The Jamaican Government has escalated its post-disaster response initiatives following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is now conducting comprehensive house-to-house assessments across the island to ensure affected citizens can access critical government benefits in the coming weeks. Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. emphasized the importance of these evaluations during a recent tour of St Ann, where relief supplies, including care packages, were distributed to complement on-site damage assessments. Charles urged residents to cooperate with social workers and volunteers, encouraging them to provide accurate information about their circumstances and those of their neighbors. He highlighted that while every parish was impacted by the Category 5 hurricane, western Jamaica bore the brunt of the destruction. Social workers were deployed immediately after the storm’s passage on October 28, initially focusing on accessible areas before intensifying efforts in the hardest-hit western regions. Charles reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, senior citizens, PATH beneficiaries, and pensioners receive the support they need. Parish offices remain open for citizens seeking assistance or reporting losses. During the tour, which included stops in Norwood, Cave Valley, and Sturge Town, the ministry’s team engaged directly with residents, providing essential relief items like food packages, mattresses, and hygiene kits. Charles praised local Members of Parliament, Zavia Mayne and Krystal Lee, for their support in navigating the affected constituencies and showcasing the extent of the devastation.
Gov’t ramps up post-hurricane response with islandwide house-to-house assessments
