With thousands of citizens still without electricity following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging persons to avoid the use of candles or other sources of open flame. “You have some candles that are battery powered; you can get those. But candles that give off naked flames, those can come into contact with material such...

The parish of St. Thomas is currently on the rebound, after being impacted by Hurricane Melissa earlier this week. Chief Engineering Officer at the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, Odel Felix, told JIS News that all parochial roads suffered damages, in addition to there being landslides, fallen trees, and fallen utility poles. Currently, many residents are without electricity and water following...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is facilitating the swift and efficient processing of disaster relief and humanitarian aid arriving in the country following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking in an interview with JIS NEWS, Chief Information Officer at the JCA, André Williams, said that the agency is working diligently to ensure that all systems and coordination mechanisms are in...

In anticipation of potential disruptions to the telecommunications sector caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Government is collaborating with the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) to expand spectrum bandwidth channels. This strategic measure is designed to safeguard SMS and text messaging capabilities, ensuring continuity of local communications and supporting emergency coordination efforts. Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon....

Jamaica has been receiving pledges of support for hurricane preparation and recovery from its regional and international partners, says Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. “We have received calls of support from our partners – the United Nations, United States, the British, the French, the European Union, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). “All the CARICOM countries...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is reminding Jamaicans that emergency shelters are free of cost and available for all who need safe accommodation during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. “False and malicious information are being circulated about the use of shelters. Someone sent me a message saying that there is a fee being charged for...

Residents in Bluefields and surrounding areas in Westmoreland are being warned to anticipate life-threatening storm surges with the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Storm surges will involve the rising of the sea as a result of wind and atmospheric pressure changes, associated with Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to impact the island shortly. Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in...