JAMAICA: Sitrep #4

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINGSTON 001273

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

STATE FOR CMS, SES/O, DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/SPC FOR JIM SPOO, WHA/CAR
(KHARNE/RBUDDEN),USSOUTHCOM FOR BILL VANCIO
TASKFORCE DEAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC EAID JM
SUBJECT: JAMAICA: Sitrep #4

Summary
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1.( U) As of August 20, 2007, Hurricane Dean has passed Jamaica and
is moving on towards the Yucatan Peninsula. Initial reports are in
from personnel stationed in different parts of Kingston, and while
damage has been seen in some areas, no reports of catastrophic
events have been received. Power and water remain off for most of
the island at this time. According to Jamaica Public Service (JPS)
sources the main power grid, which includes the New Embassy Compound
(NEC),may be restored as early as Monday afternoon, August 20. End
Summary.

The NEC and Immediate Surroundings
--------------

2.(SBU) The New Embassy Compound (NEC) is holding out well, with
minor damage to some fourth floor window frames and a small amount
of water leaking through to the floor. With a few minor
interruptions, phone service for both landlines and cellular service
is working, and internet access is also without interruption. RSO
reports all cameras and lights appear to be working, no damage to
NEC security measures. As of 1100 hours on August 20, only minor
water leakage, and damage to trees and landscaping on the grounds of
the NEC has been reported. The RSO is working with other Agencies,
as well as the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) to send out damage
assessment teams to all Embassy residential housing areas, as well
as the streets of Kingston. As of 1200 hours local time on August
20, the RSO reports that most major roads connecting the NEC to
Embassy Residential Housing, including Powell Plaza, are open and
free of large debris. JCF contacts have received no reports of
looting or violence in the neighborhoods surrounding Embassy
Residential Housing, and the curfew was lifted at 0600 hours on
August 20.

3.(U) The Jamaican Public Service Company (JPS) reports that they
have assessment teams out to determine how many power lines and
poles are down or damaged. JPS had already begun a program of
replacing more vulnerable wooden power poles with concrete polls, so
damage is expected to be less than in previous hurricanes. Also,
due to the modernization program, JPS has a large stock of concrete
power poles and other spare parts, which should assist in speeding
up repairs. A JPS source reports that they hope to restore power to
the main grid late August 20, or by early morning August 21 at the
latest. The main grid encompasses the NEC, as well as several major
hospitals and emergency services in Kingston.

Reports from around Kingston
--------------

3.(U) Jamaican Radio reports that the Governor General (GG) of
Jamaica has declared a state of emergency for 30 days and that the
Commissioner of Elections is still considering whether to postpone
the early voting for police officers and military personnel, which
is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21. No reports have been received
on the National Elections, which are scheduled for August 27.
Jamaican Radio also reports that the road to Kingston's Manley
International Airport is virtually impassable, boulders and sand
cover the road, and only well-equipped four-wheel drive vehicles are
able to pass. British Airways (BA) is announcing the August 20 BA
flight from Manley Airport to London is now scheduled to depart at
1530 hours local time on Tuesday, August 21.

Reports from Outside Kingston
--------------

4.(U) American Citizen Services (ACS) reports very few inquiries
received, and initial surveys showing that hotels were fairing well,
no reports of injuries or problems with American Citizens. ACS
officers stationed in Montego Bay report the storm effects on the
North Coast were relatively light, with little damage or problems
seen at the major hotels. ACS is receiving a low number of
telephone calls from the US with requests for welfare and
whereabouts of American Citizens. Since telephone and internet
services are functioning well, most American Tourists are able to
contact family and friends directly, without assistance from ACS.
Initial reports from the Consular Officer in the Cayman Islands are
that most Americans and locals were able to find seats on chartered
flights and depart the island prior to the storm. However, the
storm was passing far-enough away from the Caymans, so the effects
were not severe, and no reports of damage have been received.
British and Canadian High Commission sources report that Sangster
International Airport in Montego Bay will likely be re-opened in the
afternoon of Monday, August 20. Jamaican Radio reports that
Sangster International Airport will open at 12:00 pm, August 20.
The airlines are meeting to make plans. Continental Airlines has
cancelled all flights from Montego Bay for Monday, August 20, Air

KINGSTON 00001273 002 OF 002


Jamaica may have a flight departing in the late afternoon on August
20, but this has not been confirmed.

5.(U) The eastern side of the island appears hardest hit with
reports of severe damage to roads and property as well as land
slides. Several rural communities are reportedly cut off in St.
Thomas and Clarendon (including Portland Cottage, an area severely
damaged three years ago by Hurricane Ivan). In Kingston, there were
no reports of serious flooding, largely thanks to a recent,
expensive drain-and-gully cleaning exercise ordered by the Mayor.
East Kingston and other seaside communities suffered major storm
surge and flooding from the sea. Efforts are being made to clear
the airport road which was blocked by up to two feet of sand.

6.(U) The Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting of the
Cabinet for 1:00 pm Monday, to be followed by a press briefing.
Meanwhile, all major towns remain under a curfew due to end at 6:00
pm on Monday. A senior political officer quoted on radio said that
only three incidents of looting have so far been reported in
Kingston. However, callers in radio talk shows report hearing
gunfire in several volatile areas of Kingston, including Mountain
View, Craig Town, and Greenwich Town. These events may be related
to gang-related activities in those areas.

JOHNSON