The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is ready to manage national welfare and relief efforts in response to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. On Wednesday (October 22), the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC) was convened to finalise coordination among key partners and review parish readiness. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. who was speaking during a TikTok Live,...

Farmers across the island are being urged to look out for diseases that can affect their crops following tropical storm Melissa. Heavy rainfall creates ideal conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive, damaging crops and causing setbacks to the productivity of fields. Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Francine Webb, said the...

Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, says Westmoreland is in a state-of-readiness as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Speaking with JIS News, he said that the municipal corporation, through its Disaster Preparedness Department, has been coordinating with key agencies and shelter managers to ensure that the necessary systems are in place. He informed that part of the Parochial Revenue...

Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week 2025, slated for October 26 to November 1, will be observed under the theme ‘Safe Homes, Safe Communities: The Power of Prevention’. Speaking at the media launch, held at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development on October 22, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Fire Safety, Prevention and Investigation at the Jamaica Fire...

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has fully activated its command centres in preparation for Tropical Storm Melissa and placed overseas line crews on standby to support disaster response efforts, if required. Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transportation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure while speaking during a special briefing on preparedness for Tropical Storm Melissa at Jamaica House on...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., is urging Jamaicans to pay special attention to vulnerable groups as the threat of Tropical Storm Melissa looms. With a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch now in effect for Jamaica, the island can expect Tropical Storm conditions in the next 36 hours and Hurricane conditions within 48 hours. In...

All public hospitals across the island have entered emergency mode as the health system prepares for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that while hospitals will remain open, outpatient and elective surgeries will be suspended for the time being to focus on emergencies. “Visitations will be limited and family...