Jamaica steps up hurricane readiness as BOJ seeks stronger bank customer protections

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is calling on Jamaicans and state agencies to sharpen hurricane preparations before the 2026 Atlantic season begins on June 1, saying Hurricane Melissa showed that disaster response depends heavily on logistics, reliable information and coordination.

At a National Disaster Risk Management Council meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister, Holness said emergency work involves receiving, storing, moving, distributing and verifying supplies. He said Melissa exposed weaknesses in mapping, databases and service delivery, especially in informal or scattered communities. He also urged more drills, stronger continuity plans for schools and health facilities, and closer collaboration among emergency services, utilities and private-sector partners. NOAA has projected a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal Atlantic season, 35 per cent near-normal and 10 per cent above-normal.

The Bank of Jamaica is again arguing for a Twin Peaks regulatory model to separate prudential supervision from consumer protection. Governor Richard Byles said the central bank can monitor ATM and customer-service standards but lacks the legal authority to sanction banks for market-conduct failures. Deputy Governor Dr. J. Lewis said Jamaica also needs a formal redress system so disputes between customers and financial institutions can be independently handled.

MegaMart will shut its Portmore store on June 30 after 27 years, with chairman Gassan Azan saying about 200 workers could be affected. Parent company Costub Limited said operations will be consolidated into Waterloo Road and Mandeville, while Azan cited losses at the 75,000-square-foot branch, lease issues and more than US$3 million needed for upgrades.

In arts, the 35th Actor Boy Awards will be held June 1 at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, honouring Jamaican theatre across nearly 20 categories.

Business coverage included Butterfield’s agreement to acquire CIBC’s 91.7 per cent stake in CIBC Caribbean Bank Limited for US$1.091 billion in cash and US$73 million in Butterfield shares.

Regionally, St. Kitts and Nevis issued an Ebola-related travel advisory for several African countries, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed sovereignty over Essequibo during independence celebrations, and Belize said talks continue with the United States over Cuban medical brigades.

In sport, Jamaica striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was named BBC Women’s Super League player of the season after scoring 21 goals in 22 matches for Manchester City. Cricket West Indies also named Hayley Matthews captain of its 15-member squad for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.