October 27, 2025 • 26 mins
Renaldo McKenzie of The Neoliberal discusses the latest from Jamaica as Hurricane wanders along Jamaica's shorelines in the Caribbean Sea. Ramon Henry and Dwight McKoy join Renaldo on The Neoliberal Round to provide an update on the Hurricane and Jamaica's preparedness.
The Neoliberal Round is a production of The Neoliberal Corporation, created by Renaldo McKenzie.
Visit us at https://theneoliberal.com
Subscribe to the podcast on any stream. Find yours by visiting https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal
Also available: https://theneoliberal.com/hurricane-melissa-in-jamaica-as-of-october-27-2025/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:04):
This is the Neoliberal Around podcast.
Hi everyone, I'm Ronaldo McKenzie of the Neoliberal
podcast and YouTube channel and the Neoliberal Corporation and I
am waiting and this this particular podcast or this
particular report has to do withwhat's going on in Jamaica.
(00:25):
As you know, I am originally from Jamaica and several members
of our board, several members ofour organization lives in
Jamaica. I teach a seminary, which is
Jamaica Theological Seminary. But I wanted to provide my, my
audience with just an updated report as to what's going on in
Jamaica. And I, I'm going to have my
(00:47):
nephew Ramon Henry, who is the president of Anti Business
Solutions and also a member of the neoliberal coordination
team. We're waiting on him to to give
a report, persons to join us to tell us what's going on in
Jamaica. Let's see if we can come on.
Oh, Rahman is about to come on. Hey, Rahman.
(01:08):
What? How are you doing?
Welcome. We we have Rahman.
Who is Rahman who is joining us from Jamaica, the island of
Jamaica. At least we're able to get we're
able to get him. What's going on in Jamaica?
I thought I would not have been able to get you.
What's going on in Jamaica. We heard of the reports and we
are very concerned here in the mainland, here in the US So,
(01:30):
Ramon, welcome. Thank you for joining us.
And now as well. Oh, I can hear you now.
We couldn't hear you at all. Well, welcome, welcome to the
new Libor on podcast, the new Libor on YouTube channel.
(01:50):
You're no stranger to the new Libor.
You are a born member. You've been on the show talking
about IT and stuff, but and you're also one of the directors
and help that run our IT programhere.
But tell us what's going on in Jamaica, What's going on?
What's the latest update? How are you guys feeling?
Well, to be honest, it really depends on where you are on the
(02:11):
island because there are some areas that are experiencing
flooding. Yes.
For example, I know that Hanoverwas explaining some flooding,
parts of Montego Bay, parts of Saint Anne, parts of the
Kingston St. Andrew areas experiencing
flooding. So just kind of hope for
everyone. Those areas are safe, they're
(02:32):
OK. Where I am it's mostly been
light rain, a little windy, nothing too.
Nothing too serious as yet. Hopefully stays that way.
Yes. I think there was a reported of
some areas that had reported accidents.
I think there was one death resulting in an accident, motor
(02:54):
vehicle accident. Based on reports that I've been
seeing not, I'm not completely sure where these were.
OK. Yeah, so government is currently
evacuating who they can from flood prone areas and trying to
relocate them to safer grounds. OK, and you and you are located
(03:16):
in Portman. We have one person who have
joined us, Mr. Dwayne McCoy. Mr. Dwayne McCoy.
He's he's also in Jamaica on theisland of Jamaica.
He was a member of my Jamaica ofmy Caribbean thought class.
He's a student of of at Jamaica Theological Seminary.
I don't know Ramana know he's inPortmore currently.
Dwayne, thank you for joining the show.
Where are you located currently?Hi Sir, Greetings, I'm in
(03:40):
Manchester. Oh, you are the other you.
OK, so Ramon is in the Kingston,Anderson, Catherine area and you
are in the Man Mandeville, Manchester area, Yes?
Yes, definitely. OK, so what's going on in
Manchester? Well, we have been having on and
off rain in terms of the system that is expected.
(04:02):
Not a hard rain, but normal rain.
You will have it poured on here sometime.
You will have little win, littlewin condition, not a lot in
terms of readiness for the, for the, for the, the system
preparedness persons are still in process of doing that.
(04:23):
Some person doing some last lastminute shopping as well.
I would just went on the road a part of the essential work team
as well. I went on the road and I
realized that some persons were still at the supermarket and so
forth and persons even asked if we could get to business place
persons such as the supermarket to open.
(04:44):
We did that this morning. The Chinese are all they open
the place. That person can get some last
minute stuff. In terms of flood phone areas,
there are some areas in poorest region that the shelters are
already open. Persons have started to relocate
(05:05):
the door shelters and what I realized in the in the in that
era as well is that people, people really supporting each
other in terms of where you're where you live is that for the
area you move to another relative or a friend host in the
area from your area, but not utilizing the shelters.
OK. So Manchester is basically you
(05:27):
said that in Manchester some of the shops are open.
Listen, the shelters are alreadyopen.
Is there, I know. Is there anybody evacuate?
Well, Mandeville is, is is kind of hilly.
Is anybody being told to leave Mandeville, Manchester?
