KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has instructed Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman to mobilise the Disaster Assistance and Recovery (DART) team of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to spearhead the effort to rebuild houses in some of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl.

The DART will be assisted by other supporting units, including the engineering corp. They will target areas such as Portland Cottage and Rocky Point in Clarendon on Jamaica’s south coast where the damage from the hurricane was greatest, wiping out the entire housing stock in some communities.

“They will also be deployed in Hanover to assist with the recovery…particularly in the town of Negril and other areas coming around to Westmoreland,” said Holness on Tuesday while addressing the House of Representatives.

The prime minister, who has responsibility for housing, explained that the deployment of JDF personnel in South East Clarendon will also spill over into areas of Manchester and St Elizabeth.

“The initiative aims not just to rebuild but to rebuild stronger and more resilient homes that can withstand future storms,” said Holness.

He added that “our efforts will focus on durability and sustainability”.

“We do not merely want to put up make-shift structures or patch up roofs in a way that leaves them vulnerable to the next storm.”

The prime minister said the government was exploring the use of drone technology to further fast-track the assessment of the damage to the housing stock. He stressed that the administration will not be able to assist every person who has lost their home, however, he said it will ensure that the process is transparent and above board.