Warmington questions gov't allocation to help churches rebuild post hurricane

 

Controversial Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Western, Everald Warmington, is questioning the government's decision to allocate $75 million to churches and faith-based institutions in rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa. 

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness made the announcement last Tuesday, explaining that the funds will support churches across the five parishes most affected by the Category 5 storm. 

 

The money is to be distributed through the Social Development Commission (SDC), which will carry out damage assessments. 

 

The announcement follows the establishment of a religious and faith-based task force in November. 

 

In his announcement, Prime Minister Holness said the government recognises the important role churches and faith-based institutions play in recovery and reconstruction efforts. 

 

But speaking with Radio Jamaica News, South West St. Catherine MP Everald Warmington said he is struggling to explain to his close to 11,000 constituents who have been seeking answers he cannot provide. 

 

"I would like to know how we arrived at this. What is the rationale behind the government giving these religious organisations $75 million? What will it be used for? And how did we arrive at that figure?" he questioned.   

 

Mr. Warmington said he learned of the allocation through social media. He contended that churches are not broke and it's now time for places of worship to give back from their own coffers. 

 

"The churches have billions of dollars in their account. So I believe, at this time, the church ought to step up to the plate and assist the membership that were affected, those members who were affected. This is a time when they should be assisting their members from this vast amount of cash they have, because the members have been giving, so it's time for them to give back. I haven't heard of a single building that has been repaired by the church so far - a dwelling, that is. I've stepped up to the plate and assist a family in St. Elizabeth to totally repair the house that was damaged and to provide them furnitures (sic) in the house. I haven't heard the church done that yet," the MP complained.

 

Noting that the amount allocated would not be enough to rebuild damaged churches, Mr. Warmington stressed that it is not the government's responsibility.

 

"There's a separation of church and state so I don't see why the government will be stepping up to rebuilding these churches. I'm not against the church. I'm a part of the church. Taxpayers' funds should not be going to religious institutions or organisations in this fashion. The religious organisation in this country is a very wealthy institution. I'm not talking about the properties now and all those things they own. I'm talking about cash now," he argued.