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The government is considering stepping up disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in the St. Elizabeth region, where parts of the region are still without power.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie said plans are intensified and expanded to provide assistance to residents in the coming weeks until the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) fully restores power to the affected areas.
He suggested that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation coordinate these efforts.
“I want to reassure people and tell them to be patient and work with us as we overcome the various challenges they face in the aftermath of the hurricane,” Mr McKenzie said.
However, he said, “in the most difficult and trying of circumstances, they have continued to show kindness, respect and understanding, and we thank them for their efforts and (tenacity).”
Minister McKenzie spoke to JIS News on Saturday (August 10) during a visit to several communities in St. Elizabeth, one of the parishes hardest hit by the hurricane on July 3, to assess the damage and distribute basic supplies to residents. The communities included Flagaman, Parottee and Hill Top.
He said Saturday’s move was also in response to prolonged power outages in several communities.
“So we came out to the parish and donated hundreds of igloos, ice, water, care packages, blankets and solar lighting to the affected residents,” Mr McKenzie said.
Hills Division Councillor Derrick Sangster thanked the government for its intervention, noting that the measures will go a long way in helping to ease the challenges faced by affected residents.
He said the power and water outages not only affected residents’ daily lives but also disrupted their livelihoods.
Councillor Sangster noted that the Government’s relief efforts were critical in helping communities recover and rebuild.
At the same time, the beneficiary residents also expressed their gratitude.
Janice Johnson of Flagman said the ice and igloos will help alleviate the sweltering heat, and Stacey Ann Myers of Parotti welcomed the move as well.
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