标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent private sector organizations in Jamaica have jointly addressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, voicing their concerns over the sluggish pace of recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In a letter dated November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While commending the efforts of government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the groups stressed that the current response is insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected citizens. They highlighted the critical importance of time, stating that lives depend on swift and efficient intervention. The organizations called for a streamlined national response with transparent roles, centralized coordination, and robust accountability mechanisms. To address the crisis, they proposed several key recommendations: 1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention: Establishing centralized safe zones across the island to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, and sanitation for displaced individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. 2. Coordinated National Relief Command: Creating a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, led by a designated individual with the authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international disaster-relief experts. 3. State of Public Emergency (SOE): Declaring an SOE in the most severely impacted areas to enable emergency powers for road clearance, search and rescue, and supply distribution. 4. Oversight and Transparency: Forming an Oversight and Recovery Committee within seven days, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society to ensure transparency and collective leadership. The PSOJ, JMEA, and JCC reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the government and national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.

In a significant operation on Tuesday evening, law enforcement officers in St James, Jamaica, successfully confiscated two illegal firearms in the Wales Pond community. Acting on credible intelligence, the police conducted a targeted search in the area, leading to the discovery of the weapons. The seized items included a high-powered M4 Carbine rifle, accompanied by a magazine loaded with 33 rounds of 5.56 cartridges, and a Para 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearms were found concealed in a red and white bag within an abandoned building. Despite the recovery of these dangerous weapons, no arrests were made during the operation, which took place around 9:00 pm. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by the St James police to combat illegal arms proliferation and enhance community safety.

Residents and commuters in St Andrew, Jamaica, are being alerted to avoid Brandon Hill following a significant landslide that has rendered the area completely inaccessible. Local authorities have issued a public advisory urging motorists to seek alternative routes to ensure safety and prevent further complications. The landslide, which occurred unexpectedly, has disrupted normal traffic flow and poses potential risks to those attempting to navigate the area. Police officials have assured the public that updates regarding the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and avoiding the affected zone until further notice.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has pledged to ensure an accurate count of Jamaicans who lost their lives due to Hurricane Melissa, even if it requires exhuming bodies. This commitment was made during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following reports that communities severely affected by the October 28 hurricane have begun burying uncollected remains. Holness was responding to inquiries from Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, regarding the death toll and the process of retrieving bodies. The official death toll currently stands at 32, with 25 of these fatalities occurring in Campbell’s constituency. Holness acknowledged that while the Red Cross considers the death toll relatively low for a Category Five hurricane, there are still unaccounted deaths and unrecovered bodies. He emphasized the importance of proper identification and determination of death, stating, “We will recover all bodies even if we have to exhume them.” Holness also warned that the final death count may be higher than currently reported, particularly in isolated communities. Campbell raised concerns about the adequacy of the government’s response in retrieving bodies, noting that funeral homes and community members had to step in. Holness assured that a forensic team is actively working on the ground to address these issues and provide closure to affected families.

GENEVA, Switzerland — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has attributed the relatively low death toll from Hurricane Melissa to comprehensive disaster preparedness measures implemented by Jamaica. Despite being one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded, the storm resulted in 32 fatalities on the island, with a total of 76 deaths across the Caribbean.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has pledged to investigate allegations of price gouging in western Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness made the announcement during a session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused significant damage in southwestern parishes, leading to reports of inflated prices for essential goods and services, including food, gasoline, building materials, and transportation fares. Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Ian Hayles, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that prices in his constituency had doubled. He urged the government to take immediate action to protect citizens from exploitation. In response, Holness acknowledged the gravity of the situation and revealed that he had already instructed the Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, to launch an investigation. The Prime Minister emphasized that while existing price control measures are limited to specific items such as food and essentials, the government is committed to enforcing regulations to ensure fairness during the recovery period. ‘In times of disaster, everyone is expected to act responsibly to support national recovery,’ Holness stated.