标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category Five storm, looms over Jamaica, authorities are issuing urgent warnings for all citizens, particularly the younger population, to remain indoors. The hurricane is anticipated to make landfall on Tuesday, bringing with it potentially devastating winds and rainfall.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the St Thomas parish council is urging residents in vulnerable areas to seek safety in the 42 emergency shelters activated across the region. Kevin McIndoe, CEO of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, emphasized that while these shelters may not offer the comfort of home, they provide a secure refuge from the life-threatening storm. As of Monday afternoon, 600 individuals had already sought shelter, with numbers expected to rise as conditions deteriorate. However, some residents are hesitant to leave their homes, citing poor conditions in the shelters. One anonymous resident expressed concerns about inadequate food and sleeping arrangements, stating they would remain at home despite the risks. Shelly-Ann McCalla, manager of the Morant Bay Primary School shelter, acknowledged these challenges, noting that many shelters lack sufficient resources like blankets and cots. McIndoe urged those seeking refuge to bring their own supplies and encouraged donations to be coordinated through the parish council to ensure equitable distribution. Despite the discomfort, the primary goal remains saving lives as the island prepares for the hurricane’s impact.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica, residents of St Andrew took drastic measures to address a hazardous situation on Red Hills Road. On Tuesday, locals blocked a section of the thoroughfare near the Rubis gas station, using car tires and other materials to create a barricade. The action was prompted by dangling power lines, which posed a significant safety risk to the community. Residents reported that the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) had been informed of the issue. Hurricane Melissa struck the island earlier that day, making landfall in St Elizabeth, located in the southwestern region of Jamaica, at approximately 11 a.m. The storm’s passage has heightened concerns over infrastructure safety and emergency response capabilities in affected areas.

The life and contributions of Gerry Murray, a revered figure in Jamaican football and the Mona community, were commemorated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service on October 18 at the Church of the Ascension. Murray, who passed away at the age of 75 on September 15 at his Red Hills residence in St. Andrew, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the sport he loved. The service, attended by his wife Carmen, children Omari and Melissa, and brothers Richard and Michael, brought together former teammates, friends, and football legends to honor his legacy. Lennox Robinson, a former St. George’s College and Real Mona player, fondly recalled Murray’s caring nature and leadership, describing him as a ‘man for all seasons.’ Stewart Stephenson, a former teammate at Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona, praised Murray’s tenacity on the field and humble personality, noting his role in a golden era of Jamaican football. Peter Moses, another former teammate, highlighted how Murray’s spirit united the gathering, erasing the passage of time. Murray’s football journey began at Jamaica College before he transferred to KC, where he played a pivotal role in the 1967 Manning Cup victory. His talent earned him a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering and continued to excel on the field. The service not only celebrated Murray’s achievements but also underscored the profound impact he had on those around him.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced that the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is expected to resume operations for emergency relief flights as early as Thursday. This decision follows consultations with PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the airport’s operator, and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA). Minister Vaz emphasized that Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the airport has been minimal, with the storm projected to leave Jamaica by Tuesday evening. PACKAL and JCAA will conduct inspections, clean-up efforts, and restore decommissioned equipment on Wednesday to ensure the airport’s readiness. The update was provided during a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston. Meanwhile, the status of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remains uncertain due to potential severe damage from the hurricane. As part of contingency planning, the Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary is being considered as an alternative for relief operations, given its accessibility for certain aircraft types and proximity to Montego Bay.

Jamaica is grappling with severe disruptions as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, continues to wreak havoc across the island. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has reported a significant surge in power outages, affecting approximately 240,000 customers, or 35% of its total clientele. The hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where around 75% of residents are without electricity. In contrast, areas such as St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann have experienced minimal impact, with fewer than 10% of customers affected as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring power safely and promptly, addressing the media at the National Emergency Operation Centre in New Kingston. Despite false social media claims suggesting a complete shutdown of the national grid, JPS has confirmed that no such action is planned. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified that outages are solely due to the hurricane’s impact on the grid, which has damaged generating units, substations, and transmission lines. While most hospitals remain powered by JPS, facilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, including Black River, Mandeville, and Percy Junior hospitals, are relying on standby generators. JPS crews are actively working to restore critical services and urges residents to prioritize safety during this crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa continues to unleash severe flooding and storm surges across Jamaica, many residents have sought refuge in emergency shelters. However, one man, Junior from Shooters Hill in St Andrew, is already contemplating a return to his home after spending less than a day at the National Arena in Kingston. Junior, who arrived at the shelter on Monday night, expressed his urgency to return to his five-bedroom house to address pressing responsibilities. ‘I have so many things to attend to, including my animals and property. I live alone, and my brother isn’t there to help,’ he explained. ‘If my brother were there, I’d be okay, but there’s no one to manage things. I need to fix issues before they worsen.’ Junior emphasized that being at home would enable him to make necessary repairs to mitigate further damage from the hurricane. Adding to his distress, he claimed he was falsely accused of opening a gate at the shelter when he was merely attempting to secure it. ‘It’s a time for love now. I want to go home and show love to others. They don’t accept it here,’ he lamented. Despite the ongoing storm, Junior’s determination to protect his property highlights the personal challenges faced by those displaced during natural disasters.