The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has dedicated a helicopter to locate and coordinate the collection of bodies in the aftermath of category-five Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica on October 28. The disclosure was made by Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, during Thursday’s (October 30) Special Press Briefing at Jamaica...

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...

The National Works Agency (NWA) has undertaken flood mitigation works on several critical drains across the island in preparation for Hurricane Melissa’s projected landfall and will continue these efforts as long as conditions remain safe. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan. He was...