Jamaica heightens Ebola checks as hurricane shelter gaps and fire risks draw concern

Jamaica has placed eight travellers under mandatory self-quarantine because of travel links to countries with Ebola virus activity, while the Ministry of Health and Wellness says no local case has been found. The ministry said the travellers have no symptoms and are not suspected cases, but are being monitored daily as a precaution. Jamaicans and visitors were urged to avoid travel through affected countries and stop spreading Ebola misinformation.

Opposition health spokesman Dr Alfred Dose warned that many vulnerable Jamaicans are struggling with health costs, including medicine and diagnostic tests. He argued that migration among trained health workers has left serious gaps, and called for a national health insurance scheme and better access to mammograms, saying only two machines are working in the public system.

Ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Acting Permanent Secretary Dion Jennings said the ROOFS housing programme has paid out about $9.45 billion, with 94,000 assessments cleaned and verified and roughly 74,000 put through geospatial checks. However, duplicate records, incomplete household data and TRN validation problems have delayed some claims, including for applicants with minor, major and totally destroyed homes after Melissa. PAC chairman Peter Bunting also asked that hurricane-displaced people summoned for jury duty receive greater consideration.

Kingston and St Andrew officials also reported a shortage of shelter managers, with some volunteers declining to serve or no longer responding to calls. Training is being planned, and councillors and the Social Development Commission are being asked to help fill the gaps before the season begins.

In Mandeville, fire destroyed Newsman Fried Chicken and No Traction Chill Spot on Ward Avenue early Saturday. Firefighters received the call about 4:15 a.m. and put out the blaze shortly after 6 a.m. Business owner Adika Miller estimated his losses at about $10 million.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade is preparing for hotter, drier El Nino conditions by positioning resources islandwide. Superintendent Emil Ibanks said firefighters can use hydrants and other water sources, while public education will focus on reducing risky burning practices. Separately, airport officials said bidding for a proposed Little London airport near Negril could begin in eight to nine months, with construction targeted between 2028 and 2030.