The Most Honourable, Dr Andrew Holness
Acting on the advice of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Hon. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Prime Minister, Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has declared Jamaica a disaster area under the Disaster Risk Management Act. This declaration takes effect today, October 28, 2025
In conjunction with this new declaration, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has, pursuant to section 8(1) of the Trade Act, issued The Trade (Sale of Goods During Period of Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order, 2025, which also takes effect today, October 28, 2025.
Prime Minister Holness said the measures are new legal steps to protect lives.
“The Government’s first priority is always the safety and well-being of every Jamaican. We acted pre-emptively with the declaration of a threatened area when the system was approaching Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 system, is now here, making its way across the island. This warrants a new legislative provision under the DRMA. Similarly, we must also continue to proactively maintain stability, protect consumers, and prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are securing food, water, and supplies. These orders give the Government the tools to continue managing our response to Hurricane Melissa.” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness
The Government of Jamaica encourages all citizens to continue monitoring official channels for updates.
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