Implementing Hurricane-Resistant Building Standards in Jamaica

 Contributed

As a hurricane-prone region, Jamaica must prioritize the safety of its citizens and protect property by adopting and enforcing robust building standards.

The proposed standards herein aim to mitigate the impact of hurricanes and ensure the resilience of buildings across the country. 

The Jamaica Building Code (JBC) should set standards for:

• Buildings' architecture must be designed to withstand/deflect wind pressures and resist wind forces, with structural connections and materials that can endure winds of up to 200 mph.
• Buildings must be elevated to protect against floodwaters and storm surges.
• No more construction on former cane or swampland without demonstrable adequate drainage facilitation.
• Buildings must be constructed with materials and designs that ensure structural integrity, including wall thickness, material quality, and steel composition.
• Jamaica should be classified globally as a High Velocity Hurricane Zone, from Negril Point to Morant Point, due to its location in a hurricane-prone region. 
• This classification would require stricter building codes and regulations to ensure buildings can withstand high winds and storm surges.
• Buildings must be equipped with Hurricane impact-resistant windows,roof and doors that can withstand debris impact and wind-borne debris.
• Roof coverings must meet wind resistance and impact protection testing standards, with a minimum rating of Category 3-5 wind protection.
• Roof-to-wall connections must be designed to resist wind forces and prevent roof failure.
• Leak-Proof  Roof systems, including concrete slab, asphalt, and shingle roofs, must be designed to prevent water damage.

To ensure compliance with building codes, Jamaica should establish an efficient, independent, and appropriately staffed Building Commission department in every parish. 

• They will oversee construction and enforce building codes.
• Regular inspections of construction sites, both proposed and in progress, would be required to ensure compliance with building codes inclusive of structural integrity.

 Jamaica's current building code should be revised immediately to incorporate the latest hurricane-resistant engineering research and lessons from recent hurricanes, such as Gilbert and Melissa.

A revised building code would likely affect insurance stipulations and claims, with mandatory safety inspections and approvals for housing schemes and multi-family building and office development projects.

Public enlightenment, awareness, and education campaigns should be implemented to inform citizens about the importance of hurricane-resistant building standards and the need for compliance.

Hurricane-resistant building standards in Jamaica are crucial to protecting lives and property from the devastating impact of hurricanes. 

The proposed standards would provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the resilience of buildings across the island. 

Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world need to work together to adopt and enforce these standards, with a focus on public enlightenment, education, and responsible media coverage.

I hope the Department of the Built Environment at UTECH and other universities in cooperation with the sectors having real economic and political power in the society, will get on board.

The time to act is now; another hurricane could be just around the corner or mere months away.

Contributed by

Michael Spence

What’s Happening - December 12, 2025

Auditor General Findings

Pamela Munroe-Ellis.

Based on the recent auditor general's findings at Gordon House, some officers need to pack their bags and go. Unless the Auditor General's report is false.

How can one sign a contract after most of the work has been completed? Let's hope we hear the cacophony of voices calling for some officers to pack their bags and go.

I wonder how much the Auditor General gets for writing these reports. What changes have been implemented as a result of these reports? How many people have had to pack their packs and go home?

Auditor General Pamela Munroe-Ellis should be recognised as a national hero for writing these reports, which apparently go to file 13.

I am sure that if the PM or the Leader of the Opposition were involved in any of these irregularities, we would be calling for them to resign.

Integrity Commission 

Has the Integrity Commission ever been audited by the Auditor General? Fire Brand MP Everald Warmington has asked that question before, and I don't believe it has been answered.

The Maroons 

Chief Curry Favour

I have been told that the Maroons signed a treaty with the British to capture and return slaves who had run away. Slavery has been abolished; there are no slaves to return to the British. That treaty must have gone with the wind like other colonial matters. How are we going to get rid of the king as head of state for Jamaica, but still keep the British treaty between the Maroons and the British?

