标签： Jamaica

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.

Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.

‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’

To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.

Jamaica is bracing for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, with comprehensive preparations underway to safeguard its citizens. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, announced during a press briefing on Wednesday that the country’s 881 emergency shelters have been inspected and are ready for use. Relief supplies have been strategically positioned across the island, and emergency teams are on standby to assist high-risk communities. McKenzie highlighted specific areas of concern, including Rocky Point in Clarendon, Taylor Land in the east, Duhaney Park, New Haven, Berger Gully, and McGregor Gully. Over 1,000 sandbags have already been deployed in east Kingston following assessments by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other agencies. The minister urged residents to stay informed through weather bulletins and follow official instructions. He also emphasized the importance of bringing only essential items, such as medication, to shelters. A special appeal was made to the residents of Port Royal, who have historically been reluctant to comply with evacuation plans. McKenzie plans to engage with local MP Phillip Paulwell to address this issue. Meanwhile, Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, warned that Tropical Storm Melissa could intensify into a hurricane by Friday, with its effects expected to reach the island by Thursday.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been placed on full alert as Tropical Storm Melissa advances toward the island. This announcement was made by Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, during a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon. Samuda emphasized the government’s proactive measures, stating, ‘Your Government is working tirelessly to ensure that the systems we have developed to protect you are already activated. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is closely monitoring the storm’s movement and will provide continuous updates as new data becomes available.’ He highlighted that Melissa’s formation serves as a stark reminder that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season remains active. Current projections indicate that Melissa could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Saturday, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters, which Samuda attributed to the broader impacts of global climate change. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Jamaica, with meteorological models predicting heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding as the storm moves northward later this week. Samuda expressed particular concern about the risk of landslides in mountainous parishes, especially in areas with already saturated soil. While the storm’s projected path currently points toward Hispaniola, its proximity to Jamaica demands heightened vigilance. Samuda cautioned that tropical systems like Melissa can shift course unexpectedly, and even indirect impacts can cause significant disruption. The government has assured the public that it is prepared to respond to any eventuality, urging citizens to remain vigilant. ‘While we hope that Tropical Storm Melissa will spare our island significant impact, we must prepare for the worst even as we pray for the best,’ Samuda concluded.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to education by awarding over $31 million in scholarships to 91 exceptional university students. The recipients, hailing from prestigious institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), were honored during a special ceremony held on October 9, 2025, at UTech. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and GraceKennedy executives to celebrate the scholars’ remarkable achievements.

Nowell Lewin Jr., a passionate mental health advocate and law student from Jamaica, is calling for public assistance to attend a prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) youth conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Scheduled from October 28 to 31, the event is a collaborative effort between the WHO and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), uniting youth leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to address critical global health issues. Lewin, the founder of the mental health organization Global Integration Society, has been selected to join a committee focusing on social connection and mental health—a subject he holds dear. He aims to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean, emphasizing the need for regional voices in international discussions. Participants are tasked with researching their assigned countries’ stances on global health topics, culminating in a resolution paper proposing actionable solutions. Lewin plans to share these recommendations with Jamaica’s Ministries of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs upon his return. While his conference fee is covered, Lewin requires approximately US$4,060 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses. He highlights the broader issue of limited financial support for Jamaican youth attending international events, urging the government and private sector to step up. Lewin also stresses the importance of addressing mental health in Jamaica, noting its intersection with crime, education, and family life. He encourages Jamaicans to support his mission, as it could catalyze greater national awareness and change. Donations can be made to his National Commercial Bank account (May Pen Branch, account number 564741183).