Kingston, Jamaica, May 28, 2025 – With the Atlantic Hurricane Season due to start in three days, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has indicated that the island is in a state of readiness.
He gave the assurance while making his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 28).
“The shelters have been visited [and] assessed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) team, along with the Ministries of Labour and Social Security and Health and Wellness.
“All shelters in Jamaica, based on the reports, are in a state of readiness in case there is a need to use our shelters,” he told the House.
He informed that several recommendations that came out of an evaluation undertaken by the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee on the state of Jamaica’s disaster infrastructure, are now being implemented.
The Committee, headed by former Commissioner of Police and current Ambassador to the United States, Major General Antony Anderson, was named by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, last September.
The recommendations being implemented from the Committee’s report are intended to strengthen Jamaica’s response to disasters, which is led by ODPEM.
Minister McKenzie said, “It is important that our emergency service response capabilities are at a level so that when it becomes necessary, we can respond.”
He assured that the Government continues to strengthen the operations of ODPEM, and informed that this year, the agency will be introducing Starlink satellite internet service as one of its communication tools.
Meanwhile, the Minister called for national unity in preparing the country for what he said is expected to be one of the most active hurricane seasons in Jamaica’s history.
“I urge the country to listen to the various bulletins. Members of Parliament [and] Councillors, engage your constituents, especially those who are in areas that are prone to flooding,” he encouraged.
Mr. McKenzie reiterated that the Government is doing its part, having allocated the necessary funds for drain cleaning and other mitigation activities.
“I am saying that we are prepared as a country, but we need everybody to join us in that crusade,” he said.
CONTACT: DONIQUE WESTON
PHOTOGRAPHER: MARK BELL
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, makes his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 28).
