Effective Tuesday (November 11), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will begin publishing a list of marooned and priority communities for relief distribution. “The ODPEM will commence publishing also, planned relief supplies such that across the nation our national efforts can be synchronised,” said ODPEM Director General, Commander Alvin Gayle, today’s special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa...

Power and water restoration efforts across St. James are progressing steadily in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, according to Montego Bay Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon. Speaking with JIS News after a follow-up meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held at the St. James Municipal Corporation in Montego Bay on Monday (November 10), Councillor Vernon noted that operations teams remain...

The United States Government has pledged long-term support to Jamaica as the nation undertakes critical recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Under Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom at the US Department of State, Jeremy Lewin, outlined the range of support already extended to Jamaica. This includes the deployment of a substantial...

The Government is reporting that the death toll from Category Five Hurricane Melissa is now at 45. Addressing Tuesday’s (Nov. 11) Special Press Briefing at Jamaica House, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in conjunction the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), investigated and concluded that the deaths...

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, is imploring residents of St. James to avoid using unsafe routes and to heed the warnings of emergency personnel. “Almost all roadways across St. James are now accessible with the exception of Spring Mount and the road leading to Cambridge via Montpelier and Seven Rivers,” he informed. “We do not recommend persons crossing...

The United States (US) has pledged an additional US$10 million to support Jamaica’s recovery from the devastating impact of Category Five Hurricane Melissa. This latest commitment brings the total financial support from the US Government to US$22 million. The announcement was made by US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom, Jeremy Lewin, during a meeting with...

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Her Excellency Hadja Lahbib, has commended the Government for its response to citizens affected by Hurricane Melissa. “I would like to acknowledge the remarkable resilience and leadership shown by the Government of Jamaica in responding to this crisis,” Ms. Lahbib stated during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister...