ALTHOUGH sympathetic to other parishes that were badly hit, Andrew Swaby, the mayor of Kingston, is celebrating that his municipality was spared from the wrath of Hurricane Beryl, racking up only $530 million in estimated damage.

He said Kingston and St Andrew’s estimated damage amounted to just over five per cent of the entire estimate islandwide, which was announced on Tuesday to be $10 billion.

Mayor Swaby was chairing Tuesday’s meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the first since the passage of the hurricane.

“Despite devastation experienced across the island, Hurricane Beryl could have done far more damage. Assessment so far showed that Kingston and St Andrew fared reasonably well in terms of damage of infrastructure. For the most part, fallen trees, [and] landslides caused blockage to roadways. So far, at least one-lane access has been restored to most communities affected by blockage of roads. There were also reports of roofs being taken off by strong winds. Thankfully, there weren’t many reports of flooding as in the past,” the mayor told the meeting.

Swaby also said there were reports of gully walls collapsing in a few urban divisions.

“Preliminary estimates for damage on our public infrastructure is about $530 million,” the mayor said.

“These include damage to roadways, drainage network, landslides, blocked drains, public buildings and other infrastructure that fall under the remit of the KSAMC,” he added.

While he was appreciative of the work being done by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and the National Water Commission (NWC) to restore the utility services they provide to Jamaicans following the passage of Beryl, Swaby said that a number of communities were still without electricity and water almost a week later.

“I implore these agencies to have these services restored as quick as possible,” the mayor urged.

On Sunday, June 30, Swaby had called an emergency meeting with the staff of the KSAMC to assess internal readiness for Hurricane Beryl and to discuss the council’s response plan.

That meeting was attended by Robert Hill, the chief executive officer of the KSAMC; the parish disaster coordinator; representatives of the poor relief department; the chief engineering officer; chairpersons; vice-chair; as well as high-ranking members of committees critical to preparing for disasters.

“Coming out of those discussions, the temporary shelter for the homeless at our facility at 34 to 42 Church Street was reactivated. We also utilised additional bed spaces at the Denham Town Golden Age Home, the Desmond Mckenzie Transitional Centre, the Marie Atkins Night Shelter, and the Good Samiritan Inn. The following day on July 1, I called a disaster committee meeting. This meeting was initially scheduled for July 11, but had to be brought forward because of the threat of Hurricane Beryl. Our agency partners who usually attend these meetings as well as other stakeholders in attendance were asked to provide an update on their state of readiness,” the mayor said.

Also in attendance were representatives from the National Water Commission, Jamaica Public Service, National Works Agency, Social Development Commission, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Jamaica Red Cross.

“Councillors, you will agree that it is rare to see hurricanes develop so early in the season. This is in keeping with some of the predictions scientists have made regarding climate change and global warming. This underscores the need to always be prepared once we enter into the hurricane season. As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” Swaby told the meting.

“As is in the case during any major hurricane, our agricultural sector was badly affected. Parishes such as St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon were the most severely hit. They saw major damage to physical infrastructure and agricultural produce. While giving thanks that we were spared by the wrath of the hurricane, we have to remember those who lost in neighbouring islands who suffered great loss, including loss of lives. As a municipality, we extend our condolences to the families in these countries and wish them success in their restoration process.”

The mayor commended all who went above and beyond the call of duty.

“I say a big thank you, also, to the shelter managers and other community members who assisted with managing the shelters that were activated in the municipality. For them to leave their homes and families to take care of others demonstrated a deep sense of love and care for those in need. We must also thank the security forces, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and our own municipal officers as well as private security teams who were on hand to ensure the safety of all persons at various shelters. I must mention the JUTC representatives who were on hand at the command centre to assist with the transporting of persons to safety. Last, and by no means least, to my hard-working colleague councillors, my heartfelt gratitude to you for being in your respective divisions, assisting the residents and ensuring their safety. However, I must single out Councillor Charmaine Daniels, who after completing her rounds in her division, she, in her capacity as chairperson for the poor relief committee, went to the Marie Atkins Night Shelter and she rode it out throughout the night,” he said.