Readers’ reactions

Editorial | Melissa exposes the Jamaican state

Fully agree Beryl did it and they never improved; they were not serious about future storms. – @Bonnick007

There is NO way that Jamaica can recover solo after such a horrific hurricane. Not even the great USA can recover solo, from the lesser storms which have landed there. I agree that the recovery plans here could have been more organised, but we linked our partners quickly. – @monzieann

Although the article is informative on exposing gaps or weaknesses in our disaster preparedness and response we also have to pivot to addressing the issues as opportunities to do it right. – @ainslerp1

Yeah we too slow in terms of movement. Some countries start moving right away we taking almost two weeks to clear major roads especially in the town areas that can easily be cleared. – @olivermcintyre1

Chain saws, front end loaders and loaded trucks with supplies were not prepositioned. What are the heavy equipment owned or leased by ODPEM? – @AndreDun001876

You are a small island, where do you think you are able to do crisis control after a Cat 5 hurricane? You need outside help. Even bigger countries than yours cannot cope alone. – @RaquelRktgirl1

This hurricane has shown how terribly run the country is at the micro level. We can’t even do the basics well. So may informal settlements, dysfunctional agencies and municipalities, slack enforcement of building codes, being comfortable living in destitute states. – @Demarinuh

Being an island nation Jamaica will always face unique challenges. Had this storm hit the NE USA our homes and infrastructure would’ve been destroyed as well, but we have the advantage of neighbouring states that can come in by land to help. Emergency prep on an island nation will always be extremely difficult. I applaud the efforts! – Lindsay Deckard

It is not a criticism but a statement of fact. While disasters of this magnitude are not predictable we know they will happen at some point. After all, hurricanes tear through the Caribbean all the time. The key is preparation and having the plans, organisations and equipment in place. – Dominic Hudson

I agree with The Gleaner, in this time and age we have Jamaica playing First World country. I figured there is an engineering division at Up Park Camp, hence day one should have been to assess the damages and impassable routes, clear blocked roads and discard debris. This would mean easier access to persons who are in need. – Ryan Simmonds

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel