Mark Kappart / Contributor

Almost a year after Hurricane Melissa devastated large parts of the western end of Jamaica, rehabilitation efforts have been slow, and resources have not been widely disseminated to people in need.

Countries, international organisations, and the Diaspora came to Jamaica’s aid, pouring in money, equipment and essential items. 

Jamaica was able to secure a US$6.7 billion international recovery package with US$2.4 billion in private capital mobilisation funds. The Diaspora and other people weighed in with donations of J$1.44 billion

Yet very little of this money has been employed to help people whose lives have been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Schools were unable to be ready for the new academic year. 

Leader of the PNP, Mark Golding felt compelled to address this at the 85th PNP National Conference held yesterday in Westmoreland. 

Addressing the vast crowd that turned out, Golding said: “The Government’s response to the hurricane disaster has been an abject failure of the people. There has been no coherent recovery plan and the people have largely been abandoned. In what amounts to a shameful breach of trust, the Auditor-General’s report showed that monies donated through the Government’s portal by well-wishers at home and abroad to help those in need have not been given to them or spent to their benefit.

“Of the $1.44 billion donated, only $26.2 million was spent. That is 1.8 per cent, less than two cents out of every dollar given by people who wanted to help.

“The many thousands who lost their roofs and suffered other damage have faced delayed and inadequate assistance to repair their homes and those whose homes and businesses were destroyed have been left to fend for themselves.”

“There has been no programme to cushion rising food prices for hurricane victims. No extra help for them to send their children back to school.

“Well into the new school year, the vast majority of damaged schools remain in a damaged state while the Prime Minister romanticises children learning under trees and tents.”