No, not at this point, OK. There are some areas and that
normally that normal experience really not in my well in
(05:49):
Mandeville, yes, but it's mainlyin the town like don't, don't to
Scotch a bank side here, which is that interesting, but it it's
not a residential year, it's a commercial year.
Commercial area what Ramon, what's going?
And let me just cut you just anddon't hang up Ramon, tell me
what's going on in terms of Portmore.
You're in Portmore, said Catherine.
(06:10):
Has a lot of low lying areas. Are they being, what's the
government, are they asking people, the residents to leave
some areas in Portmore? Well, there's no report of them
asking anyone to evacuate as yet, but yesterday I didn't
notice that there were doing some cleaning of the trenches,
gullies, strains in preparation of the coming weather.
(06:34):
So it's just to listen out for any updates.
OK. That area I believe there was a
bulletin. Something came out for a person
living in the Elsa area to evacuate because of the storm
surge and the magnitude of waterthat is coming with on the
(06:54):
beasts of persons around that era was asked to move.
I realized that the MP does was in some area of his constituency
in Port More yesterday as well and he was acting persons too.
So if they're, if you're living nearby the sea lane, the
seashore, I see the sea lane asking them to move.
(07:16):
Well, that's great. I mean, I am originally from
Hillshire, Jamaica. That's my area actually.
And I know the beach can be they're at the beach, they have
beach, a lot of people live on the beach in Hillshire beach.
I mean, I never lived on the beach.
We lived in the hills. But for those on the beach and
so on, they're asking them to evacuate.
What's going on? Are they are people leaving the
beach? Are there still any any updates
(07:38):
on what's going on in the beaches in Hillshire and what's
going on in Hillshire? I don't think there is any
update, you know, because persons, oh, especially Elsa.
Yeah. Right, because I'm originated
from Spanish so much, especiallyElsa as a person's done.
It has to be a last minute thingfor them because they are
staying there in their perspective, they are staying to
protect their, their, both, their, their, their, this and
(08:00):
and probably over the over the years they have learned to
master, I'm staying there in thehurricane or in the storm.
OK. So right now in Jamaica, I'm on
from where you are in Portmore, it's raining heavily on and off
or it's just been considerably rain.
Is it has it any flooding, any reports of flooding as yet?
Hasn't we haven't gotten any every rain since last week.
(08:24):
No reports of flooding as men asit you have mentioned earlier,
most go dinners usually up by usor nearby the beach.
OK, to get some of those people to evacuate won't be so
straightforward because again, alot of them, your home is there
on the beach. OK.
Now you've been hearing what about in terms of flights, What
(08:47):
have you guys been hearing in terms of flights coming in and
out of the island? What and what in terms of
essential services are people still be, will still keep people
able to access the hospitals? Any news or any reports on that?
In terms of flight, I'm not hearing much about flight, but
with the assumption is that someflights should have been
(09:09):
cancelled. I know that you would take,
there was one Caribbean country that actually sent an emergency
flight for their students that was at you take those students
are out of the island. In terms of flight, I'm not sure
even up to yesterday flights were coming in because we have
we had what CNNCNN came in yesterday.
(09:31):
I don't know which which one of the airport they they came in
on, but that's pretty much aboutit.
In terms of evacuation, the messages is about for the
persons living in those lowland areas and those areas that are
going to be affected by the flood to move the government
also to relocate to the shelter.So they are open up, they have
(09:52):
opened up all the shelters. There were some instance in
Kingston where they had to relocate some of the shelters in
terms of the storm surge coming over because those shelter was
actually nearby the waterfront area.
So they relocate them to a more inland shelter and persons are
(10:12):
still asked to evacuate some areas such as Port Royal, such
as Ulababy. And the government has been
sending constant transportation in these spaces and also the
police to warn these persons to leave this space before it is
too late. Also there I realized this
morning the new shut, the new school bus system also have been
(10:35):
utilized as well. They have been sending them to
different parishes. Because what we realized is that
this storm, the entrance of the hurricane of the hurricane on
the island has been drifting to the South.
It was first in Kingston that they said that it's going to,
it's going to arm Landfall. Then they move it to Clarendon
(10:57):
and then it is no, last night itwas moved to Mandeville.
No, it is moved further down to the West part of the island in
Saint Elizabeth. Hold on, hold on, hold on.
This is new news. This is new information.
Hold on. So right now the what?
OK, Jamaica is only getting the Ultra band or the are you guys
not getting the Ultra band? And now you're saying it's it's
(11:19):
moving. It's as if it's moving South
easterly and it hasn't touched to make it yet.
Is it going around to make it? What's going on?
We have been informed that basedon your projectory that we're
going to get landfall. But from, because even even if
(11:40):
what we have been told, the system should have reached
already, but because of the speed of the system, it's going
really low, really slow. And it's, it's speed is
fluctuating in terms of going down, going up.
The, the first projector was that Kingston would get the
first hit and then exit through Portland.
(12:00):
And then we have heard yesterdaywhere it was moved to projector,
it was moved to Clarendon to Portland Cottage and then exit
to Saint Mary. OK, it it, it was more late like
yesterday afternoon it was move again to Mandeville, Manchester,
(12:22):
Manchester coming to Manchester,exiting to Saint Mary St.
