STANDING FIRM IN THE STORM: THE ST. JAMES POLICE DIVISION’S UNWAVERING RESPONSE TO HURRICANE MELISSA
When Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury upon Jamaica’s western coastline, the St. James Police Division braced for what would become one of the most formidable challenges in recent memory. In a candid interview on the radio programme “JCF Now”, Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels vividly recounted how the division harnessed meticulous preparation, decisive leadership, and extraordinary courage to safeguard lives as the catastrophic system battered the parish.
Long before the hurricane made its destructive landfall, the division had already activated its comprehensive emergency procedures in keeping with the overall Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Hurricane preparedness protocols. Patrol teams were strategically reinforced, high-risk flood zones placed under vigilant monitoring, and police officers diligently conducted welfare checks in vulnerable communities. Seamless coordination with parish disaster officials ensured that shelters, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure were monitored.
As Melissa intensified, St. James was plunged into widespread disruption – downed power lines, impassable roadways, and rapidly surging floodwaters. Catherine Hall swiftly emerged as one of the most perilous zones, with motorists becoming trapped as water levels unexpectedly rise.
Then, at the very height of the storm’s ferocity, all communication channels failed due to the catastrophic impact.
“Without communication, all we could do was pray while we tactically maneuver within the limitations brought on by the hurricane,” Samuels solemnly recalled. In those harrowing moments, police officers and even individuals housed in lockups faced imminent danger as floodwaters reached an estimated nine feet in some areas.
Yet, even under these dire conditions, the unwavering resolve of our police officers shone through.
One of the most indelible moments of Hurricane Melissa, as Senior Superintendent Samuels noted, was witnessing two officers bravely entering treacherous waters to rescue two motorists trapped within their vehicles. Only later did they discover that a crocodile had been swept into the same area – a chilling testament to the unseen dangers they had courageously confronted.
Throughout the entirety of the storm, police officers maintained unwavering order, even as scattered reports of looting began to emerge. They remained steadfastly on the streets for as long as conditions permitted, withdrawing only when the gale-force winds became too destructive to continue safely.
The hurricane left indelible scars, not only on the division’s infrastructure but deeply upon its members – more than 200 officers sustained damage to their homes, and over 30 tragically lost almost everything. Despite this profound personal toll, members stayed committed to serving the public with the highest levels of professionalism and pride, Samuels expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“We are thankful that so many lives were saved,” he affirmed. Melissa ultimately claimed five lives across the division, a stark reminder of its devastating power.
“The exceptional bravery and resilience demonstrated by the men and women of the St. James Police Division during Hurricane Melissa exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the entire Jamaica Constabulary Force to protecting our communities, even at immense personal cost. Their actions underscore the core values of service and sacrifice that define our organization.”
The storm also inflicted extensive damage upon police facilities. At Amity Hall, a temporary container station was violently dislodged into the roadway. Officers, seeking refuge in an older building nearby, found its roof partially torn away. The Barnett Street Police Station also sustained significant roof damage, while other facilities contended with severe water intrusion, shattered windows, and compromised communications systems.
Despite these formidable challenges, essential operations steadfastly continued.
In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the St. James Police Division seamlessly transitioned into robust recovery mode. Police officers tirelessly cleared fallen trees, reopened blocked roads, and conducted critical welfare checks throughout the parish. Our police force worked hand-in-hand with dedicated community groups and partner agencies to deliver vital relief supplies and extend crucial support to displaced families.
Reflecting on this profound experience, Senior Superintendent Samuels lauded the entire team for their extraordinary display of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. From the perilous rescues undertaken in Catherine Hall to the officers who continued to serve their communities even as their own homes were damaged or destroyed, their commitment was exemplary.
Hurricane Melissa brought widespread destruction across significant sections of St. James, but it also unequivocally illuminated the extraordinary resilience, profound courage, and unwavering devotion of the police officers who stood firm on the front lines – before, during, and after the storm. Their heroic actions not only saved countless lives, but also powerfully demonstrated the unshakeable spirit and resolve of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
