Gov’t Looking to Expedite Assessments of Damage Sustained from Hurricane’s Passage

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is looking to quickly complete assessments of damage sustained across Jamaica from Hurricane Beryl’s passage in order to effect the requisite responses.

“We are now in the disaster response phase, and this is the first phase, which is the assessment. We want to wrap up the assessments quickly and then curate a response. Then we will have to find the most effective and efficient way of getting the benefits to the people,” Mr. Holness stated.

He was speaking during a tour of sections of southern parishes to view damage sustained during the hurricane’s passage on Wednesday (July 3).

The eye of Beryl, which coursed across the central Caribbean as a category four system, passed just south of Jamaica.

Mr. Holness said among the areas where emphasis will now be placed is restoring electricity in sections of parishes now without power due to downed utility poles.

These include Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth.

He noted that the coastal area of St. Elizabeth was among the worst hit, with the parish significantly impacted by powerful waves and storm surges.

This led to coastal erosion and flooding in low-lying regions.

Among the communities badly affected were Great Bay, Treasure Beach, and Black River.

“We saw several roofs lifted, particularly from the Great Bay to Treasure Beach area. Inland, there were fallen trees, light poles and damage to shops,” the Prime Minister added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness, who underscored the importance of maintaining public utilities to prevent social unrest, advised that the deployment of work teams for the electricity restoration process will be expedited.