Anne today. We have been learned from the
press beef that it has been shift again to to Saint
Elizabeth, Westmoreland where itis marked landfall in the next
24 hour and exit to Saint Anne. So we don't know what is it,
(12:42):
what, what is it will bring tomorrow.
But we're they said that this and the category of it, we are
still going to feel some effect at this time nationally.
So saying oh, so the eye is expected to still go over
Jamaica. That's the projects, the
projection. But more on the eastern side of
the island pro. I mean, you said that's probably
(13:03):
the real. And over Western.
Oh, the Western or West? Milan, Hanover, What's that?
What's up that side? Negril What's what's?
So that side comes with Black River Stent Elizabeth Negril
ANOVA and then will affect some part of Saint James want to go
be as. Well, oh sure, a lot of the the
(13:24):
tourist areas we're talking about.
India one of those areas. I have some friends that
visiting Jamaica right now and they're saying that they are,
that they can't come, they can'tleave the island because of
what's going on in terms of essential services.
You guys have water, you guys have electricity, you guys have
Wi-Fi. What's going on?
(13:45):
Ramani One what's what's going on there?
Well, for me, it's been the power's been in and out, but
seems to have stabilized snow because it was due to the.
Wind OK. I know, I know, I have to keep
watching that 12 water fluid appliances to upward to avoid
(14:08):
any power surge or damages. So let's see how that go from
there. OK.
So you guys still have electricity still have in man.
So in Port Morrison, Catherine, Kingston, you are reporting that
you guys still have electricity.One or two of the shops are open
and in man and and Dwayne you'realso reporting that where you
(14:28):
are, some of the shops are open.It's really the people are
actually going to stay off the low lying areas and for now you
guys will continue to have electricity.
The phones work, Wi-Fi, all thatis working, yes.
Yes, Sir, We still have electricity in my area.
The water has went from yesterday.
(14:50):
That's that's more than a hurricane issue.
That's a common issue with the with the experience.
So we understand that electricity, electricity went
one time this morning there was an outage and then it returned.
Still have electricity. No, still have Internet there.
However, JPS had issued, I don'tknow if I'm an ad known, but JPS
(15:12):
had JPS had issued turning off points on today for different,
different prices. But seeing that the system has
somewhat delay, I believe that'swhy we're still having having
electricity because our electricity in Manchester
supposed to turn out from 9:30 this morning, but we still have
(15:34):
electricity. OK.
All right thank you so much for that and I want what about I
wanted to ask a question about it's a crime and violence.
What's going on in terms of crime and violence.
But oh before crime and violencein terms of sorry here the the
The Associated Press has been reporting and up to the last two
(15:55):
hours ago that it's going to be devastating.
They were predicting devastationfor the island of Jamaica based
on where you guys are and what you because you know, we'd I
know in Jamaica in terms of the structures, you have a lot of
strong structures and the way how Jamaica is Jamaica is not is
that one of the more developed Caribbean islands.
Do you believe that where you are now that and based on the
(16:16):
report about the storm, do you think that are you do you see
devastation? Do you think that the
structurally Jamaica, the housesand so on can can withstand the
storm? What what's the organization
like on the ground to probably to just let us know here in the
US and other parts of the world and what's going on because we
are hearing of devastation. So and who wants to take what's
(16:39):
going on? Do you back, do you guys see
demonstration? Are you guys structurally
secure? What's the infrastructure like?
Tell us what? Tell us what you what your
predictions are. For me, I don't, I don't buy
into that. I don't see where where we're
(17:00):
demonstration station is. Also I am watching some of the
journalism overseas and eras in which they are broadcasting from
and all they are stressing the points and it's a different
thing for us in Jamaica. We understand the danger of an
hurricane and we we are preparedto someone, but I don't believe
that. I believe they're really
(17:21):
exaggerating on some of these issues in terms of the space, in
terms of drain, like 1 reporter was saying about drain and, and
where the airport is and the road is going to block and all
of those things. And I don't buy into that and
even watch some of the international news medias and
(17:43):
their stories and all stories totally different, right?
Yes, it's totally different, right.
And if, if I follow them, you will, you will panic because you
were saying what I'm going on inJamaica.
For us, we're just waiting. People are prepared.
People are prepared for themselves.
They're prepared to help each other.
(18:05):
The message that I've been spreading right across is to
protect life 1st and then everything else can can work out
on the next level in terms of a crime, of crime and violence.
No, no, especially when you comeon to hurricane.
I believe even the criminals that are protecting themselves,
(18:26):
yes right where they want, they want the incident as Roman said
was an accident that cost a lifeand I believe as the weather
conditions change our rainfall, they will get separate.
There are some new drivers don'tknow how to man over their
vehicles especially 4 wheel drive so that that's the only
(18:47):
thing. But for crime, because some part
of Manchester is on the curfew, even though right because of the
same crime, but it's not been affected.
No OK. The police are are more old.
I'm asking if everybody is OK and checking on persons who are
less less fortunate and and who are in danger zone.
(19:08):
That's fine. OK, so the police are on the
ground. Essential services are still out
there on the ground. What's going on?