Are we seeking reparation from the Maroons and also an apology from them for selling their Black brothers and sisters back into slavery?

It seems like this reparation and apology is a 'curry favour' business.

Road Accidents Not Due To Speeding

Can someone tell Dr Lucien Jones that the mayhem that results in numerous deaths on our roads is not due to speeding? The cause is indiscipline. I get the impression that police officers are busy charging drivers for speeding and not for the high level of indiscipline on our roads. They would definitely collect more taxes that way.

Have you seen any improvements in how our drivers use the thoroughfare since the increase in fines and tickets being issued?

I just received a report that a woman was killed and others were injured in a motor vehicle crash that happened at Braco in Trelawny. I was not able to confirm when this happened. It is sad that we have to rely on social media reports these days.

Scene of the accident.

The Real Thieves and The Real Fools

For possibly over 15 years, I have been talking about bank changes and dormant accounts. I have appealed to the banks to allow customers to add persons as contacts to their bank account so that if the customer suffers from dementia and forgets about their account, the bank can make contact with the persons who are listed on the account as contacts.

No action has been taken on the suggestion, and therefore, millions of dollars in dormant funds go to the banks and to the government. If they are stealing money from accounts that are still active, I can just imagine how they are having a great time with the dormant accounts.

Funds in the bank for someone who cannot be located should go to their estate. Take my word, that will never happen in Jamaica because somebody wants a piece of the pie, and customers just sit down and teck wi dem get.

_______________________

Shakeup Needed At NWA

Maintaining our roads has been a major challenge in Jamaica. The NWA has been the target agency for not doing a good job. Some of us refer to NWA as the National Wutless Agency. Click the link below to listen to this citizen's complaint.

Audio

_____________________________

Thanks To Lacovia Police

Contributed

November 13, 2025, marked another dreadful moment in visiting communities and providing information to the public, and in this instance, highlighting individuals who are making spirited efforts to ease the pains brought on by Hurricane Melissa, with little thought on how treacherous an engagement working as a journalist is and the fact that one can never predict where peril awaits you.

Leaving home at 7:30 in the morning to visit hurricane-ravaged communities in St. Elizabeth, covering an initiative led by Custos of Clarendon, Hon. Edith Chin, and got trapped in a desolate section of the parish after my motor vehicle developed an electrical issue and came to a halt, and I was not able to make calls. It was a moment of fright and fear, but the good police at the Lacovia Police Station came to my rescue.

I had to 'bum a ride' to complete the assignment, which is not always a pleasant thing to do, and returning in the night to where my vehicle was 'abandoned' at the side of the road where no light existed and where no human was in sight, another fear of despondency followed.

Thanks to Corporal Roberson, who made several calls until she got someone to locate a piece of rope; many regards to Corporal Simpson, who towed the vehicle, and Mr Junior, who, along with Corporal Simpson, had pushed the car, to have it parked at the station, and to all the officers who showed up in a moment of distress. Thanks too to some young men who saw the police vehicle towing my car and shouted, 'big up squaddie', a suh wi fi live,” a few of them even ran on to dark main road when we were about to cross it and stopped the oncoming traffic.

Much of my plans for the day were ruined, but the action of the police brought calm and gave protection to my car. Two weeks ago, I was in the parish with some state officials who were distributing relief packages to hurricane victims.  Going through the Holland Bamboo area, a police officer signalled me to stop, and I complied. Then I saw two officers opening the back doors of the vehicle, immediately I thought that I was under arrest, until one officer shouted, "Give me a lift, going up di road." I said, "come."

On Saturday, November 15,  a technician went to the station at the request of Corporal Roberson, and the fee charged by the gentleman was paid by the corporal, without my asking, and when I tried to make arrangements to reimburse her, she said, "No worries," and that I should concentrate on getting the vehicle back to driving state. They were assigned to direct traffic in the area, and suddenly, the rain came, with them having nowhere to shelter, and their vehicle was about a mile away.

