Other highlights of the prime minister’s statement to Parliament
. Government has undertaken to provide special assistance to the families of those who died as a direct result of the passage of Hurricane Ivan. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is making the necessary arrangements.
. There is to be a national ecumenical service in October to remember loved ones who died during the hurricane and to give thanks for being spared the full wrath of the disaster.
. The public health sector suffered damage to the tune of $206.5 million, but 50 per cent of the island’s hospitals are back in operation.
. Arrangements are being made for JAMALCO to use the WINDALCO port, in the short term, as well as to build a temporary ‘bridge’ at its Rocky Point port to allow for some level of bauxite/alumina export until repairs are completed at its own port. The preliminary loss in alumina production is estimated at 130-140,000 tonnes, which could be reduced by the end of the fiscal year. The full extent of damage to its ports and other facilities, as well as agricultural operations and administrative areas, is still being assessed.
. The Jamaica Tourist Board and industry partners will be moving full speed ahead with promotional activities planned prior to Ivan. These include: print advertising in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada; television advertising in North America; and print advertising in Europe. Further initiatives will be discussed at a joint JHTA/JTB marketing committee meeting today in Montego Bay.
In addition, government has decided to provide customs duty and GCT relief on items to effect repairs. Applications should be submitted by October 15 and purchases undertaken by December 15. TPDCo is currently assessing the damage at various properties and will verify information submitted.
. In terms of investment projects, while activity was curtailed by the passage of Hurricane Ivan, there is evidence that work has resumed on the various developments projects. Contact has been maintained with the various investors and, in fact, several of them have visited Jamaica since last week and others will be here by next week.
