Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, says the national response to Hurricane Melissa was strong, particularly in coordination, “with rapidly mobilised efforts and the unwavering dedication of our front-line teams”. Delivering opening remarks at the Ministry of Health and Wellness After-Action Review of the Hurricane Melissa response, at the Moon Palace...

Minister of Local Government & Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced that 419 churches that were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa are set to receive grants from the Government in April. The grants will be paid out under the Government’s $75million Community Church Clean-Up and Restoration Initiative, which forms part of the post Hurricane Melissa National Clean-Up...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced a national strategy to redefine Jamaica’s approach to development in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Using the redevelopment of Black River, St. Elizabeth, as a template, the Prime Minister outlined four foundational principles designed to transition the nation from a state of climate fragility to resilience. During his 2026/27 Budget...

This year’s Caribe Wave Tsunami Readiness Exercise, conducted in Port Maria, St. Mary, on March 19, yielded valuable data to enhance Jamaica’s disaster preparedness and response systems. According to Regional Coordinator at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Marlon Brown, the exercise was instrumental in assessing the country’s readiness for a potential tsunami. The annual regional exercise,...

The emergency response systems at the Ian Fleming International Airport were put to the test during a full-scale stimulation exercise at the facility on Tuesday (March 17). The exercise is a requirement for all airports to test the effectiveness of security, emergency plans, response capacity, and coordination among agencies. Aerodromes Manager at the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Claude Service,...

Community Relations Manager at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Sharnon Williams, is encouraging Jamaicans to embrace consistent recycling practices to reduce pressure on disposal sites and prevent future waste management challenges. Speaking during an interview with JIS News, Ms. Williams emphasised the crucial role recycling plays in Jamaica’s journey towards a sustainable future. “Recycling helps to reduce the...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will be temporarily rerouting 22 trucks to western Jamaica on Sunday (March 22) to address garbage backlog in the region. The assistance will come from NEPM Waste Management Limited and Operation Strategically Working to Enforce and Enhance Public Cleansing (SWEEP). “They're going to send trucks to us with their drivers and sanitation crew,...