Auditor general finds ODPM spent 1.8% of J$1.44b in hurricane donations

Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPM) received J$1.44 billion in donations after recent hurricanes but had spent only J$26.2 million, or 1.8%, according to an Auditor General’s Department report cited in a broadcast discussion.

Economist Kenan Faulner said the balance has been accounted for but disbursement has lagged. Seven months after the storms, he placed the country in the reconstruction phase of recovery—after initial relief and rehabilitation—when spending should focus on rebuilding, including earmarked shelter works. He noted the government has already directed large sums elsewhere: about J$67 billion, cited in the finance minister’s March budget, including roughly J$25 billion for Jamaica Public Service electricity restoration and J$10 billion for a roofs programme.

Faulner said donors expect emergency gifts to move quickly. Delays tied to standard public-finance rules—donations follow the same banking and Ministry of Finance reporting path as loans and grants under the Financial Administration and Audit Act—and to a chargeback window at a financial institution without a formal written agreement with ODPM. Auditors also found that on the Government Support Jamaica platform a private bank held 30% of donations for 45 days against possible refunds without a written ODPM contract.

The audit said ODPM did not provide full figures on amounts collected and spent after Hurricane Beryl, complicating whether balances reflect active projects or weak execution. About J$150 million in Beryl-related burial assistance reportedly remained unspent after nearly two years, handled through the same mechanism as Melissa funds.

Procurement and documentation gaps added concern. Of J$122.5 million in roofing supplies sent to Jamaica Defence Force sites, only J$88.6 million was formally received; J$34 million lacked signed delivery or goods-received notes from ODPM or JDF, leaving deliveries unverified.

Faulner urged faster deployment while keeping accountability, warning that idle funds and poor records erode donor trust when Jamaica may need help again. Hosts noted people remain in shelters months after the storms.