With Earthquake Awareness Week now under way, citizens are being reminded that having an emergency kit is always essential, as earthquakes can occur without warning. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Scientific Officer at the Earthquake Unit (EQU), Karleen Black, said that a well-prepared hurricane kit also serves as an effective earthquake kit and should be kept ready year-round....

Ten of the 87 officially designated emergency shelters remain open in St. Elizabeth, nearly three months after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Acting Parish Disaster Coordinator at the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Rasha Lloyd, provided details at the Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation & Safety Committee meeting at the Corporation on January 12, in Santa Cruz. She stated that the 10...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has received $1 billion from the Government to begin clearing the approximately 500,000 truckloads of debris that resulted from the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, noted that the sum is in addition to an initial $500 million that the Authority received shortly after the category-five hurricane devastated...

Psychosocial support and targeted learning-loss interventions have served as central pillars of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s recovery effort in Region Five in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Regional Director, Susan Nelson Smith, told JIS News that emotional well-being was prioritised before and during the reopening of schools. She noted that the initiative was first implemented among...

In observance of Earthquake Awareness Month throughout January, the St. James Municipal Corporation will intensify its routine public education efforts and conduct preparedness drills across the parish. Throughout the month, the Municipal Corporation will be hosting public education sessions in schools, businesses and communities. Additional activities to be conducted include earthquake simulation drills and the launch of a public awareness...

The St. James Municipal Corporation is exploring the establishment of night markets in downtown Montego Bay as part of a strategic initiative to support vendors who derive the majority of their income during evening hours. Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, revealed the plans while engaging vendors on Lower Market Street in the Second...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness have reaffirmed their readiness to respond effectively in the event of a major earthquake. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, JFB Public Education Officer, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, noted that the Brigade has enhanced its rescue capabilities through specialised training and sustained investment in modern...