"Gratitude can transform common days by changing your perspective, turning routine activities into joyful experiences and ordinary opportunities into blessings." William Arthur Ward.

As one who hits the police hard, when they are on the wrong side of justice, I am duty-bound to say, the officers at the Lacovia Police Station, lending a helping hand, is part of their routine, and although their good deeds may not make headlines, their action on November 13, 2025, deserves attention.

These officers, I strongly believe, represent very well the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which states that “as a sworn officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community by safeguarding lives and property against threats that could take advantage of or harm members of my community or otherwise impact peace and order. I will uphold the Constitution and honor the rights of all to life, liberty, equality, and justice. I will never employ unnecessary force. I will respect the privacy of people and communities that I serve, and I will fully obey the laws that I am sworn to enforce.”

Contributed by

Garfield L. Angus

____________________________

Chief Currie, Accompong and Jamaica - A Serious Matter

Questions for Richard Currie and his Supporters:

1. On which date did Accompong gain its independence?
2. Which country granted independence to Accompong?
3. Where can I get a copy of the documents showing that independence was granted?
4. Many people are claiming to be Maroon citizens. How can one prove Maroon citizenship?
5. Does Accompong have security forces and ammunition to guard their country against attacks?
6. How many citizens are there in Accompong?
7. What proof does Chief Currie have that he is a Maroon?
8. If Mark Golding were Prime Minister of Jamaica, would Chief Currie accept assistance from the JDF?

Which One Is Richard Currie? Is This An Ever-Changing Personality!!!

What will the future pictures look like? Watch this one! There is more to all of this, and the nation should not ignore it.

_________________________

Click here to report Hurricane Melissa challenges.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

_______________________

A Man of The Soil Passes On

 

Lenworth Fulton

With the passing of Lenworth Fulton, Jamaica has lost a true agriculturalist, and dedicated advocate for our farmers, and a visionary for food security.

His work in the agri sector, from the Jamaica 4-Clubs, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), institutions that he headed, has left a lasting legacy of hope for sustainable growth.

He was an industry leader who was always putting forward innovation for community building, and he will be remembered as a true steward of the earth who planted ideas as much as he spearheaded the cultivation of crops. 

 The life of Fulton, although deeply intertwined with the soil, he also dedicated himself to nurturing talents in many spheres, and was more than a farmer or scientist, but a mentor, and a friend whose hands shaped not just fields, but futures.

About 15 years ago, I along with former Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-4-Clubs, Dr. Ronald Blake, and Fulton, traveled from Mandeville to a section of St. Elizabeth, where the 4-Clubs had a peanut farm. Throughout the journey, it was agriculture, and why the arable land must be reserved for farming. We did not get a chance to talk about anything else but agriculture. Fulton controlled the discussion, and even when we stopped at a location for a sip, I tried to divert the talks into music and other things, he found ways to steer us back to agriculture.

From that day, and on the occasions when we met at a certain place in Spanish Town, as well as through his writing in the newspapers, I regarded Lenny as one who planted, and the seeds that he sowed will continue to blossom for generations. Thank you Lenworth Fulton for your commitment, your inspiring leadership, and for leaving us a legacy that will forever nourish our island. Rest in eternal peace, my Bredrin.

Contributed by

Garfield L. Angus,
Senior Journalist.

“A farmer's farewell, with laughter and cheer, For you, dear friend, we'll raise a beer, A life of mud and muck and dirt, A funny tale, no time for hurt. You taught us how to laugh and smile,  Even when the work stretched mile by mile. Your humour kept us going strong, Through endless days and nights so long. So, here's to you, our funny friend, A farmer's farewell, but not the end, In fields of green, and skies so blue, We'll laugh, remembering the life of you.”

A

Andrew Holness Wins Paul Buchanan Twice!

