The tier-two emergency field hospital deployed in Black River, St. Elizabeth, to bolster healthcare delivery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, is now operational and has treated approximately 50 patients within the past 24 hours. The hospital was established by Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, an evangelical Christian humanitarian organisation. “It’s an accident and emergency facility with a number of services…...

The National Works Agency (NWA) has been making steady progress in reopening roadways across western Jamaica that were impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Community Relations Officer for the NWA’s Western Office, Janel Ricketts, reports that despite widespread damage across the region, most affected roadways have now been reopened to at least single-lane access. “We had quite a bit of damage in...

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says despite the “very difficult time” caused by Hurricane Melissa, community spirit is evident in many areas. She said as Jamaicans, community persons are taking care of each other, and she saw it best while in St. Elizabeth, recently. The Minister, who was reacting to efforts...

In response to the dislocation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Government has engaged more than 100 private trucks to strengthen water distribution efforts. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, noted that these trucks are now operating in tandem with the National Water Commission (NWC) fleet of 32 vehicles to deliver water to critical areas. He made...

World Central Kitchen is partnering with the St. James Municipal Corporation to provide hot meals to residents impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, told JIS News that up to 5,000 meals per day will be provided to the most impacted communities. “We have some international commitment to support our relief exercise, and one is from...

The Chinese community, through the Guangdong Association, has donated approximately $2.5 million worth of relief supplies to support recovery efforts in St. Ann’s Bay following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, which includes bottled water, toiletries, and basic food items such as flour and rice, will be distributed to the St. Ann’s Bay Infirmary, senior citizens, and residents whose...

Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, has commended the dedication and hard work of all agencies and individuals involved in the ongoing recovery and relief efforts across the parish in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a recent follow-up meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the St. James Municipal Corporation, Bishop Pitkin lauded the...