Melissa Updates

 

Press Release From OPM - November 6, 2025

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness spoke with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, to request international technical and strategic support for Jamaica to advance national recovery and reconstruction following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

In the discussion which took place on Sunday November 2, 2025, Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation for the United Nations’ longstanding partnership with Jamaica and outlined the urgent need for coordinated expertise to strengthen the country’s disaster response and recovery.

Arising from this engagement, the Government of Jamaica yesterday welcomed a team led by Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), who is visiting the island to assess needs and discuss areas of collaboration.

UNOPS will be working hand in hand with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to support Jamaica’s recovery.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized that Jamaica’s goal is to “build forward stronger, safer, and smarter,” ensuring that reconstruction integrates global best practices and safeguards the lives and livelihoods of Jamaicans.

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JIS Press Release - November 6 

90,000 FAMILIES IN WESTERN JAMAICA IMPACTED BY HURRICANE MELISSA

Approximately 90,000 families in western Jamaica were directly affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. 

This is according to the initial damage assessment by Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management ODPEM), which also indicated that more than 120,000 buildings lost their roofs. 

Newly appointed Director General at ODPEM, Commander Alvin Gayle, gave the update on Thursday (November 6), during a special press briefing for Hurricane Melissa Recovery, held at the Jamaica House in Kingston. 

Meanwhile,  Commander Gayle disclosed that while the National Works Agency (NWA), the Jamaica Fire Brigade and other entities have successfully re-established access to many communities that were marooned following the passage of the category-five storm, at least 27 communities remain cut off. 

“We are acutely aware that many communities are still marooned, cut off by flooding and landslides. As of this morning, there is some indication that some 27 communities remain marooned, primarily in the difficult to reach areas of St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny,” Commander Gayle said.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, as a catastrophic category-five storm, leaving significant damage in sections of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and St. Ann. 

In response, Commander Gayle noted that the ODPEM, in collaboration with other government ministries and agencies, as well as the private sector and international partners, is making progress daily to restore power, telecommunications, water, clearing roads and delivering aid to those impacted by the storm. 

He added that ODPEM is working to conclude its initial damage assessment report to determine the full extent of the hurricane impact across Jamaica, which will assist the Government to understand the needs of the affected people as the recovery phase begins. 

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 JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

OVER 600 SCHOOLS DAMAGED DURING HURRICANE MELISSA

The Government is reporting that more than 600 educational institutions sustained damage during the passage of category-five Hurricane Melissa. 

“In the affected parishes, we have a little bit over 450 schools that have been affected, and that’s across the board – infant schools, primary schools, secondary schools and also eight tertiary schools. So far, we’ve seen estimates of 616 institutions having some kind of damage,” said Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon. 

She was addressing Thursday’s (November 6) special press briefing focused on recovery from Hurricane Melissa, at Jamaica House. 

Dr. Morris Dixon shared that the damages range from leaks to complete destruction. 

She described the initial school repair bill as “humungous”, noting that the Ministry will confirm the figure by next week.  

“We have encouraged schools to open, and on Tuesday there were over 100 schools that had opened, so those that can, should open. Obviously, we need to have water at the school and it needs to be a safe environment,” she noted.

Dr. Morris Dixon said the Ministry plans to prioritise students who are doing exams – Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). 

She noted temporary school structures are also being considered. 

“We may have to use tents; we may have to get makeshift structures that our students can continue to learn in. We’ve started that process and I’ve already spoken to Keith (Co-Chair of the Private Sector Committee, Senator the Hon. Keith Duncan) –  he’s looking at clear areas where we can put temporary shelters and I’ve said to him, while you’re doing that, look for spaces that could house a temporary school structure,” she informed.

She said that the Ministry is conducting assessments, noting that in some cases, a tarpaulin can be used to cover roofs to allow for reopening. 

Dr. Morris Dixon indicated that independent schools were also hit by the hurricane and the Government has committed to supporting them. 

“We’re going to be flexible and everybody is going to be at school, but it will not look like regular school,” she said. 

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 JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

 MORE THAN 36,000 FOOD PACKAGES REACH HURRICANE VICTIMS

Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, says that more than 36,000 food packages have been delivered to people who were severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 

Giving an update at a Special Press Briefing for Hurricane Melissa Recovery, held at Jamaica House in Kingston on Thursday (November 6), he noted that a “massive relief operation” is being carried out through ODPEM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

“Thousands of hot meals, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, cases of water have been issued throughout the island, and more is coming. Through the JDF – with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the private sector – the ODPEM has established under the JDF a large reception, staging, onward movement and integration operation to transport supplies… to the people who need it,” Commander Gayle stated. 

