Jamaica's government has activated comprehensive emergency measures to evacuate tourists and protect hospitality workers as Hurricane Melissa approaches the Caribbean nation. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett confirmed authorities coordinated with airlines to add flights and deploy larger planes to transport departing visitors before airport closures take effect. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston stops accepting arrivals at 9 p.m. on Saturday, while Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay extends operations until noon on Sunday.
The Tourism Emergency Operations Center began round-the-clock staffing to manage communications and incident response across resort areas. Officials prepared backup plans with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to open emergency shelters for visitors unable to leave before the storm strikes. Airlines worked with accommodation providers to facilitate orderly departures as weather conditions deteriorated across the island.
The ministry conducted meetings with tourism stakeholders on Saturday and scheduled additional briefings for Sunday to assess changing circumstances. Emergency coordinators will maintain contact with weather forecasters and disaster management agencies throughout the hurricane's passage. Bartlett said the response demonstrates Jamaica's preparedness and commitment to visitor safety through established partnerships within the travel industry.
The Tourism Emergency Operations Center began round-the-clock staffing to manage communications and incident response across resort areas. Officials prepared backup plans with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to open emergency shelters for visitors unable to leave before the storm strikes. Airlines worked with accommodation providers to facilitate orderly departures as weather conditions deteriorated across the island.
The ministry conducted meetings with tourism stakeholders on Saturday and scheduled additional briefings for Sunday to assess changing circumstances. Emergency coordinators will maintain contact with weather forecasters and disaster management agencies throughout the hurricane's passage. Bartlett said the response demonstrates Jamaica's preparedness and commitment to visitor safety through established partnerships within the travel industry.
