Golding demands transparency in western Jamaica hurricane recovery

Opposition Leader Mark Golding is demanding greater transparency and accountability in the reconstruction of western Jamaica, as communities continue to grapple with the fallout from Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing a sea of party supporters at his People’s National Party’s 88th annual conference at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, Sunday night, Golding called for a public reconstruction dashboard to track damaged infrastructure, allocated funds, contractors and completion deadlines.

“Jamaica needs a public reconstruction dashboard showing every damaged school, health facility, road, and public building, the money allocated, the contractor who is responsible, and the deadline for completion. The people must be able to see where the money is going and where the work is being done for the money,” he said.

Golding also called for urgent financial support for farmers, fisherfolk and small businesses, as well as faster settlement of legitimate insurance claims.

“We need a properly funded recovery facility for farmers, for fisherfolk, and for small businesses. Assistance must reach the people quickly and on reasonable terms, so they can replace equipment, restore production, rehire workers, restock businesses, and start earning again,” he said.

On insurance, he added: “People who pay their premiums should not be waiting indefinitely to receive their insurance money. Where delay becomes unreasonable, the regulators, the Government, and, if necessary, Parliament must act.”

The PNP leader said the reconstruction effort must also address longstanding vulnerabilities and give affected communities a greater say in how recovery is managed.

He called for stronger roofs and public buildings, improved drainage, electricity and water systems, and a special land-titling programme for disaster-affected communities.

“Reconstruction cannot be designed in Kingston and announced in the West,” Golding said.

“Community organisations, churches, farmers, business operators, local representatives must be involved in setting priorities and monitoring delivery. It must be shaped with the people who live right here in the West.”

He summed up his proposed approach as one to “rebuild with transparency. Reject political victimisation. Restore livelihoods. Revive the economy. Strengthen infrastructure. Secure land ownership, and leave no community behind.”

- Albert Ferguson

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