Gov’t to Introduce Coupons and Cards for Hurricane Melissa Relief Distribution

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced the Government’s plan to transition from mass package distribution of Hurricane Melissa relief supplies to a system of coupons and cards for affected individuals.

He explained that this approach will ensure fairness, efficiency, and the protection of citizens’ pride, adding that “giving persons coupons or cards [will enable them to] buy the stuff that they need.”

The Prime Minister was addressing the opening ceremony for the newly reconstructed Little London Police Station in Westmoreland on Friday (November 28).

Meanwhile, Dr. Holness called for dignity to be upheld among Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, stressing that relief efforts must preserve the self‑respect of those impacted.

He raised concerns about the social and political implications of food and aid distribution, noting: “I am also very concerned about the dignity of our people. I don’t like my country to be shown as people running to get food, fighting over a package and those kinds of things.”

Prime Minister Holness emphasised that relief must be delivered discreetly and respectfully, safeguarding the dignity of those affected.

“If you have to give, just give quietly. Help the people who are in distress [and] preserve their dignity,” he noted, adding that citizens should also uphold their personal dignity during recovery.

Dr. Holness further underscored the need for strategic use of resources to maximise resilience in disaster recovery.

“For shops to get back up on their feet, they need electricity. There are some communities that are not going to get electricity right away. So what will they get? We will loan them a generator so that when they get back electricity, we can take that back and give it to another shop. That is how you save money,” he outlined, emphasising thoughtful planning in disaster recovery.

Reiterating the role of government in fostering a respectful recovery, the Prime Minister underscored that the Administration remains forward‑thinking in its approach.

Dr. Holness also highlighted the importance of truth and positivity in recovery efforts.

“It is not just managing the disaster. It is managing the false information, and we have to go to war with that. Too much false information is distracting the people, when we need to have a positive mindset for recovery,” he stated.

Through these measures, the Prime Minister underscored that dignity, resilience, and pride remain central to Jamaica’s recovery and the rebuilding of stronger communities after Hurricane Melissa.