I'm your. I'm on up your side.
Well, so for the most part it's mostly peaceful.
OK, I heard music out on the road so I guess some people
having fun. Yes, yes.
(19:32):
So Oh well, thank you so much ifyou well, thank you Ramon and
Dwayne, thank you so much for providing us with an update on
what's going on in Jamaica. And we, we will probably check
in with you guys later on as we hear of if, if there's any more
important, please let me know ifany, any reports, any new
(19:53):
reports that you guys are here here of please let me know
what's going on, OK. And we will share it with the
world. We'll correct some of the new
stories. What's going on.
This is Ronald, I'm Ronaldo McKenzie of the New River Run
podcast and we're speaking with Rahman and Dwayne.
And they're both on the island of Jamaica currently.
And they so far they are good and no major damage.
And they're just bracing themselves for the hurricane,
(20:17):
too. To Passover, but what we're
hearing is that Jamaica is prepared and they're ready for
the hurricane and they're ready for the worst of the and they're
ready for anything right now. Any last words Dwayne or Rahman?
As the hurricane, well, in termsof last word, as I said that we
(20:42):
are prepared. We are just awaiting the system
to pass, whether it's going to pass our own or over the island.
We are prepared. And you know the last thing
somebody, I was talking to somebody this morning and they
were saying that they had experienced Gilbert.
Yes. And they were saying that people
keep on stressing Gilbert and that this hurricane is going to
(21:02):
be more or worse than Gilbert. And he was saying to me, because
he is a building constructor constructor, he was saying that
back then people were not even prepared for the, the people
were not prepared. And that is why it is so Gilbert
has caused so much damage. But no, people build their
building for hurricane. People are more prepared for
(21:25):
hurricane and the systems have been updated in terms of to
locate hurricane and better advise people what to do.
So just I wait to stop the hurricane, Yes.
Thank you so much. And I'm of course, and I noticed
it's just shifting, shifting, shifting away from it is as if
it's it's had the main of his mind as to whether or not it
(21:45):
wants to go through Jamaica or make landfall.
But Ramon, any final words from you for?
Me, it's just that you know whatjust need to what we can to stay
safe. Yeah, plan for the best, prepare
for the worst. But I was doing said in modern
time the nation is more our better prepared to handle
(22:07):
hurricanes compared to Gilbert. Because based on the stories I
heard of Gilbert, it was really just a lack of preparedness,
lack of awareness because we have been hit by stronger
hurricanes than Gilbert. Yeah, just that we were more
prepared. Because there was Ivan, wasn't
there? Ivan after Gilbert.
I think Ivan was around 2000 and.
(22:28):
Four, yeah, but it was, I think it was category four or
something like. That was like Category 4
hurricane hit. And yes and yes, go ahead,
Dwayne. Yeah, man, because we have been
hit by more hurricanes after Gilbert and I mean we expect
(22:51):
damage in our in our working, weexpect destruction of property,
property we expect Canada, Yeah,but it is more prepared, it's
more better planning now than than in Gilbert time.
I was a little boy in doing Gilbert and yes, and I agree
with you. We weren't as prepared at all.
(23:12):
And by the way, you could if youcould, can you open your camera
just show us what's what Jamaicalook like or you can is it
dangerous to do that? Let.
Me see if. Yeah.
Are you doing, are you able to show an image or a picture of
what's going on outdoors? If if it's dangerous, don't.
You don't have to do that. It was dangerous, but it would
(23:32):
be great if we get a pic of it. I don't.
Here we go. Wait.
That's beautiful, though. OK.
OK. That's your background screen.
There we go. That's Dwayne.
Yeah. What does Jamaica look like
Dwayne? The background screamer.
So Dwayne is is in Jamaica, is trying to show and show us
(23:56):
what's going on in Jamaica rightnow.
You're seeing. Yeah, obviously I think because
you're on, you're blurred. So that's fine.
But while you do that, and if, if you want to send us you can,
it would be great for us to showcase Jamaica in terms of,
oh, Ramon, by the way, are the vehicles still running?
(24:16):
I know there's Uber in Jamaica. People can still access
transportation in Jamaica right now.
I don't believe. I think only the buses are
running. OK, so the buses I.
Did see a few footage of some taxis.
Oh, can you open up your eye? Are you able to show us footage
(24:39):
of anything in Jamaica? Actually on my computer and
also. OK, that's fine.
But later on, later on we'll connect with Dwayne and Ramon if
they if they can send us footageso that you guys can see it.
But for now, they have been quite helpful in terms of giving
us vital information about what's going on in Jamaica from
(25:00):
the Jamaican perspective. And if and just so you know,
continue to to follow up, keep in touch.
And if there are ways that people want to support Jamaica,
please let us know. Continue to support this show.
And Dwayne, thank you so much. Ramon, I don't know if you are
still trying to connect. Were you still trying to do
that? I have to see if I can.
(25:23):
Don't worry, that's fine. But you what?
That's fine for now. Later on if we're able to
connect with you, Cam, but you've been very helpful.
But we'll keep we'll keep Jamaica in our prayers.
We're not Jamaicans are not concerned about Jamaicans.
