The Ministry of Health and Wellness is implementing an enhanced vector control programme across all parishes following the passage of Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. The aim is to control the mosquito population, particularly the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the vector for dengue. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Christopher Tufton, in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica is mobilising to reopen its tourism infrastructure and welcome visitors as soon as is feasible. He said that while the category-five hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across sections of Jamaica, officials are optimistic about a robust return ahead of the peak winter season, which begins on December 15. “The hurricane hit the...

The St. James Municipal Corporation is receiving support from the Chinese community in the hurricane relief effort. Representatives of Chinese-owned businesses recently donated care packages containing food items, clothing, toiletries and other essential items for distribution to residents in communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, told...

The Government will be implementing an integrated electronic case management system, so that justice can be delivered in a timely manner that benefits the people, says Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck. Delivering the keynote address at the contract signing for the commencement of the design, development and implementation of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS),...

As part of the national response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has been working with several organisations to support the coordination of relief efforts. “One of the things that we provide is detailed maps of Jamaica, disaggregated at what we call the enumeration district (ED) level… these are just small geographic spaces...

Hurricane Melissa inflicted significant damage on Jamaica’s agriculture sector, with preliminary assessments indicating losses of approximately $29.5 billion. The disaster affected more than 70,000 farmers and disrupted operations across 41,390 hectares of farmland. Additionally, approximately 1,251,410 animals – including small ruminants, poultry, and cattle – have been lost. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure...

State-owned refinery, Petrojam, is reporting that fuel reserves remain healthy, with two to three weeks of supply in storage and more than 20 million litres of aviation fuel currently available. This update was provided by Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during a press conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday (November 11). He further indicated that repairs...