Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport Daryl Vaz has outlined coordinated efforts and preparatory measures by the ministry and key partners in anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa.

Vaz emphasised that the ministry has been working closely with the utility providers, transport entities, and telecommunication providers to ensure a coordinated national state of readiness.

“We have activated all refinery emergency systems and confirmed sufficient fuel supplies, over two weeks’ worth of refined products, and 10 days of LPG following the storm. Loading facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay will extend hours to support pre-storm deliveries, and Jamaica Aircraft Refuelling Services, JARS, is fully stocked with jet fuel and aviation gasoline to ensure continuous aircraft refuelling,” he said, noting the measures being implemented at PetroJam.

Vaz stated that Flow Jamaica has fully activated its crisis management system with support from local and regional teams. “Power resilience has been strengthened with over 61 per cent of mobile sites now having backup power, and 143 new generators installed island-wide. All generators are refuelled and serviced, and field teams are mobilised. The company’s emergency operations centre is active, and the public can reach the centre for emergencies at 876-929-9834.”

He also noted that Digicel has formed a dedicated disaster response core team to ensure continuous operations during the storm. “The company has strengthened communication redundancy with satellite phones and backup connectivity through other providers. All network sites, towers, and facilities have been structurally inspected, and generators confirmed to be in up and running condition.

“Essential spare parts are secured locally and overseas, and mobile set sites are ready for rapid deployment to restore service. Digicel has also conducted safety training and weather simulation drills to enhance preparedness and technical response,” Vaz continued.

Jamaica Urban Transit Company and Airports to continue their service

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC), the transport minister detailed, will maintain regular bus operations as long as conditions are safe to do so.

“Service updates will be shared via social media and public channels. 30 buses are designated for emergency deployment across depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort, and Montego Bay. Each depot has activated an emergency operations committee, and the JUTC representatives will be embedded in national and parish emergency centres for coordinated response,” he added.

All depots, fuel stations, and assets have been secured, and the company is prepared to support evacuation and transport efforts if needed.

“Montego Bay Metro, Western Transport Operations, remains fully operational, and we continue to provide service as long as weather conditions allow. Toll authority, highway operators, are very important. Highway operators are now on alert to respond to any emergency direction that the minister may issue when it becomes necessary,” Vaz said.

Emergency protocols are fully activated at Jamaica’s international airports in preparation for Tropical Storm Melissa. “At Sangsters International Airport, MBJ Airports Limited has implemented pre-hurricane measures, including drainage and tree clearing, testing of generators with a 36-hour fuel reserve, and positioning of emergency supplies. At Norman Manley International Airport, PACKAL has directed stakeholders to secure assets and complete drain cleaning, structural checks and power system tests.”

Both airports, he said, will expedite reopening once safety is confirmed with updates shared through official bulletin social media and coordination with airlines and government partners.

“The minute that a hurricane warning, not a watch, a warning has been issued, it is likely that the airports will close within 24 hours. It is not a must that both of them will be closed at the same time. It’s all dependent on the tracking of the storm or the hurricane and the elements in terms of the locations of the two airports, which are obviously on the sea. So for right now, airports remain open and the only time that we will move to close the airports will be if the Met Office issues a hurricane warning,” Vaz clarified, which is projected to be on Friday, October 24 or Saturday, October 25.