 JLP Press Release - 2025/12/8

Pm Andrew Holness and Paul Buchanan

JLP says Court ruling in Buchanan v Constituted Authority is victory for rule of law & slams PNP for “weaponizing false allegations”.

Jamaica Labour Party Communication Taskforce Chairman, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, says the Supreme Court’s rejection of the PNP’s Paul Buchanan’s challenge to Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ victory in West Central St. Andrew is a victory for the rule of law and Jamaica’s electoral system.

Justice Sonya Wint-Blair ruled today that the application by Buchanan’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, was not arguable and was subjected to a “knock-out blow” in law.

In dismissing Buchanan’s application, the Supreme Court also found that the mandatory statutory time period for challenging the election results had expired and that the October 8 judicial review application was without merit.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the Jamaica Labour Party is not surprised by the Court’s decision to dismiss the case brought by the PNP representative because of the guidance which had been given to the Party by eminently King's Counsel and Electoral Commission of Jamaica Commissioner, Tom Tavares Finson.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the judgment of the Court today is a strike against the use of the court system to advance baseless allegations.

Senator Fitz-Henley is slamming Paul Buchanan and the Mark Golding-led PNP for what he says is their willingness to target Dr. Holness with untruthful allegations.

He says careful note should be taken of the willingness of the PNP to jeopardize Jamaica’s reputable democratic system with patently false allegations.

Video of Min. Abka Fitz-Henley

______________________

When Accompong Became Independent?

Chief/President Currie

For the first time, my blog has attracted a few readers who don't read with understanding. These readers are normally on TikTok for the latest sus and fake information. They just come on Bark Di Trute to support their star, Chief Richard Curris.

My article about Accompong and its president, Currie, seemed to have excited the political instincts of a few of Currie's followers. They accused me of being a labourite. At least they did not call me a dutty labourite or a criminal. 

Mr Currie seems to have some strong supporters out there, but for some reason, these supporters seem like the ray ray type. They have nothing to contribute besides making noise.

Had they read the article and reflected on what was said, then they would have had a deeper understanding of the issues involved and responded appropriately.

Their strong argument is that Accompong is a state and PM Holness has no control over the area. If things had gone the other way on September 3, I would be saying PM Golding has no control over the area.

First, I would love to know at what point Accompong was recognized as a state. When did Accompong become independent, and who granted it independence?  

Some of you Maroons are on a trajectory, and you are being led by people who don't even know where they are going. 

As of today, you should all unite and stop getting benefits from Jamaica. Get your own material and rebuild your own Melissa-damaged houses. Fix your roads, and supply yourself with electricity and water. Set up your own central bank using your lunar currency. Set up your own hospitals and clinics, and do not use the clinics provided by the state of Jamaica. Some Maroons are actually expressing similar sentiments to mine.

Let's continue to pray to Mr Currie; he will ensure that manna will fall from heaven, and he will share a few fish with the multitude. I hope that the CXC will put this question on the next history examination: When did Accompong become independent, and which country did it become independent from? 

Finally, I just learned that the Maroons are the indigenous people of Jamaica! Probably the historians can tell us more about their role in maintaining slavery in Jamaica. The treaty was an agreement with the British to provide service to them. There is no need for that service anymore, and the British made you redundant.

Settle oonu self and fit into Jamaica Land We Love. Definitely maintain your rich culture. We love you, and we love your spirit. It is just that you are misguided at this time.

Please Note

I welcome your opinions, which you can add as comments at the bottom of this blog. Your opinions do not have to concur with mine. However, if you are one of the tracers on social media who abuse other people and get personal, then you are definitely not welcome to Bark Di Trute.

_________________________

Click here to report Hurricane Melissa challenges.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

_______________________

Update On Miss Jamaica Universe, Dr Gabrielle Henry

Miss Jamaica Universe Press Release - December 8, 2025

The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization is pleased to share that Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, continues to make encouraging strides in her recovery and is expected to be released from hospital in the coming days.

