Ocho Rios businesses preparing for Melissa, chamber of commerce urges caution

The business community in Ocho Rios, St Ann has intensified preparations for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to impact Jamaica over the next few days.

On Friday, sandbags were being put into place at several stores in downtown Ocho Rios, which is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains.

Elsewhere, some stores began battening down with plywood, even as several businesses stayed open into the afternoon on Friday.

Intermittent showers have affected sections of St Ann over the past week, with several streets in the resort town being flooded at one point.

President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ransford Davidson, urged business leaders to take the threat of the tropical storm seriously and to act immediately to protect life, property, and livelihoods.

“We encourage all businesses to implement their hurricane preparedness and continuity plans now—secure premises, safeguard important equipment and records, and communicate with employees and customers regarding safety and operations. Early and full-scale preparation is key to reducing business risks, minimising losses, and supporting a speedy recovery once the storm has passed,” Davidson said in a statement to The Gleaner.

- Carl Gilchrist

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