KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Leader Andrew Holness says he is encouraging people affected by smoke from the recent Riverton dump fire to submit their cases to the Office of the Public Defender (OPD).

The OPD has already started proceedings in court for compensation, he said, and “I believe that residents need to be compensated!”

“The government has poorly handled the management of the dump which has caused a major public health hazard, we should hold them accountable,” Holness added.

According to a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) release, the Opposition Leader has also instructed JLP representatives in affected areas, in particularly Duhaney Park, New Haven, Washington Gardens, Waterhouse, Seaview Gardens and Olympic Gardens, to assist residents in submitting their cases to the Public Defender.

Holness’ directive follows the release of an air quality report on the toxicity of the fumes from the dump and a subsequent tour of several affected communities with a team of JLP councilors and caretakers, the release said.