Jamaica opens hurricane season with preparedness push as energy reforms advance

Jamaica entered the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season on Monday, June 1, with authorities urging the public to complete emergency plans, gather supplies and remain alert until the season ends on November 30. Forecasters expect El Nino conditions to help keep activity slightly under the usual level, but meteorologists cautioned that even one powerful hurricane could badly affect Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. NOAA is projecting eight to 14 named storms, including as many as six hurricanes.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness also warned residents to reduce contact with Saharan dust now affecting the island. Officials said the particles can worsen asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections, while also irritating the eyes and skin and affecting water quality. The ministry advised people, especially those with breathing conditions, to stay indoors where possible, use masks and protective clothing, wash hands often, avoid rubbing their eyes and ensure domestic water is treated and covered.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications officials said the 2026-2027 agenda centres on modern infrastructure, cleaner power and stronger connectivity. The ministry highlighted a renewable energy tender involving 300 megawatts of generation and 150 megawatts of battery storage, with tendering scheduled for August 2026. It also pointed to an upgraded net billing programme that could add another 100 megawatts of distributed renewable power, gazetted power-wheeling rules, a revised national energy policy, Petrojam upgrades worth US$15 million, and talks toward a new electricity licence with JPS.

In health education, Omaloora Wilson of the National Council on Drug Abuse said people trying to stop smoking need support, practical alternatives and awareness of triggers. She said relapse can happen during recovery and should be treated as part of a longer process rather than a final failure.

Business developments included leadership changes at Parallel Real Estate Ventures, where Randy Matus and Sarice Bell resigned as co-chief executives. Edwin Zau was named president and CEO, with Dane Fairweather becoming chief operating officer. Barita Investments also named architect and finance professional Bernard Stricker to lead Barita Real Estate Development Limited after demolition ended at the former Eden Gardens Hotel property on Lady Musgrave Road in New Kingston.

Regionally, St. Kitts and Nevis said it is seeking to restore direct service between Basseterre and Trinidad after Caribbean Airlines ended the route. Guyana’s AFC leader David Patterson called for stronger safeguards around ExxonMobil-linked oil projects, and Trinidad and Tobago officials promoted a corn, soybean and black-eyed bean pilot project in Caroni.

In sport, Tina Clayton ran a season-best 10.85 seconds to lead a Jamaican women’s 100-metre sweep in Morocco. Lavania Williams clocked 10.95 seconds and Jonielle Smith finished in 11.00 seconds, while Rochelle Clayton was third in the women’s 400-metre hurdles in 53.75 seconds.