The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to advise of the following precautions to take following the passage of the rain associated with Cyclone number 22: GOING OUTSIDE • Do not go outside until necessary. • Wear water boots or closed shoes when going outdoors. • Wear gloves when clearing debris or disposing of dirty water. • If you get...

In a significant victory against transnational drug trafficking, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) successfully intercepted two cocaine trafficking operations, including an export destined for Thailand at two courier facilities at the Norman Manley International Airport Cargo Section, on Thursday (Nov. 16, 2023). During routine Customs operations, Customs Officers at NMIA discovered and seized an undisclosed quantity of cocaine concealed in...

The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to advise of the following precautions for food and water safety, persons with chronic illnesses and pregnant women as the island experiences the inclement weather condition: Food Safety • Do not store food items with chemicals such as kerosene, bleach, detergents and insect sprays • Do not purchase/use food from tins which have...

The Ministry of Education and Youth has ordered the closure of schools on Friday, November 17, 2023, to prioritise the safety of all students and staff as the Meteorological Service of Jamaica has placed Jamaica under a Tropical Storm Watch. The Ministry notes that significant rainfall that may lead to flooding is expected and this may compromise the safety of...

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) wishes to advise the public that it has extended the closure of the Annotto Bay Tax Office located in St. Mary. The decision has become necessary, as the building has been determined structurally comprised, by a Structural Engineer, which is the result of the 5.6 earthquake event earlier this month. The Tax Authority has redeployed staff...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) wishes to advise the public that the Island is now under a Flash Flood Watch. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that flash flooding is possible, and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if...

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in light of the recently instituted State of Emergency for St James, has implemented new closure times for Harmony Beach Park. Patrons are advised that the entire facility will close at 7:00pm each night until the end of the curfew. Harmony Beach Park will revert to its regular operational hours as follows after the curfew...

On November 3, 2023, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) issued the first ever Jamaican Dollar (J$) linked international bond in the amount of J$46.6 billion, equivalent to USD 300 million. The issuance, which was oversubscribed 1.4 times, consists of Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 which are registered with the Securities Exchange Commission in the United States. The operation represents the...

Following the earthquake that affected sections of the island on Monday, October 30, 2023, the Ministry of Health & Wellness advises the public that persons may experience stress, anxiety, and depression as common reactions to any disaster. Persons may display these signs following a traumatic experience: • Difficulty breathing • Chest and muscle pains • Feeling faint, dazed or lightheaded...