Visit to Portland, St.Ann, St. Mary
Yesterday I joined Minister McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and Minister Charles, Minister of Agriculture in touring the areas of Portland, St. Mary and St. Ann affected by the recent flood rains.
We were accompanied by RADA, ODPEM, SDC and the St. Mary Municipal Corporation, NWA and the Forestry Department.
One of the areas with the most significant damage was Cockstreet and the bamboo Tree community in St. Mary. I was saddened to see the damage caused by the rain and how badly the bridge, schools, business places and homes were damaged in that area. The people however have the spirit of perseverance and resilience.
There is no doubt that climate change has changed our weather patterns and as a result these issues will be more common and consistent. We need to work together to adapt and build the resilience to better manage what will come.
The Government of Jamaica is fully committed to the recovery effort ! it was comforting seeing beds being delivered to the people in the community from the Ministry of labour and Social Security. A small but important step. We will recover stronger !
