Much of Jamaica without power or phone service as Hurricane Melissa hits Cuba

[nitpicked]

1. More from the news conference

(snip)
No confirmed reports of deaths so far - minister
11:14
Desmond McKenzie, a local government minister, says there have been no official reports of fatalities so far.

He says the government "cannot presume" there have been deaths and there will be no official statement until the situation becomes clearer.

The press conference has ended, but stick with us as we bring you some more key lines.



Western Jamaica has seen 'significant damage'
11:13
Dr Dana Morris Dixon now turns to the impact of the hurricane on schools.

She says they are still getting assessments through from schools on how they have been affected, adding they know there is “significant damage” in western Jamaica.

She says their goal is to open certain government ministries as soon as they can so they can deliver essential services.

It is important to get places like Kingston, where there was “minimal damage”, back up and running, she adds.
(snip)