The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has initiated a call-out of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR) in response to the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to impact Jamaica over the next 48 hours. The move forms part of the JDF’s wider operational response plan to support the national disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance efforts in the aftermath of...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, is urging the public to exercise caution when venturing outdoors, citing risks of landslides and rockfalls as Hurricane Melissa continues to impact Jamaica. He made the appeal during an update on developments related to the hurricane from the National Emergency Operations...

Approximately 30 people are being accommodated in eight shelters in St. James as the parish intensifies its readiness for the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said that the other shelters will open as needed. “Calls have been made for two more to be activated this morning. So, we’re going to...

A brand new, fully furnished home was officially handed over to St. Mary resident, Ronald Reddie, marking the fifth unit completed in the parish under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Indigent Housing Programme. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, presented the keys to Mr. Reddie, affectionately called “Psychie”, during a handover ceremony held on Thursday, October 16, at...

Fishers and other marine interests are being advised to evacuate the waters and head for mainland now, before the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, said that with a tropical storm watch now in effect for the island, safety is the main priority. “The National...

More than 100 schools at the infant, primary and secondary levels from across Jamaica attended the annual Seville Heritage Expo 2025, on October 15. The event was held at the historic Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann's Bay, St. Ann. The 27th staging of the expo combined culture, history and creativity to inspire national pride and curiosity among the youth...

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, says all systems and personnel are fully activated as Tropical Storm Melissa nears the island. He said that the agency has been monitoring the system since last Thursday, (October 16). “To date, we have carried out a number of activities in terms of our general preparation....