标签： Jamaica

In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Jamaica has announced the immediate suspension of all visits to correctional facilities until further notice. The decision, effective immediately, also prohibits the public from delivering food or care packages to these institutions. The DCS emphasized that the safety and well-being of individuals under their care remain their top priority, and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their protection during the storm. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a Category 5 hurricane earlier on Monday, is currently positioned south of Jamaica and is projected to make its way toward the island later in the day. Forecasts indicate that the hurricane will likely pass near or over Jamaica on Monday night and Tuesday, prompting heightened safety measures across the region.

Residents of Cassia Park in Kingston, Jamaica, are raising urgent concerns about a deteriorating breakaway in the Sandy Gully, which they fear could endanger their homes as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The issue first emerged during Hurricane Beryl last year and has since worsened, leaving the community vulnerable to potential landslides and property damage. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, including Member of Parliament Dennis Gordon, no substantial action has been taken to address the problem. Residents emphasize that their homes comply with building codes and are situated at a safe distance from the gully. However, the erosion caused by the breakaway has destabilized the hillside, putting their properties at risk. With Hurricane Melissa imminent, frustration and anxiety are mounting among residents, who feel neglected by their elected representatives. Efforts to seek assistance from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Local Government and the National Works Agency, have yielded no tangible results. The community now faces the grim possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods due to the lack of intervention.

Residents of Little Haiti, a squatter settlement in Negril, Jamaica, are facing a dire situation as Hurricane Melissa, forecasted to hit as a Category 5 storm, approaches. The fragile structures of their homes are unlikely to withstand the hurricane’s powerful winds, raising significant concerns for their safety. Councillor Arthel Colley, representing the Negril Division of the People’s National Party, emphasized the urgency of evacuation, stating, ‘My greatest concern is the hurricane wind and Little Haiti. The houses are not sturdy enough to endure such conditions.’ Despite efforts to relocate residents, many are reluctant to leave, fearing theft of their belongings if they abandon their homes. The area, located within the Nonpareil Road/Whitehall zone, is also prone to severe flooding, particularly during heavy rains when water flows from Mount Airy onto the main road near the Texaco Service Station. Elaine Allen Bradley, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, expressed additional worries about the lack of nearby shelters, noting that the closest options are in Sheffield or Mount Airy. In preparation, Councillor Colley reported that several drains in Negril have been cleaned to mitigate flooding risks. However, the community remains vulnerable as the storm looms, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster response and long-term infrastructure improvements.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a stern warning to residents living near Sandy Gully in St. Andrew as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. During a visit to his constituency, Holness emphasized the potential dangers posed by the storm, particularly in areas adjacent to the gully. Accompanied by Abka Fitz-Henley, chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s communication taskforce, the Prime Minister addressed residents in the Waterhouse community, urging them to avoid the gully during the hurricane.

“Stay away from the gully,” Holness cautioned, highlighting a specific section of the community to illustrate the risks. “As you can see what could happen.” Sandy Gully, one of Jamaica’s largest drainage systems, spans approximately six miles, traversing densely populated areas such as Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse, and Riverton City before reaching Kingston Harbour via Hunt’s Bay.

As Hurricane Melissa nears landfall, emergency services across the island are intensifying preparations. Shelters are being activated, and residents are being advised to secure their homes. Authorities have warned of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds, underscoring the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the government’s proactive measures to mitigate the storm’s impact and protect vulnerable communities.

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, looms over Jamaica, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reassured the public that the island’s 881 shelters are secure and well-equipped to handle the impending disaster. Addressing concerns raised in media reports, McKenzie emphasized that each shelter is managed by a dedicated team, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the hurricane. He also highlighted that men and women are housed separately, except for families, and that police patrols will be active before and after the storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable coastal areas, including Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. McKenzie urged residents to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that recovery from the hurricane is only possible if lives are preserved. He advised those in at-risk areas to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, and relocate to shelters or stay with relatives if possible. The government has provided buses to facilitate transportation to shelters, which McKenzie described as literal sanctuaries from the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has expressed confidence in the preparedness of Jamaica’s security forces to maintain law and order as the nation faces the impending impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm. Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday, Holness emphasized the importance of safeguarding against potential disruptions during disasters.

Holness highlighted the presence of individuals who may exploit such crises, stating, ‘Whenever there’s any kind of disaster, there will always be that element in our society who is not a part of the common good and has no concern for their neighbor. We have to protect ourselves against them and protect them as well.’ He assured the public that security forces are fully mobilized and well-versed in their roles during emergencies, stressing that citizens’ rights must be respected at all times.

The Prime Minister outlined the legislative framework guiding the emergency response efforts of agencies such as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the National Works Agency (NWA), and ODPEM. He urged Jamaicans to remain indoors, emphasizing the unpredictability of the storm’s conditions. ‘Don’t venture outside unnecessarily because the winds can pick up at any time, the rains can come at any time, and you can be caught in a flash flood. Stay inside—that’s the safest place to be at the moment,’ he advised.

Holness also called on citizens to avoid looting and other anti-social behaviors, such as hosting parties or playing sports in hazardous conditions. He particularly appealed to young people, many of whom may not have experienced the full force of a hurricane, to heed warnings and stay indoors. ‘I urge you to stay inside,’ he pleaded, urging heads of households and elders to communicate the seriousness of the situation to younger generations.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica’s south-western coast, authorities in St Elizabeth are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. With the storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday, local officials are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, emphasized that law enforcement is fully mobilized to enforce safety measures and keep citizens off the streets during the hurricane. ‘We are appealing to everybody to remain indoors,’ he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon highlighted that emergency preparations are complete, with 29 shelters already accommodating 360 individuals. This marks a significant increase from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which saw 100 people seeking refuge. Both officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly those in flood-prone and coastal areas, and encouraged residents to heed evacuation advisories and stay updated through official channels.