The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has confirmed extensive and catastrophic damage to Jamaica’s fisheries sector following the devastating passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Preliminary assessments indicate losses amounting to billions of dollars, with widespread destruction across fishing communities, aquaculture operations, and critical infrastructure. Initial assessments paint a picture of severe loss in several key fishing parishes, threatening the livelihoods...

The St. James Municipal Corporation is receiving support from the Chinese community in the hurricane relief effort. Representatives of Chinese-owned businesses recently donated care packages containing food items, clothing, toiletries and other essential items for distribution to residents in communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, told...

As part of the national response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has been working with several organisations to support the coordination of relief efforts. “One of the things that we provide is detailed maps of Jamaica, disaggregated at what we call the enumeration district (ED) level… these are just small geographic spaces...

Hurricane Melissa inflicted significant damage on Jamaica’s agriculture sector, with preliminary assessments indicating losses of approximately $29.5 billion. The disaster affected more than 70,000 farmers and disrupted operations across 41,390 hectares of farmland. Additionally, approximately 1,251,410 animals – including small ruminants, poultry, and cattle – have been lost. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure...

State-owned refinery, Petrojam, is reporting that fuel reserves remain healthy, with two to three weeks of supply in storage and more than 20 million litres of aviation fuel currently available. This update was provided by Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during a press conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday (November 11). He further indicated that repairs...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, says to stabilise supply and protect household food security, the Government will be tapping into external sources for selected fruits and vegetables. These, he said, include tomato, lettuce, cabbage, sweet pepper, carrot and papaya, based on dietary importance, stock levels and anticipated gaps over the next two months. “We will closely...

Jamaica’s 100-metre World Champion, Oblique Seville, has partnered with United Way of Jamaica to assist farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Seville has donated $500,000 to the organisation’s Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund, which will primarily assist the farming community. This is through the provision of financial assistance, equipment, and supplies to help farmers rebuild their farms, homes, and livelihoods. The track...