Dear Editor,

When the seas are rough and the winds howl, it is the true captain who steadies the ship and guides it to safety. I am impressed by the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has been able to maintain stability despite steering the nation through some of the most tumultuous times in recent memory.

It is good that with a steady hand and clear vision the Government’s proactive measures have fostered resilience and stability in the face of a pandemic and natural disasters.

The most recent example is Hurricane Beryl, which struck Jamaica on July 3, 2024 as the earliest Category 4 storm on record. It tested our nation’s resilience. The Government’s response was swift and strategic: essential agencies were mobilised; shelters activated; and clear, consistent communication maintained. Funds were allocated with precision — $5 million per constituency for preparation and $4 million for relief and recovery, with an additional $3 million directed to the hardest-hit parishes.

Unlike some previous Administrations, which faltered in times of crisis, the Holness Administration’s approach has been markedly different. The Government’s efforts to curb price gouging through an order under the Trade Act protected the vulnerable, while the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme effectively addressed immediate needs, from food and utility restoration to housing support and economic recovery.

Moreover, the Government has ensured that relief is distributed equitably, without playing partisan politics. Previous administrations have been accused of using disaster relief to favour political supporters, but the Holness Administration has made transparency and fairness cornerstones of its response strategy, prioritising the needs of all citizens over political gain.

Significant funds were also allocated for national cleanup efforts and economic support, including $1 billion for restoration and reconstruction grants, $800 million for the National Works Agency, and $500 million for the National Solid Waste Management Authority. The Development Bank of Jamaica further provided a $1 billion line of credit to support the agricultural sector, ensuring food security in the storm’s aftermath.

What sets this Administration apart is its innovative approach to disaster financing. The Holness Government has introduced a robust National Natural Disaster Risk Financing (NNDRF) Policy, establishing reserves for frequent, less severe events and transferring the financial risks of rare, catastrophic disasters through a diversified portfolio of instruments.

The Holness Administration’s proactive and strategic approach to disaster management has set a new standard for future governments. By prioritising preparedness, transparency, and comprehensive support, Jamaica is better positioned to weather and recover from natural disasters, ensuring that our ship not only stays afloat but sails steadily through the storm.

Brian Nunes

briannunes712@yahoo.com