The government is committing 600 million dollars to support tourism workers affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa last month.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the announcement during a tour of hotels and attractions in Ocho Rios, St. Ann yesterday.

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The Health Ministry has outlined a five pillar strategic response to the leptospirosis outbreak.

Portfolio Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton declared the outbreak at a press briefing today.

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The roof of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego bay St. James has been fully restored just three weeks after being destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

The project was funded by doctors without borders.

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As the country transitions out of the immediate response through the recovery, reconstruction and return to normality phases, government is considering the use of relief vouchers, for persons affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness noted that it's costly to continue the method of relief being undertaken now.

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Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett said 32,000 cruise passengers have arrived at the Ocho Rios port in St. Ann since its reopening on November 11 .

The port was closed in February 2024 after strong winds slammed a docked cruise ship into the pier causing severe structural damage.

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There are 8 suspected leptospirosis related deaths.

Principal Medical Officer and National Epidemiologist, Dr. Karen Webster-Kerr made the disclosure at a press conference this morning.

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The opposition is cautioning the government that no greater concession should be granted to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) than is necessary, for it to secure funding for restoration works.

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, has disclosed that government is in discussions with JPS in relation to how it can assist to work out a formula which will allow the utility company to raise the funds required to restore the grid.

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NCD Risk Factor Programme Development Officer at the Health Ministry, Dr. Cathi-Ann Williams-Harrison says, cases of interpersonal and gender-based violence often intensify after natural disasters.

She says the ministry is focused on ensuring that vulnerable groups can access care, noting that the heightened stress and disruption caused by the hurricane can increase their exposure to violence.

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That’s the assurance from portfolio minister Edmund Bartlett, while on a tour of resorts and attractions in St. Ann yesterday.

The minister asserted that the most practical way to keep the sector afloat in the aftermath of hurricane Melissa and by extension Jamaica, is by supporting it.

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Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has indicated that the government is in discussions with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) about how the company will finance its restoration efforts, post-Hurricane Melissa.

Mr. Vaz was reacting to reports that the JPS requested an extension of its licence, which would allow it to secure funding.

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