The cabinet has approved four contracts for various projects in the education sector, including the provision of textbooks at the primary level, data processing service for the Primary Exit Profile and construction activities at colleges

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in sections of Green Island and Orange Bay in Hanover: individuals within the boundaries are required to remain indoors, unless authorised by the ground commander; curfews are a relatively frequent measure in Jamaica

The Falmouth Public General Hospital received a key donation from the Chinese Benevolent Society to help cope with the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa; relief items include toilet paper, bottled water, food supplies, baby pampers, blankets

Farmers across St Elizabeth suffered heavy losses after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa tore through the parish destroying crops; in the Gilnock agricultural belt bowed corn stalks, uprooted pumpkin vines, muddy fields stretched as far as the eye could see

Jamaica is bracing for hurricane Melissa: people in flood-prone areas are invited to be ready to head to shelters; constructors at building sites are securing material; civil groups are preparing for the first post-hurricane hours