Government's ability to provide Beryl relief a measure of Jamaica's independence - Holness

By Nakinskie Robinson 

  

Prime Minister Andrew says the government's ability to provide relief benefits to those severely affected by Hurricane Beryl is an indication of the level of independence the country has achieved.

 

He was speaking at the official launch of the Rebuilding Jamaica Initiative, where cash grants were handed over to those most affected.

 

Referencing the source of monetary relief and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the Prime Minister credited his administration's sound fiscal policies and planning for the progress made. 

 

"When we were hit by Ivan, we had to rely on $3.3 billion of grants - most of it would have come from the European Union, from our American and Canadian partners. Today, by virtue of the change in our fiscal management and fiscal arrangements, we have put in place buffers and insurance for which we can draw down for the immediate response $5 billion of your own funds in addition to insurance funds, so that we can respond to our own management of the disaster. This is what it means to be independent," he said, arguing that "Jamaica today is a different place than it was 20 years ago". 

 

The grants are valued at $400,000 for destroyed homes, $150,000 for severely damaged and $50,000 for those with minor damage.

 

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the National Identification System (NIDS) which he says would have helped to swiftly identify those in need.

 

Taxpayer Registration Numbers will be used to verify the grant recipients.

 

He said the government has been implementing checks and balance systems to ensure those in need are not further delayed in receiving assistance due to corruption.

 

The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Labour & Social Security, and Global Empowerment Mission.

 

The Prime Minister said he has instructed the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to ensure the assistance to victims of Hurricane Beryl is completed as soon as possible. He has suggested this be completed by back-to-school in September, although he admitted it "might be a very hard task".