Dayton Campbell Calls For Standing Farm And Fisheries Disaster Recovery Fund

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Dayton Campbell is urging the Government to set up a permanent Agricultural and Fisheries Disaster Recovery Fund, saying the country needs a quicker way to help farmers and fisherfolk recover after natural disasters.

Campbell made the call on Tuesday in the House of Representatives while making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate. He said Jamaica is facing more frequent natural hazards, with serious consequences for the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

“This fund should not be created after every hurricane, flood, drought, or major weather event. It should not depend on hurried Cabinet submissions after farmers and fishermen/women have already lost everything. It should not depend on whether the Ministry of Finance is moved by the latest disaster,” said Campbell.

The Westmoreland Eastern Member of Parliament said the proposed fund should be built into the national budget each year and kept ready for immediate use once a disaster strikes agriculture or fisheries.

“The country already knows that Jamaica is exposed to hurricanes, droughts, floods, landslides, storm surge, disease outbreaks, and other climate-related events. We cannot continue to respond to predictable risks with improvised systems,” he said.

Campbell argued that food security makes farming and fishing too vital for the Government to wait until losses occur before deciding how to respond.

“The Government ought to take a proactive and not a reactive approach,” he told the Parliament.