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PM Reminds Jamaicans to Prepare for Hurricane Season

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#MontegoBay, May 31, 2024 – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is reminding Jamaicans of the importance of preparing for what is expected to be an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States has forecast an above-average season, with projections of 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes of category three or higher.

Mr. Holness pointed out that this is among the highest forecasts issued by NOAA, while addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC) meeting, held at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann, on Wednesday, May 29.

The Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the NDRMC, said this is an appropriate time to assess the exposure of homes, infrastructure, services, productive activities, and workplaces as the hurricane season approaches.

“So, I take this opportunity to encourage all Jamaicans that as we enter the hurricane season to, first of all, do your household preparation. Put aside food stock and water as much as you can and make provisions for the protection of your important documents or valuables,” Mr. Holness explained.

“Look at your home and see what is likely to be destroyed in a hurricane, such as roof, windows, doors and even trees that are in proximity to your home. Start making preparations to cut some of those branches that might become  projectiles,” he added.

Community cooperation is another key point in preparedness, the Prime Minister underscored. He urged citizens to speak with neighbours and family members, especially those who may be alone or unable to help themselves, to develop contingency plans.

He pointed out that emergency shelters play a crucial role in disaster response and called on entities managing these shelters to ensure they are ready and operational.

Mr. Holness emphasised that individuals must prepare personal items if they need to evacuate to a shelter.

“Jamaica must live with our reality of being one of the most exposed countries in the world to multiple hazards, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, storm surges and landslides. In fact, models have predicted the increased impact of catastrophic natural events arising from heightened surface temperatures and global sea-level rise,” Mr. Holness outlined.

However, he noted that through efficient land-use planning, urban renewal, and building code regulation, the Government is creating safer and more resilient spaces.

Mr. Holness assured that these measures are safeguarding the nation’s development gains from being “washed away in any disaster”.

He highlighted the nation’s financial capability, organisational strength, and the will and motivation to recover stronger and better from disasters.

The NDRMC gave a review and update of Jamaica’s disaster preparedness and response plans via presentations from various government agencies, departments, and stakeholders to guarantee a unified and efficient response to disasters.

The meeting also assessed current risks and vulnerabilities, and also focused on formulating and outlining policies and strategies to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience.

Among the entities in attendance were the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Earthquake Unit, Mines and Geology Division, Ministry of Health and Wellness, among others.

 

Contact: Okoye Henry

Release: JIS

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Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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