The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is urging construction companies and crane operators to lower and secure erected cranes immediately as Hurricane Melissa approaches.

“The police are issuing an urgent public safety appeal to all construction companies and crane operators of erected cranes to take immediate preventative action by lowering their cranes to a safe, secured position. This measure is critical to mitigate the significant risk posed by these cranes during the passage of Hurricane Melissa,” the statement said.

The police warned that collapsing cranes or falling debris could cause serious injuries or fatalities and damage surrounding buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces. 

Failure to follow proper safety procedures that result in injury or property damage could lead to both criminal and civil penalties, the police noted.

The JCF stressed that full cooperation from all construction operators is expected to protect communities during the hurricane.

Earlier on Sunday, Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie urged operators of construction sites across Kingston, St Andrew, and other areas to remove cranes and loose materials, warning that they would be held responsible for any damage or casualties. 

He pointed to several unsecured cranes in New Kingston as examples, noting that “not much has been done” since he first raised the issue on Saturday.

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported Sunday that Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph, is on track to make landfall Monday night or Tuesday morning, bringing 15–30 inches of rainfall and life-threatening storm surges to parts of the island.