The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers to carefully document damage to their farms, produce, and livestock. This effort is critical to supporting national damage assessment activities, particularly as access to several areas remains restricted following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Senior RADA Plant Health and Food Safety Officer, Francine Webb, noted that assessments remain ongoing as the...

The visit to Whitehouse and adjoining communities in Westmoreland by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and CARICOM Heads, on November 17, is being viewed by some residents as a sign of hope for better things to come. While readily acknowledging that the visit, which also included representatives of several international lending agencies, will not immediately fix the...

Over 300 bleach makers have been donated to Jamaica’s health system, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide safe, on-site medical-grade disinfectants in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, from United States-based international non-governmental organisation, WaterStep, was facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Speaking at the handover ceremony at the ODPEM’s headquarters in New Kingston...

Following flooding across sections of Portland due to Hurricane Melissa, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, is urging residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis. Speaking at the recent monthly sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, Dr. Lewis said there is an increased risk of human exposure to contaminated water and food, due...

Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, has emphasised the vital importance of regional solidarity during times of crisis, citing the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, which severely impacted Jamaica. In expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica as the island recovers from the recent hurricane‑related challenge, Prime Minister Mitchell noted that support extended by regional territories, particularly...

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has outlined a comprehensive, rapid-response programme to assist Jamaica as the island recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Addressing reporters in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, on November 17, during a tour of hard-hit areas in western Jamaica by several CARICOM Heads, President Ali said that Guyana stands with Jamaica as part...

Twenty‑four‑year‑old farmer, Tasheka Powell, has expressed gratitude for the GraceKennedy (GK) Weather Protection Programme, following receipt of a portion of a $2.88 million insurance payout to assist her recovery from catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. She was among the group of farmers who received a symbolic cheque representing the total payout during a recent handover ceremony hosted at the...