Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Georgia Rose, is imploring members of the public to prioritise their wellness as the country faces the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, she said individuals should ensure that they are physically active, staying hydrated and eating well and keeping in contact with loved ones. “Reach out to...

The Government remains committed to investing in the improvement of emergency shelters. This assurance comes from Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who reaffirmed the Administration’s dedication to strengthening shelter facilities across the island. “We’ll be [looking] over the next couple of years, starting next year, to improve on our shelters. I will not deny that...

Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says Petrojam is ensuring that the island’s three international airports, as well as all aerodromes, are at 75 to 80 per cent capacity for aviation fuel. “This will enable aircraft movement to resume immediately [after the hurricane],” he said, while addressing Tuesday’s (October 28) special press conference to update the nation about...

Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, says the Drop-In Centre in Buckfield, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, designed to provide cooked meals, a shower facility, and a change of clothes for the less fortunate, is currently accommodating overnight stays. The centre, he said, has been retrofitted with beds and mattresses to welcome those living on the streets and with...

The Government has launched a website to mobilise support, channel relief and coordinate recovery efforts in the aftermath of Category Five Hurricane Melissa. The Support Jamaica website, which is an online platform, can be accessed at supportjamaica.gov.jm and is developed by the Government of Jamaica. Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, provided details...

Approximately 6,000 persons are currently in 382 shelters across the island, says Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. He gave the update during a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Kingston on Tuesday (October 28). A total of 581 persons occupy 45 shelters...

Approximately 240,000 persons or 35 per cent of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) customers are currently without electricity as the island begins to experience the worsening effects of hurricane Melissa. The most heavily impacted parishes are St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover and St James, where an estimated 75 per cent of customers are without power. Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon....