Gov't insists Hurricane Melissa response moving at world-leading pace

 

By Kimone Witter 

 

 

Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. has rejected criticisms that the government is taking too long to provide temporary housing solutions for persons who remain in shelters because their homes were destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

 

Speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Mr. Charles declared that Jamaica is at a world-leading pace in terms of its response and recovery efforts to the deadly Category 5 storm which made landfall on October 28.

 

Mr. Charles said the first set of modular houses are still in transit. They are scheduled to arrive this month.

 

He added that about 90 per cent of persons dislocated have been moved from shelters and are staying with relatives or in housing solutions provided by the government or faith-based organisations. 

 

"It's not taking too long. If you put into context what we are doing in Jamaica, we are at a world-leading pace. So, we would not be correct at all to say we're taking too long. Our reality is that we were just hit by a Category 5 hurricane. Other countries have taken three years, four years, and we are doing it in three months. So I wouldn't agree that we are taking long," Mr. Charles insisted.  

 

"I agree that everybody who is out of a home now is in a frustrating situation," he acknowledged. "But this government has worked assiduously, fast, and effectively in ensuring that they are in a safe space. We're providing an interim solution and we're providing a permanent solution."