Dr Barbara Carby Talks About Recovery After Melissa
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| Dr Barbara Carby |
Click the icon below to listen to Dr. Barbara Carby talking about recovery after Melissa.
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Starlink Services Jamaica
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (center), and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mr. Errol Greene (Right) receive 50 Starlink System Kits from Starlink Services Jamaica Limited through UNICEF Representative to Jamaica, Olga Isaza (Left) at a brief handing over at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston earlier today.
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Changes At ODPEM
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| Commander Alvin Gayle |
Commander Gayle is a seasoned military officer with over two decades of service in the Jamaica Defence Force, where he has held key leadership roles, including Executive Officer at the Maritime Air and Cyber Command, Commanding Officer of the First District Coast Guard, and Commandant of the Caribbean Military Maritime Training Centre. He brings extensive experience in operational planning, crisis management, maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention, and risk management. His training also includes Maritime Disaster Prevention, Industrial Firefighting and Crew Endurance and Risk Management, equipping him with the skills to manage complex emergency operations and build national resilience.
Commander Gayle holds a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College. His background in operational planning and coordination positions him to lead the ODPEM at a pivotal moment in the national response effort.
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| Richard Thompson |
Mr. Richard Thompson will now support the Office of the Prime Minister in the establishment of strategic frameworks and systems that will help guide Jamaica’s recovery programme. This as the Government advances recovery operations and continues to provide urgent relief to our citizens affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The Office of the Prime Minister remains committed to ensuring a strong, coordinated, and accelerated national recovery. This includes strengthening institutional leadership, enhancing cooperation, and ensuring that Jamaica’s disaster readiness and response systems are equipped to meet the demands of this time.
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Press Release From MLSS - Coordinated Humanitarian Response to Hurricane Melissa - November 5, 2025
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., confirmed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), comprehensive humanitarian response is underway following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which caused severe disruption across the island—particularly in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover.
The Ministry has prioritized rapid, door-to-door assessments, steady relief flows, and targeted support for the most vulnerable groups, including seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income families, and households isolated due to storm damage.
Minister Charles Jr said, “There is no blanket or fixed-sum grant in effect at this time, our focus remains on completing the assessment process and continue to provide relief — food, hygiene supplies, tarpaulins, and clean water — to those most in need.”
At the height of the storm, hundreds of emergency shelters were activated. As of November 1, 55 shelters remained open, housing more than 700 displaced persons.
Some 300 MLSS assessors, supported by national volunteers, are conducting Damage and Needs Assessments (DANA) across the hardest-hit communities a process which includes vulnerability tagging, to ensure that the most affected individuals receive assistance first.
The Ministry to date has distributed over 30,000 food packages, hygiene kits, 500 cases of bottled water, and 2,000 tarpaulins to affected households. Each parish has been allocated a J$2 million line of credit to prevent stockouts, while 33 MLSS vehicles are dedicated to last-mile deliveries.
The Ministry continues to coordinate closely with stakeholders including the
Office of Disaster Preparation and Emergency Management, the Jamaica
Defense Force, municipal authorities, and humanitarian partners including the
World Food Programme (WFP), Jamaica Red Cross (JRC), and Food for the Poor (FFTP) to clear access routes and deliver aid to marooned communities.
Minister Charles Jr has outlined the MLSS strategic roadmap for recovery and support. “Over the next 14–30 days MLSS will
Complete a verified household registry with vulnerability tags to guide the fair sequencing of support.
Sustain relief efforts and continue deliveries to hard-to-reach communities.
Provide temporary shelter solutions as needed, including large tents supplied by partners.
Transition to early recovery, exploring targeted cash and livelihood support in coordination with ODPEM and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.
Maintain public information and grievance channels, including helplines and parish offices.
To strengthen field operations, MLSS has procured StarLink devices to support officers in remote areas without internet or cellular service. This will ensure real-time reporting and coordination of relief efforts across affected parishes.
“Our teams are on the ground daily, working tirelessly to assist those affected,” Minister Charles Jr added. “If we have not yet reached you and you need help, please visit your nearest parish office when it is safe to do so, or contact our Call Centre at (876) 922-8000-13.”
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security urges the public to remain vigilant against false messages and viral forwards claiming that Hurricane Melissa grants are currently being issued. Citizens are urged to ignore unofficial forms, links, or WhatsApp numbers purporting to offer cash grants. All official financial support will be announced through verified Government channels following the completion of assessments.
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Press Release From The JUTC - November 5
Spanish Town, St. Catherine— In light of the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Melissa and in support of the national recovery effort, Montego Bay Metro Limited has expanded its service reach to include St. Elizabeth, ensuring continued mobility and access for residents within affected communities.
Effective immediately, passengers can now travel daily between Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, with stops along the following route:
Montego Bay ➜ Lucea ➜ Negril ➜ Savanna-la-Mar ➜ Whitehouse ➜ Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth
(Return service operates along the same route.)
This enhanced regional service is aimed at supporting residents, workers, and students across the western and south-western corridors as communities rebuild and work to restore normalcy in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Departure Schedule
• From Montego Bay: 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.• From Santa Cruz: 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Affordable Travel Rates
• Adults: $250 per leg• Children: $100 per leg
Montego Bay Metro remains steadfast in its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation, particularly during this critical period of national recovery.
For additional information and travel updates, please contact:
📞 (876) 821-9708
📞 (876) 373-2747
📞 (876) 452-7748
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Send donations for the Melissa victims using this site:
https://SupportJamaica.gov.jm/Donate.
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