News from the OPM

Additional field hospitals are earmarked for setup across Western Jamaica as post-hurricane emergency care expands, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa which battered that section of the island. The first emergency field hospital began operations this week following setup at the Black River High School, St. Elizabeth earlier this week. “A second field hospital, courtesy of the Government of Spain and the European Union, has arrived in Jamaica and is enroute to the Falmouth Hospital where it is to be installed,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP, during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday (November 6, 2025). “Another 24 to 30 bed field hospital is to be installed at the Cornwall Regional Hospital,” the Minister continued. The facility is being provided courtesy of the Government of Barbados. Highlighting the severity of the situation in Westmoreland, the Minister revealed that another field hospital is to be established at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, together with a field clinic.

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness spoke with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, to request international technical and strategic support for Jamaica to advance national recovery and reconstruction following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. In the discussion which took place on Sunday November 2, 2025, Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation for the United Nations’ longstanding partnership with Jamaica and outlined the urgent need for coordinated expertise to strengthen the country’s disaster response and recovery. Arising from this engagement, the Government of Jamaica yesterday welcomed a team led by Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), who is visiting the island to assess needs and discuss areas of collaboration. UNOPS will be working hand in hand with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to support Jamaica’s recovery. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that Jamaica’s goal is to “build forward stronger, safer, and smarter,” ensuring that reconstruction integrates global best practices and safeguards the lives and livelihoods of Jamaicans.

Commander Alvin Gayle has been seconded from the Jamaica Defence Force and appointed to serve as Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that, effective immediately, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management will be brought under the Office of the Prime Minister to strengthen national coordination and improve logistical support for recovery efforts. Commander Gayle is a seasoned military officer with over two decades of service in the Jamaica Defence Force, where he has held key leadership roles, including Executive Officer at the Maritime Air and Cyber Command, Commanding Officer of the First District Coast Guard, and Commandant of the Caribbean Military Maritime Training Centre. He brings extensive experience in operational planning, crisis management, maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention, and risk management. His training also includes Maritime Disaster Prevention, Industrial Firefighting and Crew Endurance and Risk Management, equipping him with the skills to manage complex emergency operations and build national resilience. Commander Gayle holds a Master of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War…

The Government of Jamaica is deeply saddened to confirm twenty-eight (28) fatalities associated with the passage of Hurricane Melissa. We extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities mourning their loved ones. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and the Ministry of Health & Wellness are coordinating the recovery and verification process. There are additional reports of possible fatalities that are still being verified. The Government will provide further updates as verification progresses, and recovery operations advance in the coming days.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) extends heartfelt sympathy to all Jamaicans who have been affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which brought widespread damage and disruption across several parishes. We recognize the immense emotional and physical toll this event has had on households and communities, and we stand in solidarity with every Jamaican family rebuilding in its aftermath. As the lead agency for humanitarian assistance, the Ministry, in collaboration with partners in the Humanitarian Assistance Committee, has begun supporting affected communities and coordinating the national relief response. The assessments now underway in accessible affected areas will help determine the level of assistance to be provided to households whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with MLSS officers during the assessment process and to have available basic information to verify their household status. The Ministry continues to provide vital support to shelters across the island and is working closely with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other national and international partners to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official updates, check in on elderly neighbours and persons with disabilities, and support…

Public Advised to Use Only Official Government Website for Donations The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) is issuing an urgent alert to the public in Jamaica and worldwide regarding the emergence of fraudulent websites attempting to exploit generosity in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. JaCIRT's monitoring systems have detected multiple suspicious domains currently under development that appear designed to divert hurricane relief donations away from legitimate channels. These malicious actors are creating fake websites with names deliberately similar to Jamaica's official donation portal. IDENTIFIED FRAUDULENT DOMAINS The following domains have been identified as suspicious and should NOT be used for donations: • jamaicahurricanehelp.net • jamaicahurricanehelp.org • jamaica-hurricane-help.com • melissareliefjamaica.net • melissareliefjamaica.com • melissareliefjamaica.org • supportjamaicagovjm.com • supportjamaicagovjm.net All identified sites are currently showing that they are in varying stages of development but JaCIRT suspects that these sites may become active in the coming days. THE OFFICIAL DONATION CHANNEL The ONLY legitimate government website for Hurricane Melissa relief donations is: https://www.supportjamaica.gov.jm Please verify you see ".gov.jm" at the end of the web address before making any donation.HOW SHOULD YOUR PROTECT YOURSELF? To protect yourself and ensure your donation reaches those in need: • Verify the URL carefully – The official site ends in .gov.jm (NOT .com, .net, or .org) • Type the address directly – Do not click links in unsolicited emails or social…

Following guidance from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Government of Jamaica has issued an all clear for the island. Accordingly, utility companies should now commence restoration and recovery operations across the island. Crews from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), National Water Commission (NWC), National Works Agency (NWA), telecommunications providers, and other critical service entities have been advised to mobilise immediately to restore power, water, and communication networks. The Government is also encouraging supermarkets, wholesales, gas stations, and pharmacies, particularly in the less affected areas, to reopen where possible, to ensure that communities have access to essential goods and services. Citizens are reminded to continue exercising caution, especially in areas where downed power lines, debris, or flooding may still pose risks.

Based on consultations with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), non-essential Government of Jamaica Offices will reopen on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Hurricane Melissa was an unprecedented category 5 weather event that made direct passage over western Jamaica. As a result, non-essential public sector employees facing difficulties, whether due to transportation challenges, property damage, or other personal matters, are encouraged to communicate with their supervisors or the heads of their entities as soon as possible. Policy directives have been given to ensure flexibility will be provided to support employees in their return to work. Given these unique circumstances, non-attendance tomorrow due to being affected by the Hurricane Melissa will not be placed on record and no public servant will have their leave balance charged if they need to remain at home. Furthermore, the Government of Jamaica expresses sincere gratitude to all essential workers for maintaining critical public services throughout the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The Government of Jamaica is advising the public that, acting on the advice of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and in keeping with powers under section 26(2)(c) of the Disaster Risk Management Act, Prime Minister Holness has issued the Disaster Risk Management (Hurricane Melissa) Evacuation Order, 2025. This Order takes effect immediately and requires all persons to evacuate the following areas: 1. Port Royal, Kingston 2. Portland Cottage, Clarendon 3. Rocky Point, Clarendon 4. Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine 5. Taylor Land, Bull Bay, St. Andrew 6. New Haven, St. Andrew 7. Riverton City, St. Andrew This action follows the Disaster Risk Management (Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order made on October 24, 2025, which declared the entire island a threatened area. The system has since strengthened into Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 hurricane. The Evacuation Order remains in force for as long as the Declaration of Threatened Area Order remains in force. Please continue to follow official sources for information.