Dr. Henry has expressed her optimism and gratitude during this period, noting that she is “Eagerly looking forward to my return home and to seeing everyone in the near future.”

The organization is relieved and heartened by her steady improvement and looks forward to welcoming her home soon.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Miss Universe Organization for their unwavering support throughout this time. In particular, we wish to thank Mr. Raul Rocha Cantù, Mr. Mario Bucaro, and Mrs. Maria Jose Unda for their exceptional care, assistance, and constant communication while Dr. Henry was hospitalized in Thailand.

Additional gratitude is extended to:

Ms. Vradda Rutnin, Honorary Jamaican Consul to Thailand

Aisha and Emily Hall, Former Miss Universe Jamaica Contestants Ricardo St. Cyr, International Photographer

We also express heartfelt thanks to the countless well-wishers—both in Jamaica and across the globe—who have sent prayers, messages of encouragement, and overwhelming support for Dr. Henry’s full recovery.

The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization eagerly anticipates welcoming Gabrielle and her family home and extends best wishes for her continued healing and restoration.

_________________________

_________________________

Click here to report Hurricane Melissa challenges.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

_______________________

Accompong The New CARICOM Member and Member of the UN???

President/Chief Currie

The president/chief of Accompong, a country on the island of Jamaica, has declared that no military personnel from Jamaica will be allowed into the state of Accompong. Prime Minister Holness was going to send JDF soldiers into the area to assist residents with the rebuilding of their homes. The president of Accompong would have none of it, and the offer was publicly rejected.

It is feared that if the JDF soldiers entered Maroon territory, they could come under attack. The president of Accompong has not stated what action he would take if external forces entered his country. Then again, he should remember what Sista P said, "Mi no fraida no body." A similar sentiment was expressed by PM Holness. President Currie, should take sleep mark death.

Jamaicans are asking if Accompong is recognized by the international community as a sovereign state. Is it a member of CARICOM and the United Nations?

A few years ago, there was an announcement of the Accompong state having its own central bank, and the citizens would use the lunar currency. What happened to that plan? What happened to the funds in the central bank?

Currently, Jamaica maintains the schools in the area, provides electricity, builds and maintains roads in the area, provides passports for citizens to leave the island, and provides medical care for the people. The people are also represented by an MP in the House of Parliament, and also councillors who are elected in a system presided over by the Jamaican Electoral Commission.

Some people are wondering if the Maroons will be issued passports to enter Jamaica and if they will require visas to enter Jamaica. They had plans for a National ID for the maroons. Remember that it is a landlocked country. Maroons should apply for work permits to work in Jamaica. I wonder what President Currie thinks of that idea.

Sometimes I wonder if we are living in the real world. Somebady tun some a di maroons dem eena idiot. Tek my humble advice, my maroon friends. Dis is 2025 so step into the modern world. Maintain oonu rich culture and identity an hold oonu corner. Oonu want to be a country eento a country? Do you have arms and manpower to repel the JDF if they enter Accompong? That would be the Israel vs Hamas war in Jamaica

Over the years, some crazy people have turned the world upside down.  You will recall Adolf Hitler. Who is turning Accompong upside down?

Power and fame, when they get into your head, will have an effect similar to when you take drugs. You will be convinced that you get stoves in barrels and Starlink equipment, and then you wake up to find out that it was just your imagination. 

What if we make Chief Currie the prime minister of Jamaica? Do you think he would want that job? Do you think he would send the JDF to help his people at Accompong? Tom drunk, but Tom no fool. Power can tun Tom eena fool though!

There seem to be diamonds in Accompong, and powerful people inside and outside of Jamaica want to get their hands on those diamonds. When they get their hands on those diamonds, there could be a coup, and President Currie could be no more. 

There is never a dull moment in Jamaica.

_________________________

Click here to report Hurricane Melissa challenges.

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

_______________________