JAMAICA | In the Aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Councillors Abandoned says PNP

KINGSTON, Jamaica. July 22, 2024: The Peoples National Party is contending that  In the wake of Hurricane Beryl's devastating impact on our communities, it has become painfully clear that the Local Government Ministry has failed to provide adequate support to Councillors, hindering their ability to effectively serve their constituents. 

In a statement today, from His Worship Councillor Norman Scott, Mayor of Spanish Town, , he said “Despite the dire need for resources, including building materials and care packages, Councillors, who are among the first responders, have been left to navigate disaster response efforts without sufficient backing from the Ministry of Local Government.”

Mayor Scott said “this lack of support has resulted in a disjointed and ineffective response, exacerbating the suffering of our communities.

He pointed out that “while emphasis has been placed on giving support to Members of Parliament, who admittedly also have a responsibility to their constituents, it is the Councillors who residents find more easily accessible and to whom they readily look for support at this time.”

The statement pointed out that “the minister, having met with the Mayors, has yet to provide a detailed plan of action and the necessary resources to effectively address the urgent needs across the communities.

“Although Mayors and Municipalities were advised to use funds from the SGR, these resources are limited and cannot address the overwhelming needs identified,” he said.

“Councillors are on the ground, working tirelessly to assist the numerous residents severely impacted, yet they are not receiving the necessary support from the Minister's office. It is unacceptable that the Ministry has not provided the resources and logistical support needed to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

The absence of clear communication, funding, and logistical support from the Ministry of Local Government has severely hampered our ability to coordinate relief efforts and resource distribution and provide critical information and updates to constituents. This lack of support has led to insufficient resource allocation, an inefficient response to immediate needs, and increased frustration and despair among affected communities.

“We demand that the Minister takes immediate action to address this unacceptable situation. Councillors need clear communication and a detailed plan of action, access to necessary funding and resources, and logistical support for relief efforts, Mayor Scott declared.

“We urge Minister McKenzie to prioritise the needs of Councillors and, by extension, the communities they serve. It is the responsibility of the Ministry, led by Minister McKenzie, to ensure that those on the ground have the necessary tools to respond effectively in times of crisis,” he concluded.

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