Electricity was restored to more than 52,000 Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers over the 24-hour period up to Thursday morning (October 31). Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, who made the disclosure, said that 490,380 customers, representing 72 per cent of the JPS customer base remains without power. “Seventy per cent of the distribution network is de-energised with...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), through its Ports Division, has been providing critical support to the island’s major airports and seaports as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Head of the JCF Ports Division, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Stephanie Lindsay, told JIS News that the police have been working closely with key partners at Norman Manley...

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) and the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), in coordination with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), are urgently appealing for volunteer medical personnel to assist at the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The call is for volunteer doctors who are willing to undertake 28 to 48-hour...

The parish of St. Thomas is currently on the rebound, after being impacted by Hurricane Melissa earlier this week. Chief Engineering Officer at the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, Odel Felix, told JIS News that all parochial roads suffered damages, in addition to there being landslides, fallen trees, and fallen utility poles. Currently, many residents are without electricity and water following...

As national recovery efforts continue following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the number of Jamaicans remaining in emergency shelters has declined to approximately 13,000 – a significant reduction compared to previous days. Speaking during a media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday (October 30), Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, reported that of the more than...

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 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 to reach thousands of people who have lost their homes and belongings in the disaster. Minister without Portfolio in the...