Dear Editor,

The earthquake experienced on Friday, August 16, 2024 on the eve of the birth date of Jamaica’s frist National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey is a wake-up call.

Are we ready for serious mass casualty? Hurricane Beryl severely damaged educational institutions in the western end of the island. The principal of Munro College, Mark Smith, on television news displayed compassionate insight regarding the devastation not only to the physical plant of the school but also personal losses to faculty and staff. The school’s administration is cognisant of the suffering of all, including students, and the real difficulties being faced.

While fund-raising to implement repairs is critical, it may be now an opportunity for many schools like Munro to also escalate plans to build new facilities. It is quite difficult to do renovations and repairs. It is a herculean task to clear rubble and save valuable historical structures and educational materials.

Schools cannot be left alone to do this task. There are several national and international agencies that must step up to the plate. Schools like Manning’s School in Westmoreland and many others islandwide with historical buildings need special intervention from Jamaica National Heritage Trust. Part II – Establishment of the Trust, Management and Functions of the National Housing Trust Act indicates that the NHT too has an obligation to assist educational institutions. The Act states: “In addition to the functions specified in subsection (I), the Trust may provide financing up to a maximum amount in the aggregate of five billion dollars for projects for the development of education.” That $5 billion, however, can be increased perhaps by parliamentary vote.

When these funds are released, not only will new school buildings be erected, but there will be appropriate residential spaces provided for academic and administrative staff. The Jamaica Teachers’ Association and financial institutions supported by teachers must play a critical role in advocating for conditions conducive to learning for both the children in care as well as all caregivers. Substantial financing must also evolve from those quarters and not just loans.

International partners can garner funding. Prefabricated homes and schools can be shipped into the island to relieve not only those affected and “kotching” due to the ravages of Hurricane Beryl. A million-volume import would see greatly reduced and affordable models desperately needed islandwide both for home and business. Our own people are already resourceful. A humble woman farmer managing cows explained that the house on lease land, constructed with wood, remained in tact during the hurricane. The dwelling can be moved to a new location and pulled back together for roughly $250,000. Recently, she was able to expand the house on independent funding initially a two-room structure with one bedroom and kitchen/dinning/day bedroom to an additional bedroom, a bathroom, and now a separate kitchen. The strength of a woman even in adversity.

She did it, so no excuses from anyone else, anywhere. Large corporations get ready to give and deck out houses.

Thus, housing in Jamaica for all is “doable”. Let us put our hands to the task and give our people the dignity they deserve. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs insists that self-actualisation cannot occur without basic needs being met. Without appropriate roofing, the leaks ruin everything: computers, furniture, books, clothing. Every expenditure is throwing good money after bad.

Comfortable housing is the bedrock of a society with well-developed social security. Who can concentrate without a good night’s sleep, properly cooked meals, ability to wash clothes, and electricity?

Disaster relief must not be poor relief.

Catherine Neil

stcatherineneil22@yahoo.com