Unaffected Municipal Corporations to Assist Those Severely Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Municipal Corporations that were not affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa have been mobilised to assist those whose operations have been severely disrupted.

This was stated by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during the November 3 special media briefing at Jamaica House.

“As you know, seven of the municipalities have been severely affected by the passage of the hurricane and none of [them] have anywhere to conduct administrative activities. I am pleased to announce that the municipalities that have not been affected have now moved into those parishes,” said the Minister.

He indicated that a team from the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation has already moved into St. Elizabeth.

“We are moving teams from Portmore, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, and other communities to cover areas in western Jamaica that have been severely affected by the passage of the hurricane,” the Minister added.

He further indicated that arrangements are being made to relocate the affected Municipal Corporations, noting that a location has been found in St. Elizabeth.

“I will be engaging the Mayors and other stakeholders to discuss relocation for the remaining Municipal Corporations. One of the challenges we face also is that a number of staff in these municipalities have their own personal issues, so they cannot participate in the recovery exercise,” the Minister noted.

He also pointed out that the damage sustained by the municipalities has severely compromised the effectiveness of their functions.

“The revenues of the Municipal Corporations have been severely affected by the passage of the hurricane and as I speak, at least 30 per cent of our markets have been damaged, some destroyed,” the Minister said.