A contentious discussion regarding shoreline reconstruction policies unfolded during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation. The debate was triggered by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the historic town of Black River, where the Category 5 storm inflicted severe damage to essential infrastructure including the local hospital, educational institutions, judicial facilities, commercial establishments, and residential properties on October 28.
Councillor Donovan Pagon, the minority leader representing the Braes River Division, initiated the dialogue by seeking clarification on potential construction restrictions along Black River’s coastline. “Is there any truth to it that there is a hold on rebuilding on the shorelines of Black River?” Pagon inquired during the session, which was notably convened in Santa Cruz’s Levon’s Plaza due to inadequate facilities and power outages in Black River proper.
Mayor Richard Solomon responded that immediate answers were unavailable, stating officials would communicate developing information as it emerged. Chief Executive Officer Errol Lebert elaborated that reconstruction approvals would necessitate a “multi-agency approach,” emphasizing that no single institution holds unilateral decision-making power regarding building applications.
Mayor Solomon revealed the municipality’s interim strategy, explaining that conditional approvals could be granted for projects meeting specific criteria to accelerate economic recovery, while other agencies concurrently perform their regulatory evaluations. This approach aims to balance urgent revitalization needs with comprehensive safety assessments.
The discussion expanded to address the corporation’s operational challenges, with Lebert noting that over sixty staff members have been working under suboptimal conditions with adjusted schedules. Former Mayor Everton Fisher advocated for improved facilities, highlighting inadequate bathroom and water access issues that have compromised staff welfare and operational efficiency.
In post-meeting comments, Mayor Solomon firmly committed to Black River’s restoration, dismissing speculation about permanent relocation to Santa Cruz. “We are not leaving Black River. We are going to build back stronger in that space,” he asserted, while tempering expectations about immediate reconstruction timelines due to complex planning processes. Solomon additionally announced plans for a modest Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on December 22, symbolizing the community’s resilience amid ongoing recovery efforts.