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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, provides an update on post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts during a press conference at Jamaica House on Wednesday (October 30).

Road Clearance Operations Commence Following Hurricane Melissa

The Government has commenced efforts to clear blocked roadways and restore access to communities most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. These include engaging the services of contractors and owners of heavy-duty equipment. Clearing the roadways will also allow relief supplies...

Shelter Manager at the Paul Bogle High School in St. Thomas, Marcia Dixon.

Community Spirit Shines at Paul Bogle High School Shelter

Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to businesses in St. James.

St. James Municipal Corporation Assessing Hurricane Damage

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie speaking during at a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston, on October 28.

Hurricane Shelters Will Remain Open as Long as Needed – Minister Mckenzie

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, addresses staff at the Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine, during a visit to the health facility on Monday (October 27).

Safeguard Health of Children – Minister Tufton

Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Evan Thompson, speaks during Tuesday’s (October 28) press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Headquarters on Haining Road in Kingston.

4 months ago Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall In New Hope, Westmoreland

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, becoming the most powerful cyclone ever to impact the island. According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), the category-five hurricane made landfall on Tuesday (October 28) along the island’s southwestern coast near New Hope, Westmoreland, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 295 kilometres per hour (185 miles per hour). Earlier on...

Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Georgia Rose.

4 months ago Health & WellnessHurricane Melissa

Jamaicans Urged To Prioritise Wellnes

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...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, addresses a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Monday (October 27).

4 months ago CommunityDevelopmentHurricane MelissaHurricane Relief & RecoveryLocal Government

Gov’t Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Emergency Shelter Infrastructure

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, Hon. Daryl Vaz, addresses Tuesday’s (October 28) special press conference on Hurricane Melissa at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston.

4 months ago EnergyHurricane MelissaHurricane Relief & RecoveryTransport

Petrojam Ensuring Airports Are Up to 80 Per Cent Capacity for Aviation Fuel

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

4 months ago Hurricane MelissaInformation

Drop-in Centre In Buckfield, Ocho Rios, Now Open To The Homeless For Overnight Stay

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...

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, addresses a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston, on October 28.

4 months ago Hurricane MelissaHurricane Relief & RecoveryInformation

Government Establishes Website to Mobilise Support After Hurricane Melissa Passes

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...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie addressing a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Kingston on October 28. At right is Sign Language and Spoken English Interpreter, Antoinette Aiken.

4 months ago Hurricane MelissaInformation

6,000 Persons In 382 Shelters

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...