PM: $75m allocation to churches meant for cleanup, not rebuilding

 

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government's offer of $75 million to churches that were affected by Hurricane Melissa is solely to assist with cleanup efforts, not reconstruction.

 

Dr. Holness says the funds have been set aside to help churches remove debris and clear damaged areas so they can begin rebuilding.

 

In a post on his Instagram page on Monday, the Prime Minister sought to clarify the issue which has been generating much discussion since government MP Everald Warmington raised objection to the allocation after it was reported that the funds were for rebuilding efforts.

 

Dr. Holness says there has been a grave misunderstanding. 

 

"What we have said is that we are doing a national cleanup exercise right across the island, but particulary in the five affected parishes that have been severely damaged. We have said that we reserved $75 million out of the total cleanup fund projected to be used for churches to undertake a cleanup for their property or premises. This facility is not for rebuilding," he sought to clarify. 

 

Churches may access this support after an assessment by their local office of the Social Development Commission.

 

Dr. Holness said, as in past disasters, the government is working with church groups to put arrangements in place for affordable financing to assist with reconstruction. 

 

"In disasters past, provisions were made for churches to borrow through the NHT [National Housing Trust]. So a fund was made available and churches were able to borrow at reasonable rates and at reasonable terms. And so that is being developed now as we speak, and the government has had discussion with various umbrella groups as to how this could be done," he noted.