KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says he is “sufficiently satisfied” that Jamaica’s security forces are “properly deployed in such a way as to prevent any break in law and order” as the country continues to brace for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa at category four level.

“Whenever there’s any kind of disaster, there will always be that element in our society who is not a part of the common good and has no concern for their neighbour and we have to protect ourselves against them and protect them as well,” said Holness.

He was speaking earlier Monday at a special media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

The prime minister reiterated that “the security forces are properly mobilised and they understand how we should poster in this disaster; the rights of citizens must be respected at all times, even in a disaster”.

He stated that, “We have a legislative framework that will not just guide the emergency response of the NSWMA (National Solid Waste Management Authority) and NWA (National Works Agency) and ODPEM and so forth. But it also guides how the security forces will respond.”

He urged Jamaicans to remain in the precincts of their homes, on their property.

“Don’t venture outside unnecessarily because the winds, as you can see, can pick up at any time, the rains can come at any time, you can be caught in a flash flood, so we urge you to at this time, stay inside, that’s the safest place to be at the moment.”

“And that gives less work to the security forces,” added the head of government.

The prime minister urged citizens to shun looting and other kinds of anti-social behaviour, such as having parties in the rain, playing football in the rain, and running in the gullies. He urged all Jamaicans, young people in particular, to stay indoors, acknowledging that many of them have not experienced the true impact of a hurricane and may want to take chances.

“I urge you to stay inside,” Holness pleaded.

“And I ask our heads of households and elders to engage with our young people so that they understand.”

— Lynford Simpson