He  informed that ODPEM has been coordinating efforts through the JDF and international partners to airlift and enlist ground teams to deliver food, water, medical supplies and other items to the 184 shelters that remain open. 

Approximately 2,487 people, primarily from St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover who have been displaced, are being served by the opened shelters. 

Commander Gayle added, however, that data from some shelters are limited as communication challenges persist. 

The ODPEM Head expressed deep gratitude to international partners for the extensive support they have provided following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“We continue to clear significant amounts of humanitarian aid supplies at our airports and seaports successfully. International partners are on the ground with our teams. This is also a global effort, and we are deeply grateful to our international partners for the support thus far,” Commander Gayle said. 

In the meantime, he urged the public to contact the ODPEM’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) if they are in need of assistance or they have information to share. 

Commander Gayle indicated that ODPEM teams are on standby 24/7 to respond to calls. 

The public can contact NEOC at 876-906-7668, 876-967-1105 or toll-free at 888-225-5637. They can also send an email to neoc@odpem.org.jm or follow the agency’s social media pages. 

In a message to the public, Commander Gayle said: “We understand that these have been some challenging times and we acknowledge the challenges faced. Please know that the ODPEM's response is one that is committed, coordinated and determined.

“We are fully engaged in a comprehensive multi-agency effort across the island to provide effective relief and restore services whilst prioritising the country's needs. We will persist until every Jamaican is met,” he added. 

The category-five storm made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, on October 28, and severely impacted sections of Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, Hanover, and Trelawny.

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JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

MORE THAN 36,000 FOOD PACKAGES REACH HURRICANE VICTIMS

Director General at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, says that more than 36,000 food packages have been delivered to people who were severely impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 

Giving an update at a Special Press Briefing for Hurricane Melissa Recovery, held at Jamaica House in Kingston on Thursday (November 6), he noted that a “massive relief operation” is being carried out through ODPEM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

“Thousands of hot meals, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, cases of water have been issued throughout the island, and more is coming. Through the JDF – with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the private sector – the ODPEM has established under the JDF a large reception, staging, onward movement and integration operation to transport supplies… to the people who need it,” Commander Gayle stated. 

He  informed that ODPEM has been coordinating efforts through the JDF and international partners to airlift and enlist ground teams to deliver food, water, medical supplies and other items to the 184 shelters that remain open. 

Approximately 2,487 people, primarily from St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover who have been displaced, are being served by the opened shelters. 

Commander Gayle added, however, that data from some shelters are limited as communication challenges persist. 

The ODPEM Head expressed deep gratitude to international partners for the extensive support they have provided following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“We continue to clear significant amounts of humanitarian aid supplies at our airports and seaports successfully. International partners are on the ground with our teams. This is also a global effort, and we are deeply grateful to our international partners for the support thus far,” Commander Gayle said. 

In the meantime, he urged the public to contact the ODPEM’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) if they are in need of assistance or they have information to share. 

Commander Gayle indicated that ODPEM teams are on standby 24/7 to respond to calls. 

The public can contact NEOC at 876-906-7668, 876-967-1105 or toll-free at 888-225-5637. They can also send an email to neoc@odpem.org.jm or follow the agency’s social media pages. 

In a message to the public, Commander Gayle said: “We understand that these have been some challenging times and we acknowledge the challenges faced. Please know that the ODPEM's response is one that is committed, coordinated and determined.

“We are fully engaged in a comprehensive multi-agency effort across the island to provide effective relief and restore services whilst prioritising the country's needs. We will persist until every Jamaican is met,” he added. 

The category-five storm made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, on October 28, and severely impacted sections of Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, Hanover, and Trelawny.

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JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

EMERGENCY FIELD HOSPITAL ESTABLISHED IN BLACK RIVER

An Emergency Field Hospital has been deployed at the Black River High School in St. Elizabeth, to provide extensive medical services and support to the local healthcare infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. 

The hospital was established by the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, which is an evangelical Christian humanitarian organisation. The hospital is staffed with more than 60 people, including experienced members of the organisation’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and is designed to replicate the capabilities of the Black River Hospital in the parish, which was devastated by the hurricane. 

During a tour of the facility, Medical Director at the Emergency Field Hospital in Jamaica, Dr. Kelly Sites, said in an interview on Tuesday (November 4), that the temporary unit is self-sustaining, complete with its own power generators and is capable of handling a wide range of medical needs. “We pretty much can replicate what the Black River Hospital is able to do. We can see all chronic and emergent situations. We have a general surgeon [and] orthopaedic surgeon, so any kind of surgeries that come in through the door,” Dr.. Sites said. 

