KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has declared the entire island a threatened area under the Disaster Risk Management Act, as the country braces for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa.

The declaration, issued in a release on Friday stated that Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the advice of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, is empowering the government to take precautionary and protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

In conjunction with this move, the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce has invoked the Trade (Sale of Goods During Period of Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order, 2025, under section 8(1) of the Trade Act. This Order, which takes immediate effect, prohibits retailers from increasing prices on essential goods including food, water, medical supplies, personal care items, building materials, and emergency equipment throughout the declared period.

Violators of this Trade Order face penalties of up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) upon conviction before a Parish Court.

Prime Minister Holness emphasised the importance of swift action and coordination as the nation prepares for possible severe weather impacts.

“By declaring Jamaica a threatened area, we are activating the legal tools to move resources quickly, safeguard critical services, and protect the most vulnerable,” he said. “This declaration enables the Government to act swiftly and decisively. I have directed all agencies to execute their preparedness plans, including shelter readiness and the pre-positioning of supplies and equipment.”

The prime minister also warned against price exploitation during the period of alert.

“There will be zero tolerance for price gouging. The Trade Order sends a clear message that no one should profit from a potential disaster. We are taking every precaution to ensure that preparedness measures are in place and that citizens are not subject to exploitation during this time,” he said.