KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is offering escort services for individuals who wish to deliver relief supplies to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa in the western end of the island.

At a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr Gary McKenzie, said the service is available once the appropriate communication channels are followed.

“There is an e-mail – pstebrelief@jcf.gov.jm – so communication in terms of where those supplies are from, who is responsible for it and where it will be going, that has to be communicated. Once that is communicated, discussions will be had for support, once it warrants it. So that is what obtains,” ACP McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, the assistant commissioner is urging residents, particularly pedestrians in the affected parishes, to exercise greater caution, noting that widespread power outages following the passage of the category-five hurricane have increased risks on the nation’s roadways.

“We note that since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, many communities, especially across the western parishes of Jamaica, are without electricity. That in itself poses some very serious problems for not only drivers of vehicles, to include motorcycles at nights, but also for pedestrians,” he said.

ACP McKenzie emphasised that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users and should take steps to protect themselves.

“We encourage pedestrians, who are one of our vulnerable road users, to wear bright clothing during the nights, to cross the roadways at points where they can be seen and be responsible in terms of how they use the road,” he urged.

— JIS