St Elizabeth Foundation Leaders Back UDC Over NaRRA for Melissa Rebuilding

Members of the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation have cast doubt on whether the National Reconstruction and Recovery Agency (NaRRA) should take the lead in Jamaica's recovery from Hurricane Melissa. They maintain that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is the better fit for the job.

Ambassador Byron Blake pointed to NaRRA's sluggish progress, saying the agency has no settled plan and could be a long way off from running at full capacity.

Dr Trevor Hamilton said setting up NaRRA was not needed, as the UDC already has the technical know-how and track record to handle major reconstruction work.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness countered those concerns, stating that NaRRA is a short-term body set up to fast-track rebuilding while working in tandem with established agencies.