In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path last month, Jamaican Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern mandate for nationwide reconstruction efforts to strictly comply with the country’s National Building Code. Speaking during a Thursday address in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, McKenzie emphasized that rebuilding must prioritize structural integrity and disaster preparedness above all other considerations.
Minister McKenzie highlighted the critical need for enhanced enforcement mechanisms, announcing that strengthened compliance measures will be implemented by 2026. He expressed particular concern about informal construction practices, specifically referencing the dangerous trend of erecting makeshift dwellings in flood-prone areas using inadequate materials like zinc sheets and plywood.
The Minister delivered a blunt message regarding socioeconomic status and disaster vulnerability: “The time has come when we must forget about whether you poor or rich, because disaster don’t know nobody.” He observed that those claiming poverty often suffer most from natural disasters due to substandard building practices.
McKenzie issued a grave warning about Jamaica’s preparedness, contemplating the catastrophic potential had Hurricane Melissa struck the densely populated Corporate Area instead of the southwestern region. He recalled a citizen’s sobering observation that “country can’t manage town,” underscoring the disproportionate impact a direct hit on the capital would have on national infrastructure and government operations.
The government plans to initiate a comprehensive rollout of new building compliance measures in the coming year, signaling a transformative approach to urban planning and disaster resilience throughout Jamaica.