Business interests and hospitality leaders across Jamaica are rallying around a bold message: entertainment and attractions will play a central role in jump-starting the country’s recovery from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The consensus is that fast action in the resort belt, coupled with a visible return to normalcy through vibrant entertainment, will help restore confidence, reopen tourism, and...

When the winds roared through the valleys of Westmoreland and the rain pounded relentlessly against rooftops, three women, Corretta James-Yapp, Gloria Findley-McDonald, and Sherlette Wheelan, found their lives uprooted by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa. Their stories, told in quiet voices, still edged with disbelief, spoke of terror, loss, and gratitude. Although each lost her home, all share a single...

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s passage on October 28, Church Corner resident, Sylvia DaCosta, remains deeply grateful for the refuge she found at Paul Bogle High School in St. Thomas – a sanctuary once again through another major weather event. Ms. DaCosta recalls seeking shelter at the school since 1988, weathering some of the nation’s fiercest storms, including the...

The administration at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) remains hopeful, believing in the resilience of the school and its community to rebuild the institution that has been destroyed by the passage of the powerful Hurricane Melissa. The category five storm made landfall on Tuesday (Oct. 28) with maximum sustained winds estimated at 295 kilometres per hour (185 miles),...

Empty supermarket shelves where loaves of bread once occupied and long lines with full trolleys were among the scenes in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, on the weekend as residents prepared for Hurricane Melissa. They were heeding the warning of the authorities to get ready for the slow-moving system, which is expected to significantly impact the island, bringing heavy rains, strong...

Grassroots entrepreneurs are crediting the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), as the driving force behind the success of their businesses. Owner and founder of Nikki’s Spices and more, Rosemarie Johnson and founder of Paradise Blends, Romeo Mitchell are among the nearly 400 grassroots businesses that are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) remains steadfast in its commitment to the continuous training and development of its front-line workers, says Executive Director, Audley Gordon. This is part of the agency’s drive to enhance public service and professionalism within the sector. Speaking to JIS News after a training session for staff of WPM Waste Management Limited, held at...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is imploring caregivers, parents and guardians to prioritise fire safety in the home. The plea comes against the background of an increase in residential fires in 2024. JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, tells JIS News that the JFB responded to 1,229 residential fires last year, representing 76.5 per cent of all structural fires. The figure is...

Misconceptions about earthquakes are widespread not only in Jamaica but globally, often leading to confusion and potentially dangerous actions during seismic events. Acting Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, tells JIS News that one of the most persistent misconceptions is the idea that during an earthquake, going under a table or desk...