The government is getting a passing grade for the pace of post-Hurricane Melissa response, but not for how it’s engaging affected Jamaicans.
That’s the assessment of a panel of analysts examining the recovery effort.
Shaloy Smikle reports.
The matter of the government’s response following the passage of Hurricane Melissa nearly a year ago was one of several topics discussed on Nationwide’s The People’s Agenda on Wednesday.
Former president of the Jamaica Employers Federation, David Wan, believes the government is doing a reasonably good job in helping the affected Jamaicans.
But, he says the information gap is fuelling misinformation and hopelessness among those yet to receive help.
His comments were supported by Public Affairs Commentator, Dr Nadeen Spence.
She says the failure of respective Members of Parliament to mobilise community groups to better respond to those affected deserves a failing grade.
Meanwhile, former Chair of the Diaspora Council, Dr Karen Dunkley, has graded the government a five out of 10 for its post-Melissa response.
She believes a more coordinated effort is needed to respond to affected citizens in deep rural communities.
Meanwhile, Government Senator Marlon Morgan, says the post-Melissa response would’ve been swifter had there been an increased uptake of the National Identification System, NIDS.
Marlon Morgan, Government Senator.
