Prime Minister Underscores Govt’s Robust Accountability Framework for Donations to Jamaica

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government has a system in place to ensure that Hurricane Beryl recovery donations, among other philanthropic provisions, are accounted for and utilised in keeping with their intended purpose.

He indicated this during the handover of emergency relief supplies, valued US$360,000, which were donated by the United States (US) to assist Jamaica’s Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts.

The supplies were received by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Haining Road in Kingston, where the presentation was made on Tuesday (July 30).

Prime Minister Holness noted that within the Administration’s structure “is a central management of these kinds of assistance”.

“We do have this very strong, robust and accountable institution that manages whatever philanthropy is given. So, it goes directly to ODPEM. ODPEM is the entity that manages these kinds of humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness reiterated the Government’s commitment to accountability, emphasising that that standard must be maintained and respected at all times.

“There is always a sense that whatever is given may not be properly used, and I want to reassure all who are giving, not just the United States, but all countries and all private donors, that the Government takes accountability very seriously,” he maintained.

Mr. Holness said ODPEM “knows that that is the policy direction [that] whatever is given must be accounted for to the donor, to the Government of Jamaica and to the beneficiary and recipient”.

“There is a standard of crisis or no crisis accountability which must be maintained and respected at all times, and that is the direction to ODPEM,” he added.

Consequently, Mr. Holness encourages persons who are assisting with the relief efforts, or are keen on doing so, to direct their contributions through ODPEM, “where there can be reporting and accountability”.

The supplies handed over on Tuesday form part of a US$2.5-million package of hurricane recovery assistance from the US Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

The provisions include 10,000 plastic tarpaulins; 5,000 shelter fixing kits; 24 water tanks for households in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth; 1,500 gallons of safe drinking water; mattresses; chainsaws; food vouchers; flashlights and lanterns with batteries; bedding, and cleaning and hygiene kits.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the Government and the people of the United States, noting the cooperation forged between USAID and ODPEM.

“That means there is a standard for accountability, a standard for use, and both benefit. So the United States tax payers can be assured that whatever is given to Jamaica, in response to the relief effort, will be well used and used in accordance with the various parameters set by the USAID,” he assured.

Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica’s relationship with the United States remains strong, noting that the US, among other things, played a critical role in the island’s post-Hurricane Gilbert recovery efforts.

“Our relationship… goes way beyond the US$3-billion of trade between us in 2023. It goes way beyond the almost three million tourists that visit our island. That bond is very strong and we continue to nourish it… to ensure that that relationship is there for future generations,” he added.

US Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Nickolas N. Perry, in his remarks, reiterated his country’s commitment to providing support for Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

He said the US stands in solidarity with Jamaica, not just in times of disaster but as enduring friends and partners in resilience and recovery.

Ambassador Perry said the supplies were handed over in response to a request from ODPEM, and will play an important role in meeting the immediate needs of persons impacted by the hurricane.

“Beryl’s passage has and continues to severely affect many lives and communities. It has been nearly a month since the hurricane battered Jamaica’s south coast, and it is necessary that we continue to be coordinated and robust in our response efforts,” he said.

Ambassador Perry said the relief contribution follows a recent visit by the US Navy Continuing Promise Mission, which delivered crucial medical and emergency supplies.

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, said the gesture represents, not only the transfer of vital resources but also the deep friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and the US.

The US Government, through USAID, has provided an additional US$200,000 for the Jamaica Red Cross, working with ODPEM, to support households in the most affected parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and St. Thomas, as well as hurricane-affected pockets in other parishes.