Hanover political representatives complain about slow pace of gov't relief

 

Political representatives in Hanover are complaining that relief support from the government has been slow in coming to communities which are badly affected during the hurricane. 

 

There has been widespread damage to infrastructure with the several buildings, either completely or partially losing their roofs, particularly in western sections of the parish. Some roads are also still blocked by debris. 

 

Mayor of Lucea Sheridan Samuels says 90% of the housing stock in the parish was damaged. 

 

Radio Jamaica News spoke with the mayor in the community of Woodchurch on Monday, where representatives from the Portmore Municipal Corporation were distributing care packages.

 

In extending gratitude to the Portmore team, led by Mayor Leon Thomas, Mr. Samuels appealed for more assistance from the government to relieve the suffering of residents in the parish.

 

"We are working closely with the Member of Parliament and [it's] the same challenges. She [has] received little, but there are way more that we can get. I want to tell you that what I have seen on social media and in the media itself, all mentions are made of other parishes within the West that are destroyed, and Hanover is not called in these parishes. I was only told this morning that there is a list of the parishes with communities, and no community within Hanover is mentioned within that list itself. And that was sent out by the government, I understand," Mr. Samuels complained. 

 

He urged the government to work closely with councillors to reach people on the outskirts of townships and remote areas. 

 

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, Heather Miller said she received 250 care packages, 25 cases of water and tarpaulins from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Monday.

 

"But outside of that, we have not received any direct support. I understand that there should be further support through the Ministry of Labour, but in terms of support directly to the MP from governmental organisations, no, that has been limited. We have gotten support from donors," she explained.