PM Hails Optimistic Spirit Of South Clarendon Residents
By: , July 7, 2024
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), speaks with residents of Rocky Point, Clarendon, during a tour of the area on Saturday (July 6), to get a firsthand look at the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Sections of Portland Cottage in Southeast Clarendon remain flooded after the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second right), greets a resident during a visit to the Rocky Point Community Centre in Clarendon on Saturday (July 6), where several displaced persons are being housed, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Motorists navigate downed power lines in Portland Cottage, Clarendon on Saturday (July 6).The Full Story
KINGSTON, July 7 (JIS):
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is lauding the optimistic spirit of residents in Southern Clarendon.
During a tour of three communities in the parish on Saturday (July 6), to observe hurricane damage, the Prime Minister said that the residents were understandably concerned, but showed an understanding of the situation, and there was a general mood of hope that their needs will be addressed.
“I had an opportunity to speak with those persons who have taken refuge in the shelter [at the Rocky Point Community Centre], and by and large, their mood is one of optimism and understanding. Generally, I would say that they appear to be satisfied with the resources that have been provided,” he noted.
“I am very heartened to see that although persons have been displaced and dislocated and yes, persons are angry, there is a general level of understanding and that is very important to the mood and the mental health of the people in the area. That can only be enhanced and further supported if people feel that they have a responsive government and people are paying attention to their needs,” he emphasised.
The Prime Minister also commended the team responsible for operations at the Rocky Point Community Centre “for their effectiveness in managing in difficult circumstances.”
At each stop of the tour, which also included areas in Portland Cottage and Mitchell Town, the most pressing issue was the loss of roofing and housing infrastructure.
“We are also noticing that there are areas of flooding, which is expected in areas like Rocky Point or Portland Cottage, which are either at or below sea level, so, any hurricane action in terms of storm surges or heavy rains will see flooding in these areas,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
He reiterated his commitment to mobilising support for residents in affected areas.
“We are going to work as hard as we can, mobilise as many resources as we can and we are saying to the people to maintain this positive outlook. We will get through this together as a family and I want to give you the assurance that we are working as hard and as quickly as possible to deliver the benefits to you,” the Prime Minister said.