PIOJ Director General Dr Wayne Henry noted that this is due mainly to impact from Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a quarterly press briefing today Dr Henry pointed out that its expected that there will be increased unemployment.

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The Opposition People's National Party, PNP has raised concern about the government's  Hurricane Melissa response in the western end of the island. 

The category five system battered parishes including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny on October 28, claimed at least 45 lives, and left roads flooded, houses damaged and thousands displaced.

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The government is working with the Jamaica Public Service, JPS to ensure electricity restoration to  parishes hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa is fast tracked.

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Despite the expected economic shocks due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Bank of Jamaica, BOJ has decided to hold its policy rate unchanged at 5.75 percent per annum. 

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Jamaica's economy grew by an estimated 4 point 6 per cent during the July-September 2025 quarter, relative to the corresponding quarter of 2024. 

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Former Reggae boy turned professional coach, Shevar Thomas has given newly appointed Reggae Boys head coach Rudolph Spied his stamp of approval, as Jamaica faces a race against time to prepare for a second opportunity to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. 

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Persons who feel stressed and anxious in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa are being urged to limit their exposure to news about the devastation.

Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, noted that the storm was devastating, with loss of lives and livelihood.

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness, UB40, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Luciano, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer and many others are flooding social media with tributes to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who has passed away at age 81.

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Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon is among those paying tribute to the late Jimmy Cliff- who has been described as a son of St James. Hailing from Somerton in the parish, Cliff was noted for his prolific song writing skills, memorable acting, and championing of human rights.

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Chief Executive Officer Alwyn Miller says the increase in admissions is being driven by an influx of patients from other parishes. Several patients were transferred to Mandeville Hospital, after category 5 Hurricane Melissa damaged health facilities in parishes including, St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny.

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