KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Hurricane Melissa drawing closer to Jamaica, citizens are being urged to take the threat seriously and follow all official instructions.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, said that based on the projections, the weather system is moving slowly but definitely towards the island.

He said citizens should adhere to all the instructions and information being shared by the Government.

“This is not the time for people to become complacent. I believe that we have been giving Jamaicans adequate notice,” he said, noting that daily press briefings are being held to share information with citizens.

“I can only urge Jamaicans to heed the warnings,” the minister emphasised.

McKenzie shared that there are some communities where mandatory evacuation orders will be given.

“I’ve already written to the prime minister about that and those announcements will be made sometime [Sunday],” he said.

He further reminded citizens that effective disaster response depends on everyone playing their part.

“The Government is ready to rise to the occasion to do what is necessary, but this is not a Government alone effort. The people have to buy into what is being told to them,” the minister emphasised.

“Many Jamaicans are praying and wondering what their future hold. A lot of us hold our destiny in our own hands, if we do what is correct,” he continued.

Mckenzie also informed that all shelters have already been activated and three of them have started receiving people.

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 system.

— JIS