In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has announced the temporary suspension of fees for replacing Voter ID cards. This decision, effective immediately, aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens who lost or damaged their identification during the storm.
Glasspole Brown, the Director of Elections, emphasized the critical role of Voter ID cards in daily life and the necessity of facilitating their replacement during this challenging period. ‘We understand the profound impact of the hurricane on individuals and families across the island. The Voter ID card is a vital document for many, and we are committed to ensuring its replacement is accessible and free of charge,’ Brown stated.
The EOJ also reported operational adjustments in several severely affected parishes, including Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. Offices in these areas are currently operating with reduced hours, from 9:00 am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday. Meanwhile, offices in Black River, St Elizabeth, and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, remain temporarily closed due to infrastructural damage.
Citizens in need of services are encouraged to visit other EOJ constituency offices, with a comprehensive list available on the EOJ’s website or by contacting the head office directly. The EOJ has assured the public that normal operating hours will resume gradually as essential services are restored. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Jamaicans through this recovery phase, ensuring uninterrupted access to electoral services.