#Kingston, Jamaica, July 5, 2024 – The National Water Commission (NWC) has mobilised teams across Jamaica to assess its supply facilities currently out of operation, consequent on the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, told JIS News that a combination of factors caused by the hurricane resulted in some 70 per cent of customers being without water.

These include the flooding of roads and river sources, power supply disruption, and falling trees and debris which have blocked access roads to some facilities.

“Based on this, we’re partnering with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the security forces and National Works Agency as the key agencies that will help us to navigate areas that are impacted; and also, we are relying on and are in partnership with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for their restoration of power supply to our plants that require it,” Mr. Williams said.

He pointed out that the systems impacted by Hurricane Beryl are largely located in the southern and north-eastern sections of the island.

“St. Thomas has several systems that are out. Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth are the ones of note, but also areas in Portland and St. Mary because of the remoteness of a number of the plants that are there, and the fact that they are river sources. So, with the level of rainfall that we have [had], there is a lot of flooding, debris and turbidity that we have to resolve,” Mr. Williams said

He reminds NWC customers that the full restoration of water supply to those affected will be phased.

“Some areas will be able to come back online quickly within 24 hours. There are others which may take a little longer because of the challenges with the terrain or any delay with power supply restoration. It is also critical that we assess every single plant that is out to ensure that there is no damage that could further delay the supply of water,” Mr. Williams said.

Additionally, he reminds customers to “manage your storage levels” and “conserve where possible and share your reports quickly, as we see how best we can get your water supply back online”, while urging patience during the restoration period.

Contact: Jermi-Lee Nelson

Release: JIS

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#St.VincentandtheGrenadines, July 5, 2024 – “A field of devastation” is how Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines describes parts of his country after its dangerous dalliance with historic hurricane Beryl on Monday July 1.  Gonsalves, filming his helicopter surveillance and on the ground inspection of the damage spoke somberly about the destruction wrought on areas like Canouan, Union Island, Mayreau and Palm Island.

“Union is a field of devastation with only the odd building that is not severely damaged or destroyed.  All of the buildings are gone,” he said in a video posted to his Facebook page.

It was reported that 95 percent of buildings were destroyed in the southern islands of the country.  One person was killed when the storm hit as a Category 4 cyclone.

“There is a sense of shock among the people, yet at the same time their determination to rebuild.  Many would like to leave and some came up to me on they want to build it back, build it back better and stronger.”

The second named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season rapidly intensified, becoming the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record and with it, violent winds which felled trees, ripped off roofs, smashed structures and wiped out infrastructure.

“There is a lot of trauma.  The faces of men, women and children are strained; it is an extraordinarily difficult time.  Everywhere I go, I am optimistic with people who want to build back. They are saying we are depending on you, we are relying on you.”

He estimates that the need for resources will be great.

“Building back here is going to be huge.”

The Prime Minister surmised that rebuilding will require a commitment to solidarity of “our people and our allies in the region and the international community, but I am sure we will get there.”

July 5, 2024

Caribbean Public Health Day (CPHD) is celebrated annually on July 2nd to raise awareness about public health’s vital role in the lives of Caribbean people, and to highlight the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This day coincides with the anniversary of CARPHA, the region’s sole public health agency, legally established in July 2011 and operationalized in 2013 following the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement by CARICOM Heads of Government.

This year’s CPHD theme, “From Awareness to Action: Public Health Matters,” brings to light the many daily activities that are influenced by multi-sectoral public health interventions. It also calls for individual actions to support public health efforts as we all contribute to the sustenance and development of Healthy People, Healthy Spaces and a Healthy Caribbean. By participating in local health initiatives, advocating for safe environments, and practicing and promoting healthful behaviours, we can all be champions of public health.

“Public health is more than preventing diseases; it’s a holistic approach to improving the health of people and their communities, including the air we breathe, the food we eat, our lifestyle behaviours and the environment we live in,” said Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA when asked for comment.

Dr Mark Sami, Director of Corporate Services at CARPHA, added, “This day allows us to reflect on public health’s broader meaning. It is a right for every Caribbean citizen, and CARPHA is dedicated to being the region’s strongest advocate for healthful practices at all levels of society.”

CARPHA advances regional health under the principle that the health of the region is the wealth of the region. By promoting overall health, providing strategic direction and responding to public health priorities, implementing frameworks for disease prevention and control, supporting Member States response to health emergencies and supporting the objectives of the Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH), the Agency stands at the forefront of regional development.

We invite everyone to learn more about CARPHA’s role in public health and how individual actions can contribute to a healthier and safer Caribbean. Visit www.carpha.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn for more information.