The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers to carefully document damage to their farms, produce, and livestock. This effort is critical to supporting national damage assessment activities, particularly as access to several areas remains restricted following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Senior RADA Plant Health and Food Safety Officer, Francine Webb, noted that assessments remain ongoing as the...

The Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) has contributed $5 million to the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s (PSOJ) Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort. The presentation was made during a handover ceremony at the PSOJ’s offices in Kingston on Wednesday (November 19). Chief Executive Officer of the JBA, Barbara Hume, said the contribution reflects the association’s shared commitment to stand with Jamaica at...

Acting Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James, Sherika Lewis, is recommending the establishment of communal sanitation systems for residents affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We are aware that there are some communities that predominantly have pit latrines [and that others have no facilities at all]. At this time, it is going to be a challenge, and we are concerned about...

The visit to Whitehouse and adjoining communities in Westmoreland by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and CARICOM Heads, on November 17, is being viewed by some residents as a sign of hope for better things to come. While readily acknowledging that the visit, which also included representatives of several international lending agencies, will not immediately fix the...

Over 300 bleach makers have been donated to Jamaica’s health system, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide safe, on-site medical-grade disinfectants in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, from United States-based international non-governmental organisation, WaterStep, was facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Speaking at the handover ceremony at the ODPEM’s headquarters in New Kingston...

Following flooding across sections of Portland due to Hurricane Melissa, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, is urging residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis. Speaking at the recent monthly sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, Dr. Lewis said there is an increased risk of human exposure to contaminated water and food, due...

Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, has emphasised the vital importance of regional solidarity during times of crisis, citing the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, which severely impacted Jamaica. In expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica as the island recovers from the recent hurricane‑related challenge, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that support extended by regional territories, particularly...