Gov’t to Accelerate Hurricane Beryl Response

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says the government is to accelerate recovery efforts in communities worst affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

“In the hardest hit areas, we are seeing incremental movements towards recovery. In the coming days, we intend to accelerate, and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the ministries will be working together for synergy to ensure that the people of Jamaica, especially the people on the south coast of Jamaica who have been so terribly hit, that they are properly served,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister was addressing members of the media while conducting a post Hurricane Beryl disaster relief visit on Saturday (July 13), in Rocky Point Clarendon.

The country’s disaster preparedness response mechanism is being coordinated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), under the governance of the National Disaster Risk Management Council.

It includes the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the municipal authorities.

Mr. Holness informed that utility providers are working overtime to restore service to the areas worst affected.

“The frustration is still there, persons are frustrated about their water, they are frustrated about their electricity, and we are working double time to restore that. I know some areas in St. Elizabeth have got back electricity. I have [received] a few calls to say thank you, we have got back our electricity, but not enough,” he stated.

“I’m not here saying that the problem is solved, but I’m here saying that the problem is being worked on and we’re seeing results,” he added.

The Prime Minister however noted that while there has been marked improvement in the pace of restoration of electricity, water, telecoms services, and delivery of aid packages to affected communities, these efforts will be further accelerated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness said the JDF will continue to provide essential support services in ensuring public order, as well as in reconstruction efforts.

“The JDF is also here in Rocky Point, in Portland Cottage, in Mitchell Town, in Lionel Town, all the areas to give their assurance that there will be maintenance of law and order,” the Prime Minister said.

“We would not want the terrible disaster to be compounded by a break in law and order. That would just be tragic and so, the JDF is here also with the support of the JCF, to ensure that this area remains stable and in good public order,” he added.

The Prime Minister further added that the JDF will assist with reconstruction, “and we had a very detailed discussion as to how that will work, and we will make those details public very shortly”.