Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda has defended the Jamaican Government’s Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts while challenging criticism from dancehall icon Beenie Man, whose comments about the use of donated funds and the condition of the island’s beaches have sparked public debate. Speaking during an appearance on The FIX Podcast, Samuda acknowledged shortcomings in the Government’s communication with Jamaicans but insisted that public criticism must be grounded in facts. The Minister also offered an unexpected personal revelation about his musical preference, declaring: “Mi love Beenie Man music, but Killa a mi artiste,” in reference to Bounty Killer.
Samuda maintained that he had no issue with Beenie Man questioning the Government’s performance, but argued that some of the entertainer’s claims were inaccurate. He specifically disputed suggestions that donated funds had not been used and that Jamaica’s beaches had been taken over. According to the Minister, approximately J$84 billion had been spent on recovery efforts, while donated funds were being directed towards tangible projects, including container homes and roofing assistance. He said the Government intended to publish a registry showing how donated resources were allocated, allowing contributors to identify the projects their money supported.
He explained that the donated money was being channelled into projects such as container-home foundations and roofing assistance rather than simply being distributed as food or cash, arguing that these investments would allow the public to see more clearly how contributions were being used. Samuda also proposed taking Beenie Man on a recovery tour to view completed projects and affected beaches first-hand. However, he admitted that the Government had not communicated its recovery activities effectively enough, explaining that officials were often preoccupied with restoring water supplies, clearing roads and repairing bridges while public frustration continued to grow. His remarks followed public criticism of the administration’s transparency and the pace of recovery.
Addressing Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s response to Beenie Man, Samuda argued that the comments had to be understood in their full context, pointing to the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement that aspects of the recovery were progressing too slowly and required adjustments. He also defended the contribution of entertainers to Brand Jamaica, describing the country’s international identity as much broader than music, encompassing its food, geography, poetry, literary traditions, sporting achievements and cultural heritage. Nevertheless, he maintained that influential entertainers have a responsibility to ensure their public statements are accurate, particularly when Jamaica is seeking international assistance. Samuda said he did not believe Beenie Man intended to harm the country, but considered the impact of his remarks potentially damaging to future donor confidence.
Meanwhile, Samuda’s declaration of musical allegiance has added an unexpected entertainment dimension to the national debate. While he was careful to acknowledge his appreciation for Beenie Man’s catalogue, his preference for Bounty Killer delivered one of the interview’s most memorable moments. The Minister also called for a change in how the Government communicates with the public, recognising that providing information through channels people are no longer consuming can leave room for misinformation and misunderstanding.
View this post on Instagram
