KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – All government agencies are now actively engaged in dialogue as preparations intensify for tropical storm Melissa, which could become a hurricane.
According to Michael Belnavis, the Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, in the northern parish of St Ann, with the island now officially under both a tropical storm and hurricane watch, all state agencies are being vigilant and ready for all eventualities.
“At this moment, the first order of business is to secure every asset of the municipality – documents, properties, and critical records. We must ensure the safe protection of our vulnerable residents, especially the elderly, who may require targeted support in extreme weather events,” he said.
The Mayor noted that coordination across ministries and agencies remains ongoing, with regular briefings to assess evolving threats and resource needs.
He outlined a proactive, multi-pronged approach designed to minimize disruption and protect lives and property, emphasizing that one of the goals is also to establish clear lines of communication between agencies and community leaders.
He reiterated that even in the absence of a hurricane, the parish should prepare for significant rainfall, which could trigger flooding, and that shelter and evacuation planning are being intensified.
“We want to be ready for all eventualities. We don’t want to be caught napping.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is urging all tourism stakeholders, industry partners, and visitors across the island to take the necessary precautions in anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa.
He says the ministry’s Tourism Emergency Operations Center, which was activated on Thursday, will ensure continued coordination between key agencies and industry partners to safeguard the tourism sector.
The minister says the ministry will continue to monitor updates from the Met Service. He’s encouraging all tourism entities, citizens, and visitors to do the same, and to follow official guidance as weather conditions evolve.
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