Golding makes raft of proposals to gov’t for handling post-Hurricane Melissa response

The Government should develop an evacuation plan for persons without shelter, outline a clear command structure for relief aid, and ensure it is being led by disaster professionals and not politicians, Opposition Leader Mark Golding has charged.

At the same time, Golding is asserting that Jamaica's leadership should demonstrate transparency and fairness in the dissemination of relief aid and consider allocating funds to Members of Parliament to fast-track clean-up efforts in their constituencies.

Further, he is urging the Government to extend the waiver on general consumption tax and import duties on items being shipped to Jamaica.

The measure runs from October 29 to November 28.

Golding, speaking at a press conference on Monday, said the cut-off is too short.

He called for transparency and fairness in the distribution of hurricane relief.

“The relief must get to those who need it, prioritising those who need it most, regardless of political colour or demographic group. They are all Jamaicans, and they should be treated equally at this time without discrimination and tribal politics,” said Golding.

“That should be led by professionals in disaster management, not by politicians who do not know the ins and outs of a disaster of this magnitude. And we should not be shy of seeking international support and help from persons who are experienced in this regard,” he continued, as he called for a long-term plan for the rebuilding of severely hit areas of Jamaica.

Speaking on the additional allocation of resources to MPs — about which Golding said he spoke to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness last week — he said this allows them to “mobilise communities and contractors to help with the cleaning up of communities that are currently in a state of devastation... Until that allocation is made, Members of Parliament are unable to respond to the needs of the people.”

Special provisions should be made to fast-track and simplify engagement with such contractors, he said, explaining that the emergency shelter will bring much-needed relief to individuals who are now homeless.

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