KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that a portion of the approximately $1.4 billion collected in hurricane relief donations will be allocated to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to replenish emergency building supplies used during post-hurricane recovery efforts.
Speaking during a Labour Day visit to the Lewis Town Early Childhood Institution in Brompton, St. Elizabeth, Holness said the funds will help restock materials that were distributed to residents affected by Hurricane Beryl and other severe weather events.
According to the Prime Minister, both the JDF and ODPEM played a critical role in providing emergency assistance to affected communities and require additional resources to maintain their readiness for future disasters.
Holness also indicated that the Government now has the capacity to undertake repairs on hundreds more damaged roofs across the island. He noted that careful planning has guided the use of donated funds to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Prime Minister defended the pace at which the donations have been spent, rejecting suggestions that the funds should have been disbursed immediately after the disaster. He argued that the Government’s approach was intended to ensure that every dollar could be traced to meaningful recovery projects.
In addition to supporting emergency response agencies, Holness revealed that part of the donated funds will be directed toward the Government’s modular housing programme for hurricane victims. Plans are reportedly underway to establish a new housing development in Westmoreland to accommodate families displaced by the storm.
The Government has faced questions in recent months regarding the management and distribution of hurricane relief donations. However, Holness maintained that the funds are being utilized responsibly and in a manner that will provide long-term benefits to affected communities.
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