Preliminary estimates indicate that the island’s agricultural sector has suffered over $1 billion in damage due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during an assessment tour of farms in sections of St. Elizabeth on Saturday (July 6). He said there was damage to all crop lines. “In fact,...

Jamaicans are being urged to support each other as communities recover from the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in making the call, said that while the Government has a very important role to play in times of disaster, “never forget that it is the community first that has this duty to protect itself and the...

KINGSTON, July 7 (JIS): Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is lauding the optimistic spirit of residents in Southern Clarendon. During a tour of three communities in the parish on Saturday (July 6), to observe hurricane damage, the Prime Minister said that the residents were understandably concerned, but showed an understanding of the situation, and there was a general...

KINGSTON, July 7 (JIS): Preliminary assessments conducted by the Banana Board show an 80 to 100 per cent loss for bananas and plantains, consequent on the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The Board has, so far, conducted assessments in the larger banana producing parishes of St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, St. James, St. Catherine and Clarendon. General Manager, Janet Conie, says...

KINGSTON, July 7 (JIS): Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is taking a systematic approach to relief efforts in hurricane-affected areas. Speaking to residents at the Rocky Point Fishing Village during a tour of communities in Southeast Clarendon on Saturday (July 6), the Prime Minister said that the most vulnerable will be prioritised. “We want to...

Downed power lines along a section of roadway in Hayes, Clarendon.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging persons using standby generators to ensure that the equipment is placed away from their homes.  JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that a generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from the house.  “If it is possible, have [generators placed] outside and make sure that the exhaust pipes are not...