, voiced his skepticism, recalling instances where warnings led to excessive spending without significant consequences. However, most residents are erring on the side of caution, with long lines and increased sales reported at supermarkets and bakeries. At Brooklyn Supermarket, Jamela Anderson remained unfazed, expecting only heavy rain, while Diana Mendez stocked up on essentials for her granddaughter but expressed concern over the storm’s slow movement. Richie Bramwell, shopping with his son, focused on canned goods and emphasized the importance of preparedness, despite feeling minimally threatened. Stores like MegaMart and Sampers Supermarket reported unprecedented activity, with items like bottled water, canned food, and batteries flying off the shelves. Customers like Omar Mills expressed hope for minimal damage and the safety of all residents as the island braces for Melissa’s arrival.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber crowd, predominantly dressed in black, took to the streets of Mandeville on Friday in a unified call for answers regarding the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Jayden Smith. The young boy vanished exactly one month ago, leaving his family and community in distress.