Jamaica’s disaster financing coverage heading into the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season is valued at $130.6 billion. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, who made the disclosure, advised that the country’s disaster coverage increased by $6.5 billion, since the passage of Hurricane Beryl last July. “How much we can draw down on that depends on the severity...

The parish of St. Elizabeth is in a state of readiness for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, with key emergency measures now in place to respond to any potential disaster. Acting Parish Disaster Coordinator at the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Rasha Lloyd, made the declaration while addressing Tuesday’s (June 3) Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation & Safety Committee meeting, at the...

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) forecasts three to five major hurricanes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Director, Evan Thompson, explained that the projection indicates Category Three, Four or Five hurricanes, with sustained wind speeds exceeding 177 kilometres (110 miles) per hour. He was addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting at the Ministry of Local Government...

The Government has affirmed its commitment to ensuring that systems of accountability continue to work during disasters. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that there is an expectation that the Government is at liberty to suspend or ignore rules in the disbursement of public resources. Addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting, held on June 4...

Thirty-eight shelter managers and other volunteers from across St. Elizabeth were honoured for outstanding service during Hurricane Beryl last year, at an Appreciation Ceremony held at the Sharon Baptist Church Hall in Santa Cruz, on May 29. The event was organised by the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation to recognise the selfless contributions of shelter managers who, despite being volunteers, stepped...

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has suspended the collection of market fees from vendors occupying the Yallahs Market in St. Thomas until next year. This was announced by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 28). He indicated that the market, currently undergoing renovations at...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and several of the island's infirmaries are to receive new ambulances, as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development works to improve the country's emergency response services. The JFB will receive five ambulances, while three ambulances will be procured for three infirmaries across the island. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure in...