Additionally, the embassy will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of American Labor Day.

The public will be advised of the reopening of offices via the electronic media.

The Bureau encourages all Jamaicans to be safe, and to exercise care and consideration for all others during this time.

The eye of Hurricane Dean is passing just off the coast of Kingston but the city is taking a pounding from the strong winds and rains associated with the system.

Zinc roofs are flying and many signs and trees have been flattened as the powerful category four hurricane unleashes its fury.

Photo by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer: hurricane damage in Crossroads, St. Andrew. 

Exposed and left at its mercy are scores of homeless, many of whom hug the piazzas of establishments hoping to be spared from Dangerous Dean.

Many interest groups had said that a helping hand would have been extended to these vulnerable persons. But as the system neared early Sunday afternoon it became clear that these less fortunate would have been made to fight for survival on their own.

Just before nightfall this evening whilst Dean’s fury hit Kingston city, all the homeless across the Corporate Area could do was to sit and wait. Wait to live; wait to die.

Feedback:  daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com