Gov’t’s slow response to Hurricane Melissa

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I must express my disappointment with how the Government of Jamaica has been handling the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. From the earliest forecasts issued by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and repeated by our own news outlets, as well as several overseas media organisations, citizens were repeatedly warned about the potential severity of this storm.

We were told to expect storm surges in several areas, particularly Black River and Alligator Pond. Central and eastern parishes were forecast to receive as much as 30 inches of rain, with significant flooding expected islandwide and hurricane-force winds in southwestern and central parishes. The Principal Director of the Meteorological Service, Evan Thompson, also stated that storm surges as high as 14 feet were possible in Black River, with other coastal areas such as Portland Cottage, Salt River, and Old Harbour Bay also at risk.

Despite these clear warnings, the national response to the hurricane has been slow and poorly coordinated. Communities in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, and Trelawny have been severely impacted. Many residents remain without necessities such as food, water, shelter, and electricity. Relief operations have been limited, and citizens continue to request assistance.

DUTY TO PLAN, PREPARE

I keep hearing that “nobody expected this.” While some citizens may not have anticipated the storm’s full impact, the forecasts were clear and consistent. Even if the public did not expect it, those in leadership, who had access to official information, should have planned for these situations. According to a Jamaica Information Service release on 30 October, the Government had given the all-clear for utility companies to begin restoration. It is unacceptable that almost a week after the storm, people are still without water, food, and shelter and begging for help.

Specifically, I expect the National Works Agency and other relevant government agencies to act decisively to ensure that all blocked roads are cleared and made passable as quickly as possible. Relief efforts must go beyond citizen-led initiatives: more care packages must be distributed without delay. Temporary shelters should be established immediately, whether by using existing school facilities, pitching tents, or constructing temporary wooden structures. These shelters should be equipped with mattresses, sleeping bags, and other necessities to accommodate those displaced. Resources must be allocated urgently to ensure these measures are implemented without delay. Whatever is required, including funding, manpower, and materials, must be mobilised to address these needs promptly. Even if there were doubts or misinformation among the public, those in leadership knew better and had a duty to plan and prepare.

TT