Finance Minister Fayval Williams clarifies how relief funds following Hurricane Melissa were spent

Amidst continued discussion and concern about the Government’s handling of relief funds following Hurricane Melissa, Finance Minister Fayval Williams has sought to clarify exactly how the money has been spent.

In March the Government revealed that it spent $67 billion as part of its hurricane relief and recovery efforts.

However, that revelation was met with questions from members of the public and the Opposition about how the money is being managed especially since numerous persons were still without shelter and suffering several months after the Category 5 hurricane.

Concerns also grew after an Auditor General report revealed that out of the $J1.44 billion donated for hurricane relief, only 1.8% – $26 million – was spent.

Addressing the matter of the $67 billion at Jamaica House this morning, Minister Williams gave a breakdown on the allocation.