Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says several municipal buildings in western parishes sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Melissa’s passage on October 28. He made the disclosure during Thursday’s (October 30) press briefing at Jamaica House. “I was able, [on Thursday], to make contact with the Mayor of Falmouth, and it is not a pretty reading...

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Hanover are sharing profound stories of heartbreaking loss, survival and resilience. The Category Five hurricane that struck Jamaica on October 28 has been described as one of the most intense cyclones in the country’s recorded history. The system unleashed widespread destruction across multiple parishes—flattening homes, uprooting trees, and cutting off electricity, water,...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, along with some of its major humanitarian assistance partners, have distributed food, water and care packages to patients and staff of the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth. The facility suffered significant damage during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, with the administrative block losing its roof. Patients and staff were unharmed. Permanent Secretary...

Significant progress has been made by the authorities in clearing major roadways in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Friday (October 31). Mr. McKenzie said, based on information received from Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic...

Both commercial and relief operations remain active at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, which has facilitated the arrival of multiple cargo flights in support of post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. Among these are 20 cargo flights which were scheduled to arrive on Friday (October 31). This was announced by Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, who noted...

The National Water Commission (NWC) has fully mobilised its field teams to undertake restoration works islandwide in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking during Friday’s (October 31) special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts at Jamaica House, NWC Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, reported that several parishes remain severely affected. He noted a total shutdown of operations...