Gov’t Secures Emergency Supplies and Begins Distribution Ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has secured a comprehensive range of emergency and care items and established lines of credit in 11 parishes to enable the swift replenishment of essential goods, where necessary, to further strengthen Jamaica’s readiness for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa.

Distribution of care supplies has commenced in three parishes. To date, provisions have been delivered to St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary as part of the Ministry’s preparedness efforts.

Jamaica is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning, with a Hurricane Watch also in effect, as Tropical Storm Melissa continues its slow drift across the central Caribbean Sea.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the provision of care supplies is not a knee-jerk reaction by the Ministry.

“We would have been doing this regardless. So regardless of whether Melissa was coming, or whether it comes or not, we would have had a schedule and training for our workers. We are the lead in terms of the Humanitarian Assistance Committee for the National Disaster Council. So, we work with Food For the Poor, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other entities to prepare the country, and this is whether we have a hit or not… we are prepared,” he stated.

Minister Charles was speaking during a TikTok Live session on Wednesday evening (October 22).

Meanwhile, the Ministry’s communication systems remain fully operational. Each Parish Manager, Administrator and Social Worker has been equipped with a mobile device within a Closed User Group (CUG) network to facilitate seamless coordination during emergency response activities.

To minimise potential disruptions in communication, the Ministry is actively engaging with Starlink and other strategic partners to bolster connectivity and ensure operational continuity during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa.

All parish offices are equipped with emergency power supplies and vehicles to support transportation and distribution operations.

Staff in parish offices have been placed on alert for immediate deployment, with the Ministry’s designated focal points actively represented at both the Parish Emergency Operations Centres (PEOC) and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

The Ministry reassures the public that all response mechanisms are fully activated to ensure effective support and timely assistance to individuals and families who may be affected.