Warren Clark, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police for Strategic Operations;
KINGSTON, Jamaica — All incident command centres across the island are now operational in preparation for the potential impacts of Category 4 Hurricane Beryl, which is preparing to make landfall in Jamaica.
The update was provided by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police for Strategic Operations Warren Clarke, who said the command centre has been up and running since 6am on Wednesday.
He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is fully integrated with the National Emergency Operations Centre of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Parish Disaster Management Committee Command Centres, to ensure a coordinated and efficient response at the local level.
“The JCF is fully deployed island-wide to ensure the safety of key installations and scheduled sites and ensure the safety and security of these critical locations. All units are available for deployment during this period. Highway patrols are monitoring major roads island-wide and mobile patrols are operating in residential and business areas. Quick Response Units are also prepared for rapid deployment,” DCP Clark said.
“We are prioritizing the safety of critical infrastructure such as Petrojam, airports, business districts, hospitals, major road networks, courts, prisons and scheduled facilities. The JCF, in coordination with the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force), will be monitoring these locations throughout the duration of the storm,” he continued.
DCP Clark noted that the Prime Minister promulgated the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) on Tuesday, which contains several travel ban provisions and accompanying regulations.
He urged all citizens to adhere to the DRMA and its rules, saying the JCF would be responsible for enforcing these measures to ensure the safety of all.
“Our action plan is divided into three phases. In the pre-preparedness phase, we are making all the necessary preparations and mobilization. We expect to be anchored and immobilized during the hurricane’s impact. It is important that everyone remains indoors while the eye of the hurricane passes through. Now is not the time to be outside. In the recovery phase, we will be out in force to ensure the safety of public property, prevent looting, facilitate support to evacuation centers and assist with rescue efforts,” explained Police Commissioner Clark.
The deputy police chief said the inventory of hurricane preparedness supplies has been completed and there are sufficient supplies, adding that larger equipment has been strategically positioned and is ready to assist outside agencies.
“The Jamaica Disaster Management Committee, led by Chairman Kevin Blake, is fully prepared and committed to protecting the lives and property of all Jamaicans during these difficult times. We will do everything in our power to protect the country from the effects of Hurricane Beryl,” he said.
