The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) incident command centres island-wide have now been activated as Hurricane Beryl nears the island’s shores today (July 3).

The centres were activated at 6:00 am local time.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, head of the JCF’s strategic operations portfolio, says the centres are fully integrated with the national emergency operation centre at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

“We are fully integrated into the parish disaster preparedness committee command centre ensuring a coordinated and efficient response at the local level. The JCF is fully deployed islandwide to secure critical installations and schedule premises, ensuring the safety and security of these vital locations. The entire force is available for deployment over the period. Our highway patrols are monitoring the thoroughfares across the island, and mobile patrols are active in domestic and business districts,” Clarke said.

Additionally, the assistant commissioner says the JCF’s quick response unit is prepared for rapid deployment.

“We are prioritising the security of key infrastructure, including PetroJam Limited, airports, business districts, hospitals, major road networks, the courts, prisons, and scheduled premises. The JCF, in collaboration with the JDF [Jamaica Defence Force], will monitor these locations throughout the storm,” Clarke noted.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced late Tuesday evening that the Cabinet has activated the Disaster Risk Management Act, which grants additional authority to coordinate and execute a range of emergency response activities.

An island-wide curfew is now in effect, which is effective from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm for an initial period of seven days. The JCF is urging the general public to comply with the recently announced regulations.