The National Works Agency (NWA) has intensified drain cleaning and other mitigation activities across western parishes as part of its preparation for the expected passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. Community Relations Officer for the NWA’s Western Office, Janel Ricketts, told JIS News that the agency began work earlier this week, focusing on flood-prone areas in Hanover, St. James, Westmoreland and...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched a mobile application to strengthen assessment and response efforts for individuals impacted by severe weather events, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa’s projected impact. The software, ‘KoboCollect’, includes geo-mapping capabilities, allowing responders to log the precise location of a victim’s residence, and does not require an active internet connection to function while...

Authorities in St. James have initiated the evacuation of approximately 200 homeless individuals from Montego Bay and surrounding communities to emergency shelters, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s projected impact on Jamaica this weekend. The evacuation plans were finalised following an Emergency Operations Centre meeting, held at the St. James Municipal Corporation on Thursday (October 23). Inspector of Poor for...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Jamaica is to be declared a disaster area shortly, as the country remains on alert for Tropical Storm Melissa. Jamaica has been under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch since Thursday (October 23). “Under the Disaster Risk Management Act, when the Orders are proclaimed, which we expect that we...

As Tropical Storm Melissa edges closer to Jamaica, local tourism stakeholders across the island are tightening procedures and reinforcing safety to protect staff, guests and clients. Executives, hoteliers and attraction operators say they are ready to adapt operations quickly, while prioritising life and property. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, told JIS News in...

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is reporting that 72.3 per cent of schools across the island now have broadband access. Project Lead and Transformation Officer for the Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) Programme in the Ministry, Dr. Venesse Morrison Leon, made the disclosure while addressing a TREND/Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC) press conference at the University...

The St. James Police Division is heightening its operational readiness as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is set to play a critical role in maintaining law and order, supporting rescue operations, and ensuring public safety throughout the parish. Commanding Officer for the Division, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Eron Samuels, said that the JCF’s hurricane preparedness strategy involves...