ONE-MINUTE READS ... Stories from across Jamaica

Health inspectors warn about deadly bacteria in floodwaters

The Jamaica Association of Public Health Inspectors (JAPHI) is urging Jamaicans -- especially those in western and southern parishes -- to exercise extreme caution in the wake of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

JAPHI president Michael Myers has issued a stern warning against all contact with floodwaters, stressing that residents must not walk, wade, or swim through inundated areas under any circumstances.

Myers noted that floodwaters are likely contaminated with hidden debris, hazardous chemicals, and raw sewage washed in from farmlands, industrial sites, and compromised septic systems.

"Hence, floodwaters at this time are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli (Escherichia coli), which can cause fatal illnesses. There is also the leptospira bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, and there are also bacteria that can cause skin infection," Myers explained.

JAPHI is also encouraging residents to search for and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes as part of efforts to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

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Red Cross steps up relief efforts in St James

The St James branch of the Jamaica Red Cross has intensified its relief operations following Hurricane Melissa, prioritising outreach to the most vulnerable individuals and communities in the parish.

During a recent meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the St James Municipal Corporation, emergency chairperson Colleen Lawson-Taylor reported that volunteers had been deployed to conduct field assessments and distribute emergency supplies despite ongoing logistical hurdles.

"We've been going out in the field doing distributions and assessments across several areas, including Mount Salem and Bogue," she said.

The Red Cross is focusing on locating elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, and the registered poor -- groups severely impacted by the hurricane's aftermath.

Jamaica has been elected to the Unesco Executive Board, the body responsible for managing the global organisation.

The elections were held during the Unesco General Conference now under way in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Jamaica's term on the board will run from 2025 to 2029.

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USF deploys mobile Wi-Fi hub in Hanover

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has deployed a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, to provide critical connectivity to residents affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Chief Executive Officer Charlton McFarlane reported that the agency's community Wi-Fi network sustained significant damage when the hurricane made landfall on October 28. In response, the USF has adopted Starlink technology to restore service in impacted communities.

McFarlane added that preparations are under way to install systems in Westmoreland and southern St Elizabeth.

The USF has already set up permanent Starlink satellite systems in Bethel Town and White House, Westmoreland, as well as in Lucea, Hanover.

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JACRA launches recovery task force

The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) has established a joint task force to assess damage to the commodities sector and determine the level of support required after Hurricane Melissa.

The task force -- made up of representatives from across the commodities industries -- has already begun site visits and damage assessments in several affected parishes.

Its goal is to gather accurate data on crop losses, infrastructure damage, and the immediate needs of farmers and processors to guide recovery and rehabilitation plans.

JACRA regulates Jamaica's coffee, cocoa, coconut, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, and pimento industries.

"Many of our farmers have suffered significant setbacks as a result of Hurricane Melissa. This task force allows us to work closely with the industry to identify where help is needed most and to chart a clear path toward recovery and resilience," said JACRA's acting director general, Wayne Hunter. He noted that the initiative underscored the Authority's commitment to a coordinated response.