#Kingston, Jamaica, July 1, 2024 – As Hurricane Beryl approaches Jamaica, persons living in low-lying and flood prone areas are being urged to assess their situation and make the decision to relocate as early as possible.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the call during a press conference at Jamaica House on Monday (July 1).

“I quite understand that people don’t want to leave their property; but the most important thing is your life. So I would encourage you, please, the security forces or emergency services would not be able to operate in the heights of the hurricane and even just before, and there might even be a delay afterwards,” he noted.

“We encourage you to please secure yourself by moving to higher ground and moving to safer ground. Make arrangements with your family members to find a safer place to be. So if you live, particularly in low-lying areas, starting from the most eastern end of the island, that would be anywhere in Portland and St. Thomas coming up to the Manchioneal area, and if you are in areas in East Rural St. Andrew, please, you’re going to be impacted, so take the necessary steps,” Mr. Holness advised.

He said the Government is making the necessary arrangements to respond quickly after the hurricane has passed, including ensuring that persons can access food and water.

“We have two weeks supply of fuel, our telecommunication services have been investing significantly in improving the resilience of their hard infrastructure and we expect that they should stand up,” the Prime Minister indicated.

“But if there is any disruption or a break, we are pursuing alternatives to ensure that we are still connected, particularly for government entities,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness encourages all citizens to pay close attention to the government information outlets and the traditional, credible, well-established media sources.

He informed that the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) will be working directly with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which oversees the coordination and response of Jamaica’s emergency preparations.

“An important part of our emergency response is how we communicate with the public; and so JIS will be working directly, now, with ODPEM to ensure that it gets out the information. So the JIS will be your central source. But all the media that are here, are established, credible sources. They will be getting their information from the JIS. So there will be a consistent and even flow of information to the public to help you to make the decisions necessary for your safety,” Mr. Holness said.

Regarding curfews, he said the Government is not yet contemplating any limitation on movement.

“But as we get closer to the time, and we are able to assess the intensity of the hurricane, then we will make those decisions and that will be communicated,” Mr. Holness stated.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release : JIS

#Kingston, Jamaica, July 1, 2024 – Aquaculture sector stakeholders are being strongly urged to protect their fish farms from the major threat of flooding, in light of the approach of Hurricane Beryl.

Regional Aquaculture Extension Officer with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Clive Williams, told JIS News that proper drainage systems are crucial to manage potential overflow.

“One of the main threats to aquaculture farmers is flooding, because when there is a lot of rain, water will accumulate. One of the first things you need to do is to ensure that all the drains that take water from the ponds are clean and ensure that there is no blockage to the outlet pipe for the pond,” he said.

Mr. Williams added that clearing drains of debris and weeds will help water to flow through pipes faster.

He further stated that although fish farmers are typically encouraged to keep their drains cleared in anticipation of the hurricane season, some may not prioritise the effort.

“They might not have the money or equipment to do it and they might be saying ‘we won’t have any hurricane or rain this year because of the drought’. But we always tell them to make sure their drains are clean and drainpipes are working properly. We also ask that they put a screen on the drainpipe,” the Extension Officer pointed out.

For proper maintenance, a drainpipe should be positioned to take water away from the pond. Normally, the fishpond is constructed with 1½ ft. to 2 ft. of free space to accommodate extra water.

Therefore, drainpipes need to be lowered to that depth or should be cut off at that level, so that the water does not overflow the pond.

Meanwhile, Mr. Williams urges farmers to properly store their fish feed to prevent spoilage.

“Breeze is not normally a threat to the pond. But if you have a house where you store your feed, then that may affect it. Most of the farmers normally store feed in what is called a container on the farm. We ask that you batten up the vent or window area to prevent rain from blowing inside the storage area,” he advised.

“If the feed gets wet, it will spoil. Also, make sure that you put your feed on pallets. Instead of keeping them on one pallet, you might want to keep them on two pallets that have enough height, should water come inside the storage area,” Mr. Williams said.

For more information and to make contact with Fisheries Extension Officers in your area, persons are invited to contact the NFA at 876-927-1731-50.

Contact: Twila Wheelan

Release: JIS

#MontegoBay, Jamaica, July 1, 2024 – With the threat of Hurricane Beryl looming, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, says all relevant State-run and affiliated local agencies have been activated and are on high alert for all eventualities.

Councillor Belnavis told JIS News on Monday (July 1) that the first order of business for the St. Ann Municipality is to secure all its assets, buildings, records and infrastructure, adding that safeguarding the elderly, vulnerable populations, such as street persons, residents of infirmaries, and those utilising drop-in centres, will be prioritised.

The Mayor highlighted the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents living in flood-prone communities, noting that plans are being put in place to move at-risk individuals to designated shelters to protect them from the potential impact of the hurricane.

“The Municipality is well prepared for natural disasters, not just hurricanes, and maintains readiness throughout the year. I must take the opportunity to praise the coordination among various agencies and the efforts they have made in ensuring that roles have been clearly defined, with a primary focus on protecting and saving lives,” he said.

Key stakeholders, including the police, health officials, representatives of hospitals and clinics, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, tourism entities, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development have been actively engaged in planning and staying updated on advisories.

“Personnel have been strategically positioned to respond promptly to any emergency that may arise,” the Mayor said.

Councillor Belnavis said educational institutions in the area have been advised to stay informed through regular bulletins, and shelters have been identified along with evacuation procedures.

“The National Works Agency is on standby to address potential road blockages and ensure swift clearance to maintain essential services,” he added.

The Mayor said with the hurricane or associated conditions potentially affecting Jamaica as early as Wednesday (July 3), being proactive and staying one step ahead are some of the main measures “we have at our disposal” in managing the impact of the storm.

Councillor Belnavis urges residents to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to ensure the well-being of the community during this challenging time.

He revealed that the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and its personnel on the ground have been briefed on tourism-related matters, ensuring that “our visitors” are also kept abreast of developing situations.

Meanwhile, over in St. Mary, Member of Parliament for St. Mary South Eastern and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, said all fisherfolk should, by now, have heeded all warnings and found themselves in port, noting that Hurricane Beryl now represents a “clear and present danger” as it continues to strengthen.

Contact: Garwin Davis

Release: JIS