We're not, we're not seeing devastation guys.
However, we are concerned about this hurricane and what it will
(25:45):
still do in parts of Jamaica, low lying areas and and in some
places that is not structurally sound may feel impact.
But for the, for the most part, Jamaicans seem to be ready and
they're organised. All right.
But thank you guys so much. Take care and I'll keep it.
This is the Neoliberal Around podcast.
Hi everyone, I'm Ronaldo McKenzie of the Neoliberal
podcast and YouTube channel and the Neoliberal Corporation and I
am waiting and this this particular podcast or this
particular report has to do withwhat's going on in Jamaica.
(00:25):
As you know, I am originally from Jamaica and several members
of our board, several members ofour organization lives in
Jamaica. I teach a seminary, which is
Jamaica Theological Seminary. But I wanted to provide my, my
audience with just an updated report as to what's going on in
Jamaica. And I, I'm going to have my
(00:47):
nephew Ramon Henry, who is the president of Anti Business
Solutions and also a member of the neoliberal coordination
team. We're waiting on him to to give
a report, persons to join us to tell us what's going on in
Jamaica. Let's see if we can come on.
Oh, Rahman is about to come on. Hey, Rahman.
(01:08):
What? How are you doing?
Welcome. We we have Rahman.
Who is Rahman who is joining us from Jamaica, the island of
Jamaica. At least we're able to get we're
able to get him. What's going on in Jamaica?
I thought I would not have been able to get you.
What's going on in Jamaica. We heard of the reports and we
are very concerned here in the mainland, here in the US So,
(01:30):
Ramon, welcome. Thank you for joining us.
And now as well. Oh, I can hear you now.
We couldn't hear you at all. Well, welcome, welcome to the
new Libor on podcast, the new Libor on YouTube channel.
(01:50):
You're no stranger to the new Libor.
You are a born member. You've been on the show talking
about IT and stuff, but and you're also one of the directors
and help that run our IT programhere.
But tell us what's going on in Jamaica, What's going on?
What's the latest update? How are you guys feeling?
Well, to be honest, it really depends on where you are on the
(02:11):
island because there are some areas that are experiencing
flooding. Yes.
For example, I know that Hanoverwas explaining some flooding,
parts of Montego Bay, parts of Saint Anne, parts of the
Kingston St. Andrew areas experiencing
flooding. So just kind of hope for
everyone. Those areas are safe, they're
(02:32):
OK. Where I am it's mostly been
light rain, a little windy, nothing too.
Nothing too serious as yet. Hopefully stays that way.
Yes. I think there was a reported of
some areas that had reported accidents.
I think there was one death resulting in an accident, motor
(02:54):
vehicle accident. Based on reports that I've been
seeing not, I'm not completely sure where these were.
OK. Yeah, so government is currently
evacuating who they can from flood prone areas and trying to
relocate them to safer grounds. OK, and you and you are located
(03:16):
in Portman. We have one person who have
joined us, Mr. Dwayne McCoy. Mr. Dwayne McCoy.
He's he's also in Jamaica on theisland of Jamaica.
He was a member of my Jamaica ofmy Caribbean thought class.
He's a student of of at Jamaica Theological Seminary.
I don't know Ramana know he's inPortmore currently.
Dwayne, thank you for joining the show.
Where are you located currently?Hi Sir, Greetings, I'm in
(03:40):
Manchester. Oh, you are the other you.
OK, so Ramon is in the Kingston,Anderson, Catherine area and you
are in the Man Mandeville, Manchester area, Yes?
Yes, definitely. OK, so what's going on in
Manchester? Well, we have been having on and
off rain in terms of the system that is expected.
(04:02):
Not a hard rain, but normal rain.
You will have it poured on here sometime.
You will have little win, littlewin condition, not a lot in
terms of readiness for the, for the, for the, the system
preparedness persons are still in process of doing that.
(04:23):
Some person doing some last lastminute shopping as well.
I would just went on the road a part of the essential work team
as well. I went on the road and I
realized that some persons were still at the supermarket and so
forth and persons even asked if we could get to business place
persons such as the supermarket to open.
(04:44):
We did that this morning. The Chinese are all they open
the place. That person can get some last
minute stuff. In terms of flood phone areas,
there are some areas in poorest region that the shelters are
already open. Persons have started to relocate
(05:05):
the door shelters and what I realized in the in the in that
era as well is that people, people really supporting each
other in terms of where you're where you live is that for the
area you move to another relative or a friend host in the
area from your area, but not utilizing the shelters.
OK. So Manchester is basically you
(05:27):
said that in Manchester some of the shops are open.
Listen, the shelters are alreadyopen.
Is there, I know. Is there anybody evacuate?
Well, Mandeville is, is is kind of hilly.
Is anybody being told to leave Mandeville, Manchester?
No, not at this point, OK. There are some areas and that
normally that normal experience really not in my well in
(05:49):
Mandeville, yes, but it's mainlyin the town like don't, don't to
Scotch a bank side here, which is that interesting, but it it's
not a residential year, it's a commercial year.
Commercial area what Ramon, what's going?
And let me just cut you just anddon't hang up Ramon, tell me
what's going on in terms of Portmore.
