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...

Downed and uprooted trees along roadways in Williamsfield, Manchester

KINGSTON, July 6 (JIS): The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging Jamaicans to exercise caution in their movements in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and watch out for hazards. Speaking with JIS News, Deputy Commissioner of Fire Rescue Operations, Kevin Haughton, noted that downed electrical wires pose a danger. “In terms of building, persons need to ensure that they secure...

KINGSTON, July 6 (JIS): Persons undertaking clean-up activities after the passage of Hurricane Beryl are being urged to exercise caution. The call came from Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, in an interview with JIS News. “A lot of times persons get injured when moving debris. Also, although we didn’t have...