Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is doubling down on a bold guarantee as Jamaica begins one of the largest recovery missions in its history: every cent allocated to Hurricane Melissa relief will be strictly monitored, fully transparent and free of political interference. Touring devastated communities in Whitehouse, Westmoreland on Monday alongside CARICOM leaders, Holness stressed that Jamaica’s massive losses demand disciplined oversight across all domestic and international funding channels.
Holness, addressing media and residents, said the government will balance urgency with accountability as the country rebuilds from the Category 5 system that tore through five parishes, leaving nearly 900,000 people affected and an estimated US$8 billion in damage. “Yes, we will spend to relieve human suffering,” he declared. “But every dollar spent will be accounted for… every aid package, every commitment made must quickly advance the recovery.” He credited Jamaica’s hard-won reputation for fiscal discipline as a key reason multilateral partners mobilised support so quickly.
The prime minister noted that the scale of destruction—150,000 homes damaged or destroyed, revenue losses, and significant national infrastructure collapse—places unprecedented pressure on the country’s finances. However, he maintained that this is no moment for careless spending or shortcuts. “We must maintain discipline even in disaster,” he said, adding that the administration would resist “temptations for profligacy,” even as citizens call for swift intervention.
To guide the months ahead, Holness outlined three principles for all recovery spending: efficiency, ensuring money reaches the highest-priority needs; integrity, guaranteeing aid goes directly to those most impacted; and speed, aiming to move displaced families into safer conditions before Christmas. As Jamaica braces for a long road back, Holness’ pledge of complete transparency is positioned as both a reassurance to partners and a promise to the people watching closely.
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