She noted that the field hospital has a triage department, emergency rooms with eight beds; an intensive care unit with two-ventilator capacity; a step-down unit with four beds; an operating room with a full staff; an obstetrics facility; two patient wards for men and women that hold 12 beds each, as well as a full laboratory and pharmacy. 

Family-practice physicians are also on site to handle chronic diseases like blood pressure problems, sickle cell and diabetes. Dr. Sites pointed out that the field hospital is collaborating with local facilities and is utilising the local ground and air ambulance services to transport patients to Kingston when necessary. 

In addition to the field hospital, the team from Samaritan’s Purse International Relief is giving assistance in other areas. 

“We're thrilled to be moving all throughout the island doing NFIs, which were non-food items; shelter, tarp, water, and sanitation needs like that, and also the medical,” Ms. Sites said. 

She told members of the media that the team is expected to be in Jamaica for at least the next month but intends to stay “as long as we’re needed”.

“We don't want to ever overstay our welcome, but we definitely don't want to leave too early when staff still need us. So, that's to be determined,” she noted.

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JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

JAMAICA  RECEIVES LARGE SHIPMENT OF RELIEF SUPPLIES 

The Government of Jamaica, on Tuesday (November 4), received a large shipment of hurricane relief supplies from several of the island’s international partners.The shipment of 15 containers with more than 150 tonnes of relief material and equipment, arrived aboard the Dutch Navy support ship, HNLMS Pelikaan, from its base in Curaçao. 

Included were medical and health supplies, emergency shelter materials, power and electrical equipment, vehicles, forklifts and other transport assets as well as communication tools and water sanitation equipment to support Jamaican communities affected by the disaster.

The items were donated by the European Union (EU),  United Nations (UN), Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Dutch, Canada and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, who was at the Kingston Freeport Container Terminal to receive the shipment, expressed delight and gratitude for the contribution from the "true friends of Jamaica". 

“It is times like these… in times of trouble, you know who your true friends are, but the truth is, you are all friends who are with us even when we are not in times of trouble, because we partner together in good and in bad,” she pointed out.

“The delivery of assistance is one step in the relief, emergency response [and] recovery. This will be an arduous task but the humanitarian support, which is here, will positively impact the lives of families affected,” she noted. Senator Johnson Smith said that the delivery of relief has been a challenge especially in the significantly affected communities, as some roads have still not been cleared.

Ship captain, Lieutenant Commander Max Borsboom, said that the shipment includes two pickup trucks from the World Food Programme, which will enable responders to get into hard-to-reach communities.

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JIS Press Release - November 6, 2025

JCA URGES DONORS TO COORDINATE RELIEF SHIPMENTS THROUGH REGISTERED CHARITIES

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is urging individuals who intend to donate large quantities of relief items in response to Hurricane Melissa to coordinate with registered local charities.

Chief Information Officer, André Williams, explained that individuals are permitted to clear a “reasonable quantity” of approved relief items. However, shipments such as 100 pairs of shoes will be classified as commercial quantities.

“The Government has given this relief for persons to benefit. These are goods that are not for resale, but are destined to be given to individuals. There are persons who would want to send what is deemed a commercial quantity. But of course, this is a private contribution and that is where the charitable institutions come in. There are a number of registered charitable institutions. We have Food For the Poor and a number of others… and so persons who are associated with charities will be able to now send this larger quantity,” he explained. Organisations registered under the Charities Act are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT). Mr. Williams was speaking in a JIS Studio ‘58A’ interview on Wednesday (November 5). 

The Government has waived customs duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT) on relief supplies and donations to support national recovery efforts following the passage of Category Five Hurricane Melissa. The duty- and tax-free period, which commenced on October 29 and was originally scheduled to conclude on November 29, has been officially extended to December 31.

Mr. Williams also advised that individuals or organisations wishing to donate school supplies should coordinate with the National Education Trust (NET). NET is a charitable organisation and government agency that has been playing a pivotal role in transforming Jamaica’s education sector by mobilising resources and fostering strategic partnerships with the Jamaican Diaspora, as well as local and international stakeholders.

“For healthcare, it is working with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation; they are also a registered charitable institution,” Mr. Williams informed.

He assured that all relief shipments arriving in Jamaica before December 31 will qualify for the duty and tax exemptions. “I guess a lot of persons are concerned about the busy period, where there are more goods coming in and then probably a little bit of a delay on the logistics end. But once the goods get in the island before that date, then they’re still eligible to benefit from the relief,” Mr. Williams said. 

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