Further Assistance Coming For Flood-affected Parishes

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says representation will be made to Cabinet to address flood damage in the parishes of Portland, St. Ann, and St. Mary.

He was speaking to journalists during a stop in Porta Maria on Wednesday (February 9), as part of a tour of the three parishes.

The tour was to get a first-hand look at the situation and pave the way for further interventions to assist affected residents.

“We have seen enough to make the kind of representation to Cabinet, which will speak to the real needs of the affected parishes,” Minister McKenzie said.

Heavy rainfall, which occurred over three days late last month into early February, caused flooding of homes and businesses, left several roads impassable, and destroyed crops and livestock.

Minister McKenzie noted that relief assistance is being provided to residents while the assessments continue.

He noted that in St. Mary, the National Works Agency (NWA), National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), and the St. Mary Municipal Corporation have combined efforts for “a massive clean-up of the communities.”

He indicated that the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the St. Mary Municipal Corporation are collecting information on the small business operators in Port Maria, who have experienced disruptions to their livelihood.

He said that within another week, a comprehensive list of the affected persons will be prepared, and residents will be advised about the way forward.

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, who was on the tour, said that due to climate change “these sorts of weather events are going to become more common,” so increased focus will have to be placed on building resilience to reduce loss and damages.

Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Richard Creary, for his part, commended the various agencies that have responded to the needs of the parish.

He noted that the municipal corporation had commenced the cleaning of critical drains in the affected areas.

The touring party also included Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr; technical officers from the NWA; representatives of relief agencies; and political representatives.