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In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has announced the creation of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to oversee the extensive recovery and rebuilding efforts. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness revealed the initiative during a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the reconstruction required.

Hurricane Melissa, described as the deadliest natural disaster to hit Jamaica in over 70 years, has caused an estimated US$8.8 billion in physical damage, according to a World Bank assessment. The Government is expected to shoulder at least half of this cost, with the remainder covered by private entities. NaRRA, a statutory body with special powers, will be granted immediate access to US$1.15 billion to initiate its operations.

Prime Minister Holness explained that existing government structures are ill-equipped to handle reconstruction at the necessary speed and scale. NaRRA will centralize efforts, avoiding the inefficiencies of fragmented ministry-by-ministry approaches. The authority will focus on building safer, climate-resilient infrastructure, improving land-use planning, and relocating communities from high-risk zones.

Funding for NaRRA will come from the national budget, with initial resources drawn from the National Natural Disaster Recovery Fund (NNDRF), which includes proceeds from Jamaica’s catastrophe bonds and other disaster risk instruments. The Government may also borrow additional funds to meet the extensive financial demands of the reconstruction.

NaRRA will operate under special legislation, with a sunset clause of five years, renewable by Parliament. It will be led by a multi-stakeholder board, chaired by the Prime Minister, and include experts in engineering, finance, planning, and project management. The authority will also establish an inter-agency coordinating committee to expedite decision-making.

Holness assured that transparency and accountability will remain priorities, with mechanisms embedded in the legislation to ensure public trust. He also highlighted that NaRRA’s approach could serve as a blueprint for broader public sector transformation, aligning with the Government’s vision of a modern, efficient State capable of delivering large-scale development projects.

Nestled on Mannings Hill Road, Totally Delicious Bakery has long been celebrated for its freshly baked hard-dough bread and comforting cakes. Recently, the bakery has introduced a new star to its menu: the garlic hard-dough bread. This innovative creation has quickly become a customer favorite, thanks to its rich, buttery flavor and aromatic herbs.

The journey of this gourmet bread began three years ago when a customer inquiry about different bread varieties sparked an idea in baker Simone Martin. Martin, who had previously experimented with garlic bread, decided to test the waters by producing small quantities. The initial response was positive, but the real breakthrough came when content creator Tallonn Zeparti reviewed the bread on his vlog. This exposure catapulted the garlic hard-dough bread into the limelight, making it a must-try item.

Available on Tuesdays and Fridays, the bakery now bakes nearly 60 loaves daily, offering them in two sizes: a large loaf for $900 and a smaller one for $500. Verne Williams, co-principal of Totally Delicious, describes the bread as a gourmet departure from traditional staples, offering a sophisticated twist that has become a favorite among caterers.

Supervisor Winsome Haynes highlights the bread’s versatility as its key appeal. ‘It’s a personal favorite because there are so many uses for it,’ she notes. ‘It works as a meal by itself or pairs beautifully with dishes like pasta or lasagna. The added health benefits of garlic make it even more appealing.’

The bakery’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation and customer feedback. From a simple idea to a gourmet sensation, Totally Delicious Bakery continues to delight its patrons with its unique and flavorful offerings.

FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Hugh Gentles, the Custos Rotulorum of Trelawny, has called for a strategic shift in relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Gentles emphasized that the immediate priority for the parish is the provision of building materials to aid residents in repairing and reconstructing their homes, which were severely damaged when the hurricane struck southwestern Jamaica on October 28. While the community has expressed gratitude for the initial humanitarian aid, including food, clothing, and care packages, Gentles stressed that the recovery process has now entered a critical phase focused on long-term reconstruction.

The Jamaican Government is locked in a persistent struggle with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to obtain accurate and detailed information regarding the restoration of electricity following Hurricane Melissa. During a meeting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee at Gordon House on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary Carol Palmer of the Ministry of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy expressed frustration over JPS’s failure to provide parish-level and community-level updates. Palmer emphasized that broad percentage figures offered by JPS are insufficient and misleading, as they do not reflect the lived experiences of many Jamaicans still without power. MPs echoed these concerns, with St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell highlighting discrepancies in JPS’s claims of 79% restoration in her parish, noting that rural areas remain entirely without electricity. Palmer revealed that the Government has escalated the matter to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to ensure greater accountability. Additionally, the strained relationship between JPS and the Government, exacerbated by the impending renegotiation of JPS’s all-island licence, has further complicated recovery efforts. MPs also criticized the lack of structured communication from JPS, leaving them unable to address constituents’ urgent inquiries. Palmer assured the committee that the ministry is working to improve coordination and transparency, with the OUR tasked with verifying JPS’s cost estimates and supporting the Government’s push for clearer information.