You're in Portmore, said Catherine.
(06:10):
Has a lot of low lying areas. Are they being, what's the
government, are they asking people, the residents to leave
some areas in Portmore? Well, there's no report of them
asking anyone to evacuate as yet, but yesterday I didn't
notice that there were doing some cleaning of the trenches,
gullies, strains in preparation of the coming weather.
(06:34):
So it's just to listen out for any updates.
OK. That area I believe there was a
bulletin. Something came out for a person
living in the Elsa area to evacuate because of the storm
surge and the magnitude of waterthat is coming with on the
(06:54):
beasts of persons around that era was asked to move.
I realized that the MP does was in some area of his constituency
in Port More yesterday as well and he was acting persons too.
So if they're, if you're living nearby the sea lane, the
seashore, I see the sea lane asking them to move.
(07:16):
Well, that's great. I mean, I am originally from
Hillshire, Jamaica. That's my area actually.
And I know the beach can be they're at the beach, they have
beach, a lot of people live on the beach in Hillshire beach.
I mean, I never lived on the beach.
We lived in the hills. But for those on the beach and
so on, they're asking them to evacuate.
What's going on? Are they are people leaving the
beach? Are there still any any updates
(07:38):
on what's going on in the beaches in Hillshire and what's
going on in Hillshire? I don't think there is any
update, you know, because persons, oh, especially Elsa.
Yeah. Right, because I'm originated
from Spanish so much, especiallyElsa as a person's done.
It has to be a last minute thingfor them because they are
staying there in their perspective, they are staying to
protect their, their, both, their, their, their, this and
(08:00):
and probably over the over the years they have learned to
master, I'm staying there in thehurricane or in the storm.
OK. So right now in Jamaica, I'm on
from where you are in Portmore, it's raining heavily on and off
or it's just been considerably rain.
Is it has it any flooding, any reports of flooding as yet?
Hasn't we haven't gotten any every rain since last week.
(08:24):
No reports of flooding as men asit you have mentioned earlier,
most go dinners usually up by usor nearby the beach.
OK, to get some of those people to evacuate won't be so
straightforward because again, alot of them, your home is there
on the beach. OK.
Now you've been hearing what about in terms of flights, What
(08:47):
have you guys been hearing in terms of flights coming in and
out of the island? What and what in terms of
essential services are people still be, will still keep people
able to access the hospitals? Any news or any reports on that?
In terms of flight, I'm not hearing much about flight, but
with the assumption is that someflights should have been
(09:09):
cancelled. I know that you would take,
there was one Caribbean country that actually sent an emergency
flight for their students that was at you take those students
are out of the island. In terms of flight, I'm not sure
even up to yesterday flights were coming in because we have
we had what CNNCNN came in yesterday.
(09:31):
I don't know which which one of the airport they they came in
on, but that's pretty much aboutit.
In terms of evacuation, the messages is about for the
persons living in those lowland areas and those areas that are
going to be affected by the flood to move the government
also to relocate to the shelter.So they are open up, they have
(09:52):
opened up all the shelters. There were some instance in
Kingston where they had to relocate some of the shelters in
terms of the storm surge coming over because those shelter was
actually nearby the waterfront area.
So they relocate them to a more inland shelter and persons are
(10:12):
still asked to evacuate some areas such as Port Royal, such
as Ulababy. And the government has been
sending constant transportation in these spaces and also the
police to warn these persons to leave this space before it is
too late. Also there I realized this
morning the new shut, the new school bus system also have been
(10:35):
utilized as well. They have been sending them to
different parishes. Because what we realized is that
this storm, the entrance of the hurricane of the hurricane on
the island has been drifting to the South.
It was first in Kingston that they said that it's going to,
it's going to arm Landfall. Then they move it to Clarendon
(10:57):
and then it is no, last night itwas moved to Mandeville.
No, it is moved further down to the West part of the island in
Saint Elizabeth. Hold on, hold on, hold on.
This is new news. This is new information.
Hold on. So right now the what?
OK, Jamaica is only getting the Ultra band or the are you guys
not getting the Ultra band? And now you're saying it's it's
(11:19):
moving. It's as if it's moving South
easterly and it hasn't touched to make it yet.
Is it going around to make it? What's going on?
We have been informed that basedon your projectory that we're
going to get landfall. But from, because even even if
(11:40):
what we have been told, the system should have reached
already, but because of the speed of the system, it's going
really low, really slow. And it's, it's speed is
fluctuating in terms of going down, going up.
The, the first projector was that Kingston would get the
first hit and then exit through Portland.
(12:00):
And then we have heard yesterdaywhere it was moved to projector,
it was moved to Clarendon to Portland Cottage and then exit
to Saint Mary. OK, it it, it was more late like
yesterday afternoon it was move again to Mandeville, Manchester,
(12:22):
Manchester coming to Manchester,exiting to Saint Mary St.
Anne today. We have been learned from the
press beef that it has been shift again to to Saint
Elizabeth, Westmoreland where itis marked landfall in the next
24 hour and exit to Saint Anne. So we don't know what is it,
(12:42):
what, what is it will bring tomorrow.
