Tapping Into Reserves: A Call for Action After Hurricane Melissa

By Nakinskie Robinson

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Councillor Fenley Douglas, representing the Waterford Division in St. Catherine, is raising an urgent call for the Jamaican government to utilize the country’s net international reserves (NIR) to address the pressing challenges that have emerged. With communities still reeling from the storm’s impact, Douglas believes that the time to act is now.

"We would have had 30.7 weeks of funds to provide goods and services if we were to face any disaster," Douglas stated, highlighting Jamaica’s robust financial position compared to the international benchmark of 12 weeks. He commended the government for maintaining a reserve of approximately $6.128 billion but expressed concern over the lack of communication regarding its use. "I have not heard anybody from central government talking about this money," he added, emphasizing the need for transparency.

The councillor pointed out that while the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported on November 5 that about US$7 billion is needed to restore stability, questions linger. "Are we waiting for external partners or donor agencies to finish their donations before we start spending from the NIR?" he asked, hinting at a looming health crisis that could worsen if immediate action isn’t taken.

At the end of October, Jamaica’s net international reserves stood at a healthy US$6.13 billion, enough to cover 48 weeks of goods imports and 31 weeks of goods and services imports. This financial cushion could be a lifeline for communities struggling to recover from the hurricane’s devastation.

In addition to tapping into reserves, Councillor Douglas is advocating for the inclusion of municipal corporations in disaster relief coordination. "I have seen recommendations for several committees to deal with the disaster across the affected parishes, but I have not seen where central government has asked local planning authorities, like mayors and parish councils, to have a seat on these committees," he asserted. This lack of local representation raises concerns about the effectiveness of recovery efforts.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has advised mayors to utilize funds from the Special Grant for Repairs (SGR) to assist with recovery efforts. However, Douglas argues that most of the damage has affected major infrastructure, which requires more than just emergency repairs to parochial roads. "The SGR was established for quick fixes, but we need a comprehensive plan to rebuild our communities," he said.

As the conversation around disaster recovery continues, the voices of local leaders like Councillor Douglas are crucial. They remind us that while financial reserves are important, the real strength lies in community involvement and effective governance.

With the storm’s aftermath still fresh in the minds of many, one has to wonder: will the government heed the call for action, or will communities continue to wait for the help they desperately need?