KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent private sector organizations in Jamaica have jointly addressed Prime Minister Andrew Holness, voicing their concerns over the sluggish pace of recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. In a letter dated November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While commending the efforts of government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the groups stressed that the current response is insufficient to meet the growing needs of affected citizens. They highlighted the critical importance of time, stating that lives depend on swift and efficient intervention. The organizations called for a streamlined national response with transparent roles, centralized coordination, and robust accountability mechanisms. To address the crisis, they proposed several key recommendations: 1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention: Establishing centralized safe zones across the island to provide shelter, food, water, medical care, and sanitation for displaced individuals, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. 2. Coordinated National Relief Command: Creating a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, led by a designated individual with the authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international disaster-relief experts. 3. State of Public Emergency (SOE): Declaring an SOE in the most severely impacted areas to enable emergency powers for road clearance, search and rescue, and supply distribution. 4. Oversight and Transparency: Forming an Oversight and Recovery Committee within seven days, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society to ensure transparency and collective leadership. The PSOJ, JMEA, and JCC reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the government and national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.
Private sector groups urge swift, coordinated action from Gov’t in hurricane recovery effort
