Central Command Centre Set Up by St. Ann Municipal Corporation

A central command centre has been established at the St. Ann Municipal Corporation to gather real-time information about Hurricane Melissa and to direct responses from multiple agencies.

According to Chairman and Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis, the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) will serve as the nerve centre for monitoring, coordinating, and delivering aid as the storm progresses.

“We are here taking information and complaints and responding,” Mr. Belnavis told JIS News, underscoring the purpose of the command centre as a hub for rapid decision-making and coordinated action among public-safety agencies, municipal authorities, and disaster-response partners.

The Command Centre’s responsibilities, Mr. Belnavis said, extend to the parish’s 84 shelters, which are prepared to receive residents seeking refuge in the event of deteriorating weather conditions.

As of early afternoon on Sunday, October 26, five shelters were opened and serving residents who had sought shelter from the approaching hurricane. Local authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and to utilise designated shelters as needed.

Initial assessments indicate that most roadways around St. Ann are now open, with work ongoing in certain vulnerable zones to mitigate potential disaster impacts.

Mayor Belnavis noted that preparation and rapid response are crucial components of the parish’s strategy to reduce risk and protect life and property.

“The command centre is tantamount to a war room where strategic planning is taking place and where agencies and the local authorities work in tandem towards one common goal,” the Mayor said.

“This collaborative approach involves the police, fire services, national solid waste, the health ministry, utility providers, and other essential services – all prepared to respond to evolving conditions and to restore normalcy as quickly as possible,” he continued.

Mr. Belnavis noted that fire department officials have already reported progress in clearing a blockage on the main road to Sturge Town, St. Ann, caused by a fallen tree.

The department’s prompt response, he said, helped restore access and maintain the flow of traffic and emergency services in the area.

“Such interventions illustrate the concerted effort to keep critical routes open for evacuation, relief deliveries, and routine services,” the Mayor added.

The EOC, he said, will continue to monitor weather updates, road conditions, shelter occupancy, and the status of essential services across the parish.

Residents are being encouraged to stay connected to official channels for up-to-date information and to follow advisories issued by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation and partner agencies.

They are also being reminded to prepare emergency kits, secure outdoor items, and ensure that vulnerable neighbours are aware of shelter locations and evacuation procedures.

Communication lines remain open through designated channels for reporting outages, fallen trees, and other hazards, with a rapid-response framework in place to address reported concerns.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to monitor official updates from the St. Ann Municipal Corporation and other agencies for ongoing information about shelter status, road conditions, and emergency services.

“The command centre represents a proactive step in safeguarding the parish and demonstrates a firm commitment on the part of the Municipality and all our stakeholder partners to managing the impact of Hurricane Melissa with transparency and efficiency,” the Mayor said.