McKenzie Calls on Churches to Lead Disaster Readiness Education Islandwide

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has urged congregations across Jamaica to take a more active part in helping residents understand how to prepare for disasters.

He made the appeal on June 25 at the handover ceremony for the Community Churches Clean-Up and Restoration Grant Programme, which assists churches damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The event was held at Darliston Holiness Church in Westmoreland.

Mr. McKenzie said faith bodies carry significant influence in neighbourhoods and can use that reach to raise awareness of natural hazards and the need for readiness. "I would want the pulpit in our churches to be used to speak to your congregation about their personal role in disaster preparedness… about hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and all the dangers that come naturally," he said.

The Minister observed that Jamaica's geographic position leaves the country open to a wide range of natural threats, and he stressed the need for greater public alertness. While the nation weighs the effects of Hurricane Melissa, he said Jamaicans should also take note of the increasing number of disasters occurring around the world.

Referring to the island's history, Mr. McKenzie recalled how one of its most destructive earthquakes reshaped national development. "Some of us only contemplate what a hurricane will do to Jamaica. But if we go back to what destroyed Port Royal and what created the city of Kingston, it was one of the worst earthquakes that could have ever struck this country," he said.

He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to standing with citizens and called for a shared national effort to prepare for and meet future challenges as one people.

The Community Churches Clean-Up and Restoration Grant Programme was launched by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and Minister McKenzie. It initially provided $75 million in grant funding for clean-up work and minor repairs at affected churches in western parishes. An extra $50 million was later added to support more churches in St. Ann and Clarendon. The Social Development Commission (SDC) manages applications, carries out site verifications, and coordinates assessments under the programme.

Minister McKenzie also expressed condolences to the people of Venezuela after recent earthquakes that claimed lives and caused widespread devastation.