Gov’t Looking to Ramp Up Post-Hurricane Relief Efforts in St. Elizabeth
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The Government is looking to ramp up post-Hurricane Beryl relief efforts in St. Elizabeth, sections of which are still without electricity.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says there are plans to intensify and expand assistance to residents over the coming weeks, until the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) fully restores electricity to the affected areas.
He advised that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Social Development Commission (SDC), and St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation will coordinate these efforts.
“I want to give the people the assurance and say to them to bear with us and work with us, as we traverse the various challenges they are facing since the hurricane,” Mr. McKenzie said.
He indicated, however, that “under the most difficult and trying circumstances, they have been good, respectful and understanding, and we appreciate their efforts and [resilience].”
Minister McKenzie was speaking with JIS News on Saturday (August 10) during a visit to several communities in St. Elizabeth, one of the parishes hardest hit during the hurricane’s passage on July 3, to assess the damage and distribute essential supplies to residents. These communities included Flagaman, Parottee and Hill Top.
He said Saturday’s undertaking was also in response to the prolonged power outages being experienced in several communities.
“As such, we came into the parish to donate a couple hundred igloos, ice, water, care packages, blankets and solar lighting to the residents that have been affected,” Mr. McKenzie informed.
Councillor for the Mountain Side Division, Derrick Sangster, expressed gratitude for the Government’s intervention, noting that the provisions would significantly help to alleviate challenges being experienced by affected residents.
He said the loss of electricity and water has not only affected the daily lives of the citizens, but also disrupted their livelihoods.
Councillor Sangster pointed out that the Government’s relief effort is deemed crucial in helping the communities recover and rebuild.
Meanwhile, residents benefitting from the provisions also expressed their appreciation.
Janice Johnson of Flagaman said the ice and igloos will help to mitigate the intense heat being experienced, while Stacy Ann Myers of Parottee similarly welcomed the gesture.
