JAMAICA | Compassion Is Not Enough: The People of Catherine Hall and Westgreen Demand Justice

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, November 20, 2025 - The recent visit of the Leader of the Opposition to the flood-devastated communities of Catherine Hall and Westgreen was meaningful and welcomed. In a space too often labelled a JLP garrison, his willingness to enter, sit with affected families, listen to their pain, and offer empathy, comfort, and material support demonstrated courage and humanity.

 But while the gesture was appreciated, the community expected more. What the people needed was not charity alone, but a strong, fearless, and unapologetic call for justice and accountability. In a moment of national trauma—where lives, homes, and livelihoods have been destroyed—symbolic support is not enough.

The removal of more than 700 truckloads of debris has been widely promoted as evidence of progress. But the people of Catherine Hall and Westgreen know the truth:

“They were 700 truckloads of dreams, memories, life-work, investment, and sacrifice.”

To celebrate cleanup without confronting accountability dishonors the people who have lost everything.

Where Are Our Elected Representatives?

The Member of Parliament, Mrs. Marlene Malahoo Forte, should be at the forefront of defending the constitutional and justiciable rights of the people of Westgreen and Catherine Hall. Likewise, Councillor Dwight Crawford must stand firmly with his constituents in demanding truth, accountability, and restitution.

The deafening silence of our elected officials is deeply concerning, particularly when their public posture implies that relief supplies and care packages are the primary issue. They are not. The real concern is the urgent need for a stringent, transparent investigation and, where negligence or infrastructural failure is proven, full compensation for the victims. Anything less is a betrayal of public trust.

Justice Must Be Non-Negotiable, Relief packages are temporary, Justice is permanent.

The victims deserve more than tarpaulins and care packages. They deserve:

•   Compensation for destroyed property
•   Restitution for lost income and livelihood
•   Recognition of the emotional and psychological trauma suffered
•   Accountability from those responsible

If negligence contributed to this disaster, then silence becomes complicity.

Compassion without action is insufficient. Presence without advocacy is incomplete.

Charity without accountability is an insult.

We Will Not Be Silent; This is not a political moment — it is a moral one.

The people of Catherine Hall and Westgreen deserve better; They demand better.

And they will not be silent.

Jamaica must now choose whether it is a nation of broken promises or a nation of courage and justice.

The people have already shown extraordinary resilience — now the country must stand with them

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