Jamaicans still suffering from Hurricane Melissa response failures – Golding

Opposition Leader Mark Golding says Jamaicans continue to suffer as a result of what he describes as poor management and ineptitude in the government’s response to Hurricane Melissa’s impact.

The Category 5 system wreaked havoc on the island, especially western parishes, last October.

In response to the damage, the government announced several measures aimed at recovery and reconstruction.

Among them is the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA).

NaRRA is a statutory body, established to lead, coordinate, and fast-track recovery efforts after the hurricane.

It focuses on building climate-resilient infrastructure.

The NaRRA Act, 2026 is to be taken at this afternoon’s meeting of the House of Representatives.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Mr. Golding argued that NaRRA is inadequate to properly meet the challenges people continue to face today.

Mr. Golding also pointed to what he described as persistent weaknesses in the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme.