Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday expressed "profound gratitude" to disaster preparedness officials and all Jamaicans for their readiness and response as the country braced for a possible impact from Hurricane Matthew.

Jamaica was placed on high alert as the Category Four hurricane moved menacingly towards the island.

Holness said government ministries, agencies, the private sector, the Church and other volunteer groups worked tirelessly to prepare the country for impending disaster.

All shelters were activated as the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and disaster officials provided the nation with constant updates on the movement of Hurricane Matthew.

"I am pleased by the level of commitment, preparation and communication by all those involved. I want to thank everyone for answering the call to duty," he said.

The prime minister pointed out that even though Jamaica was minimally impacted by Hurricane Matthew, the neighbouring countries of Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas were yesterday under severe threat.

"We pray for our Caribbean neighbours and hope that they will make a speedy recovery. We stand ready to assist in whatever way we can, especially Haiti, which is currently experiencing the brunt of the storm."