But we're they said that this and the category of it, we are
still going to feel some effect at this time nationally.
So saying oh, so the eye is expected to still go over
Jamaica. That's the projects, the
projection. But more on the eastern side of
the island pro. I mean, you said that's probably
(13:03):
the real. And over Western.
Oh, the Western or West? Milan, Hanover, What's that?
What's up that side? Negril What's what's?
So that side comes with Black River Stent Elizabeth Negril
ANOVA and then will affect some part of Saint James want to go
be as. Well, oh sure, a lot of the the
(13:24):
tourist areas we're talking about.
India one of those areas. I have some friends that
visiting Jamaica right now and they're saying that they are,
that they can't come, they can'tleave the island because of
what's going on in terms of essential services.
You guys have water, you guys have electricity, you guys have
Wi-Fi. What's going on?
(13:45):
Ramani One what's what's going on there?
Well, for me, it's been the power's been in and out, but
seems to have stabilized snow because it was due to the.
Wind OK. I know, I know, I have to keep
watching that 12 water fluid appliances to upward to avoid
(14:08):
any power surge or damages. So let's see how that go from
there. OK.
So you guys still have electricity still have in man.
So in Port Morrison, Catherine, Kingston, you are reporting that
you guys still have electricity.One or two of the shops are open
and in man and and Dwayne you'realso reporting that where you
(14:28):
are, some of the shops are open.It's really the people are
actually going to stay off the low lying areas and for now you
guys will continue to have electricity.
The phones work, Wi-Fi, all thatis working, yes.
Yes, Sir, We still have electricity in my area.
The water has went from yesterday.
(14:50):
That's that's more than a hurricane issue.
That's a common issue with the with the experience.
So we understand that electricity, electricity went
one time this morning there was an outage and then it returned.
Still have electricity. No, still have Internet there.
However, JPS had issued, I don'tknow if I'm an ad known, but JPS
(15:12):
had JPS had issued turning off points on today for different,
different prices. But seeing that the system has
somewhat delay, I believe that'swhy we're still having having
electricity because our electricity in Manchester
supposed to turn out from 9:30 this morning, but we still have
(15:34):
electricity. OK.
All right thank you so much for that and I want what about I
wanted to ask a question about it's a crime and violence.
What's going on in terms of crime and violence.
But oh before crime and violencein terms of sorry here the the
The Associated Press has been reporting and up to the last two
(15:55):
hours ago that it's going to be devastating.
They were predicting devastationfor the island of Jamaica based
on where you guys are and what you because you know, we'd I
know in Jamaica in terms of the structures, you have a lot of
strong structures and the way how Jamaica is Jamaica is not is
that one of the more developed Caribbean islands.
Do you believe that where you are now that and based on the
(16:16):
report about the storm, do you think that are you do you see
devastation? Do you think that the
structurally Jamaica, the housesand so on can can withstand the
storm? What what's the organization
like on the ground to probably to just let us know here in the
US and other parts of the world and what's going on because we
are hearing of devastation. So and who wants to take what's
(16:39):
going on? Do you back, do you guys see
demonstration? Are you guys structurally
secure? What's the infrastructure like?
Tell us what? Tell us what you what your
predictions are. For me, I don't, I don't buy
into that. I don't see where where we're
(17:00):
demonstration station is. Also I am watching some of the
journalism overseas and eras in which they are broadcasting from
and all they are stressing the points and it's a different
thing for us in Jamaica. We understand the danger of an
hurricane and we we are preparedto someone, but I don't believe
that. I believe they're really
(17:21):
exaggerating on some of these issues in terms of the space, in
terms of drain, like 1 reporter was saying about drain and, and
where the airport is and the road is going to block and all
of those things. And I don't buy into that and
even watch some of the international news medias and
(17:43):
their stories and all stories totally different, right?
Yes, it's totally different, right.
And if, if I follow them, you will, you will panic because you
were saying what I'm going on inJamaica.
For us, we're just waiting. People are prepared.
People are prepared for themselves.
They're prepared to help each other.
(18:05):
The message that I've been spreading right across is to
protect life 1st and then everything else can can work out
on the next level in terms of a crime, of crime and violence.
No, no, especially when you comeon to hurricane.
I believe even the criminals that are protecting themselves,
(18:26):
yes right where they want, they want the incident as Roman said
was an accident that cost a lifeand I believe as the weather
conditions change our rainfall, they will get separate.
There are some new drivers don'tknow how to man over their
vehicles especially 4 wheel drive so that that's the only
(18:47):
thing. But for crime, because some part
of Manchester is on the curfew, even though right because of the
same crime, but it's not been affected.
No OK. The police are are more old.
I'm asking if everybody is OK and checking on persons who are
less less fortunate and and who are in danger zone.
(19:08):
That's fine. OK, so the police are on the
ground. Essential services are still out
there on the ground. What's going on?
I'm your. I'm on up your side.
Well, so for the most part it's mostly peaceful.
OK, I heard music out on the road so I guess some people
having fun. Yes, yes.
