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Critical government agencies are fully activated to respond to emergencies during Hurricane Melissa. “Already, we are seeing where persons have been reaching out, seeking assistance, and we have been responding as we get the calls, ” said Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon Desmond McKenzie. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security [MLSS]… is already working closely along with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management… and the other agencies are fully activated,” he added. Minister McKenzie was addressing a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Kingston on Monday (October 27). Turning to the matter of cranes and other potential hazards at construction sites in the Corporate Area, he informed that the city engineer at the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has been engaging contractors. “I understand that there is a method that is used in the industry that would allow the cranes to remain,” he pointed out. “I notice that at least two of the ones (cranes) that I spoke about were taken down, and I want to commend them (contractors) for that ,” he said. The Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow instructions from the designated authorities, and make use of all available resources to ensure their safety during the hurricane.
