标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has instructed the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to assess the viability of relocating portions of the electricity grid underground. Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this initiative during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for resilience in the power infrastructure.

Holness highlighted specific areas, including Montego Bay’s Elegant Corridor and Hip Strip, as priority zones for this underground project. These regions, central to Jamaica’s tourism industry, sustained significant damage during the hurricane. While acknowledging the high costs associated with underground infrastructure, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing expenses with the need for a robust and resilient grid.

In parallel, the government has prioritized power restoration in critical facilities such as hospitals, water plants, and communication hubs, as well as densely populated residential areas. Holness noted that the ‘all clear for restoration of utility services’ has enabled JPS and independent contractors to mobilize extensively. The Ministry of Energy is overseeing grid stabilization efforts and addressing localized issues, including low voltage on restored feeders.

The Prime Minister assured the public that the government is providing strategic guidance to JPS, focusing on restoring large commercial and urban centers alongside essential public services. He also pledged to keep citizens informed about the progress of re-energization efforts across parishes as the network undergoes repairs and reconstruction.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a coalition of 43 civil society organizations and prominent individuals in Jamaica has issued a unified call for immediate climate justice measures. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica’s southwest coast last Tuesday, has claimed 32 lives and caused extensive destruction across western Jamaica before moving on to affect parts of Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. With wind speeds surpassing 185 miles per hour and unprecedented rainfall, Hurricane Melissa is now regarded as one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the island.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, including the establishment of a National Registry of Volunteers and a series of international fundraising concerts. The initiative aims to raise an initial US$1 million to support relief efforts and rebuild affected communities. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange announced these measures during a special media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming the crisis. The National Registry of Volunteers, accessible via the Support Jamaica portal (supportjamaica.gov.jm), provides a streamlined platform for individuals to offer their skills and time in areas such as food distribution, medical support, and clean-up activities. Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to participate, highlighting the need for a coordinated and efficient response. Additionally, former Prime Ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, along with former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, have been enlisted to assist in the recovery efforts. Blair will coordinate the involvement of religious and faith-based organizations, which have historically played a crucial role in times of crisis. To further bolster resources, the Government has partnered with the entertainment industry to organize the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, featuring performances by leading Jamaican artists in venues across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The series will kick off with a virtual concert and telethon on November 16, followed by events in London, Miami, and other cities. Grange also revealed that the Caribbean Premier League and former cricketer Chris Gayle will contribute to the fundraising campaign. The Reggae Boyz vs Curacao FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 18 will serve as another platform for donations, with the Jamaica Football Federation and Red Cross Jamaica coordinating the effort. Grange expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various sectors, reiterating that Jamaica will emerge stronger from this unprecedented disaster.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a comprehensive clean-up initiative has been launched in St James, Jamaica. Spearheaded by the St James Municipal Corporation and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the operation commenced on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with Catherine Hall and Westgreen being the first areas targeted. The effort involves a robust deployment of resources, including heavy equipment, tipper trucks, and a dedicated workforce comprising laborers and chainsaw operators. Audley Gordon, Executive Director of the NSWMA, emphasized the urgency of the task, describing the current living conditions in affected communities as ‘subhuman.’ He expressed hope for favorable weather to facilitate a thorough clean-up and restoration process. Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon outlined the phased approach, starting with Westgreen and Catherine Hall, followed by the city center, with the aim of restoring normalcy by the weekend. The operation also includes providing essential services such as potable water, food aid, and assistance in cleaning homes to support the residents in rebuilding their lives.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has identified a significant rise in groundwater levels within the local aquifer system as the primary cause of the severe flooding currently affecting Content, Manchester. This phenomenon, known as a groundwater mound, occurs when water accumulates underground faster than it can naturally dissipate.