Disaster Self-Reporting Form Now Available Online

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Disaster Self-Reporting Form, which enables householders to submit information on Hurricane Melissa’s damage, is now available online.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., shared that it was developed out of the lessons learnt from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

Addressing Wednesday’s (December 10) Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, he explained that when assessors visit communities, there will inevitably be households where they seek to complete assessments but are unable to do so because the residents are not present.

“Many persons are now staying with family and they may not be aware. They may not hear the call or the town crier in terms of being advised of when the assessments will be done. If we do not find you, if for whatever reason we come to your community, to your street and the assessment is not done, we ask that you utilise the self-reporting mechanism,” he encouraged.

Minister Charles explained that when completed, the Ministry receives a notification and that gives them the opportunity to schedule an assessment with the householder, so that they are not left behind.

The form can be accessed here at https://mlss.gov.jm/hurricane-melissa-reporting-form/.

“We have an email that is available for you if you require any further information in relation to assessments, as well as if you find yourself to be capable of joining the assessor’s corps,” he said.

Those interested may contact the Ministry at 876-922-8000-13 or clientcareatmlss.gov.jm.

“The more support we can get in the west is the better. It reduces the need and the expenses in terms of transportation,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Ministry recognises that there are still several persons who may feel like no one has come to them yet.

“We hear those cries. We monitor social media. We monitor the traditional media and so we are aware of some of the statements that have been made. I want it to be very, very clear that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, working across government with our partners, it is our intention to make sure that no one is left behind, particularly the senior citizens, the persons with disabilities – those vulnerable groups,” he said.

He urged community leaders, civil society groups, the private sector, and all stakeholders across Jamaica to contact them if they know anyone who has expressed a need for support, appears to require assistance, needs an assessment, has not yet been assessed, or feels they may have been overlooked.