SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Municipal operations in St Elizabeth remain severely disrupted more than two months after Hurricane Melissa devastated the parish capital of Black River. Councillors of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation convened their first monthly meeting of 2026 at Levon’s commercial plaza in Santa Cruz, forced from their regular meeting venue which now serves as emergency office space for displaced municipal staff.
The hurricane’s late October onslaught, characterized by towering tidal waves and powerful winds, rendered the corporation’s aging office buildings and the adjacent historic Black River Courthouse unusable. The only structurally sound building—a concrete and steel meeting hall constructed over a decade ago—now accommodates scores of employees from multiple departments including the mayor’s office, CEO’s office, engineering, accounts, planning, and disaster coordination.
A Jamaica Observer visit last Friday revealed severely cramped working conditions within the 25×40 foot meeting room. Staff reported extreme frustration, lack of privacy, and concentration difficulties exacerbated by the constant hum of a fuel-driven generator providing emergency power. Deputy Mayor Donald Simpson (JLP, Malvern Division) described the situation as “almost impossible to function properly” and “traumatizing” for personnel attempting to maintain services.
During Thursday’s meeting, councillors emphasized the urgent need for central government intervention. Councillor Karl Whyte (JLP, Pedro Plains Division) highlighted both physical and psychological damage, calling for immediate resource allocation including reconditioned laptops and hurricane relief funding. He stressed that millions in donated relief funds should be directed to areas of greatest need.
Mayor Richard Solomon (JLP, New Market Division) acknowledged ongoing representations to central government but cautioned against expecting “a magic wand” solution given the widespread destruction. The meeting also addressed concerns about inadequate consultation regarding Black River’s rebuilding process, with former Mayor Everton Fisher (PNP, Balaclava Division) criticizing Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie for not meeting with all councillors since the disaster.
The hurricane’s impact extended beyond municipal offices, severely damaging Black River Hospital, schools, markets, heritage sites, and commercial enterprises. Iconic Independence Park, the parish’s primary recreation and event venue, has been transformed into a temporary dump site for hurricane debris—a decision that sparked controversy during the meeting. While Councillor Dwight Salmon (PNP, Black River Division) criticized the use of the park for dumping, Mayor Solomon explained it was a necessary emergency measure given blocked roads and collapsed communication networks.
Despite cleanup efforts continuing as an immediate priority, Mayor Solomon committed to restoring Independence Park and dismissed rumors of plans to repurpose the facility for infrastructure development. The corporation continues to navigate both short-term recovery challenges and long-term rebuilding planning while operating under severely compromised conditions.