(19:32):
So Oh well, thank you so much ifyou well, thank you Ramon and
Dwayne, thank you so much for providing us with an update on
what's going on in Jamaica. And we, we will probably check
in with you guys later on as we hear of if, if there's any more
important, please let me know ifany, any reports, any new
(19:53):
reports that you guys are here here of please let me know
what's going on, OK. And we will share it with the
world. We'll correct some of the new
stories. What's going on.
This is Ronald, I'm Ronaldo McKenzie of the New River Run
podcast and we're speaking with Rahman and Dwayne.
And they're both on the island of Jamaica currently.
And they so far they are good and no major damage.
And they're just bracing themselves for the hurricane,
(20:17):
too. To Passover, but what we're
hearing is that Jamaica is prepared and they're ready for
the hurricane and they're ready for the worst of the and they're
ready for anything right now. Any last words Dwayne or Rahman?
As the hurricane, well, in termsof last word, as I said that we
(20:42):
are prepared. We are just awaiting the system
to pass, whether it's going to pass our own or over the island.
We are prepared. And you know the last thing
somebody, I was talking to somebody this morning and they
were saying that they had experienced Gilbert.
Yes. And they were saying that people
keep on stressing Gilbert and that this hurricane is going to
(21:02):
be more or worse than Gilbert. And he was saying to me, because
he is a building constructor constructor, he was saying that
back then people were not even prepared for the, the people
were not prepared. And that is why it is so Gilbert
has caused so much damage. But no, people build their
building for hurricane. People are more prepared for
(21:25):
hurricane and the systems have been updated in terms of to
locate hurricane and better advise people what to do.
So just I wait to stop the hurricane, Yes.
Thank you so much. And I'm of course, and I noticed
it's just shifting, shifting, shifting away from it is as if
it's it's had the main of his mind as to whether or not it
(21:45):
wants to go through Jamaica or make landfall.
But Ramon, any final words from you for?
Me, it's just that you know whatjust need to what we can to stay
safe. Yeah, plan for the best, prepare
for the worst. But I was doing said in modern
time the nation is more our better prepared to handle
(22:07):
hurricanes compared to Gilbert. Because based on the stories I
heard of Gilbert, it was really just a lack of preparedness,
lack of awareness because we have been hit by stronger
hurricanes than Gilbert. Yeah, just that we were more
prepared. Because there was Ivan, wasn't
there? Ivan after Gilbert.
I think Ivan was around 2000 and.
(22:28):
Four, yeah, but it was, I think it was category four or
something like. That was like Category 4
hurricane hit. And yes and yes, go ahead,
Dwayne. Yeah, man, because we have been
hit by more hurricanes after Gilbert and I mean we expect
(22:51):
damage in our in our working, weexpect destruction of property,
property we expect Canada, Yeah,but it is more prepared, it's
more better planning now than than in Gilbert time.
I was a little boy in doing Gilbert and yes, and I agree
with you. We weren't as prepared at all.
(23:12):
And by the way, you could if youcould, can you open your camera
just show us what's what Jamaicalook like or you can is it
dangerous to do that? Let.
Me see if. Yeah.
Are you doing, are you able to show an image or a picture of
what's going on outdoors? If if it's dangerous, don't.
You don't have to do that. It was dangerous, but it would
(23:32):
be great if we get a pic of it. I don't.
Here we go. Wait.
That's beautiful, though. OK.
OK. That's your background screen.
There we go. That's Dwayne.
Yeah. What does Jamaica look like
Dwayne? The background screamer.
So Dwayne is is in Jamaica, is trying to show and show us
(23:56):
what's going on in Jamaica rightnow.
You're seeing. Yeah, obviously I think because
you're on, you're blurred. So that's fine.
But while you do that, and if, if you want to send us you can,
it would be great for us to showcase Jamaica in terms of,
oh, Ramon, by the way, are the vehicles still running?
(24:16):
I know there's Uber in Jamaica. People can still access
transportation in Jamaica right now.
I don't believe. I think only the buses are
running. OK, so the buses I.
Did see a few footage of some taxis.
Oh, can you open up your eye? Are you able to show us footage
(24:39):
of anything in Jamaica? Actually on my computer and
also. OK, that's fine.
But later on, later on we'll connect with Dwayne and Ramon if
they if they can send us footageso that you guys can see it.
But for now, they have been quite helpful in terms of giving
us vital information about what's going on in Jamaica from
(25:00):
the Jamaican perspective. And if and just so you know,
continue to to follow up, keep in touch.
And if there are ways that people want to support Jamaica,
please let us know. Continue to support this show.
And Dwayne, thank you so much. Ramon, I don't know if you are
still trying to connect. Were you still trying to do
that? I have to see if I can.
(25:23):
Don't worry, that's fine. But you what?
That's fine for now. Later on if we're able to
connect with you, Cam, but you've been very helpful.
But we'll keep we'll keep Jamaica in our prayers.
We're not Jamaicans are not concerned about Jamaicans.
We're not, we're not seeing devastation guys.
However, we are concerned about this hurricane and what it will
(25:45):
still do in parts of Jamaica, low lying areas and and in some
places that is not structurally sound may feel impact.
But for the, for the most part, Jamaicans seem to be ready and
they're organised. All right.
But thank you guys so much. Take care and I'll keep it.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com