WATCH: Campbell calls for Westmoreland Eastern to be declared a disaster area
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Dr Dayton Campbell, is calling for the constituency to be declared a disaster area following the widespread devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa.
Dr Campbell said the constituency has suffered catastrophic damage, with 10 of the 19 deaths reported islandwide occurring in Westmoreland Eastern.
“The damage to the constituency is significant. So far, nineteen deaths have been reported in Jamaica. At least ten of those have come from Westmoreland Eastern,” he said. “By my estimation, at least one thousand houses have been totally destroyed. Many board houses are now flat, people cannot occupy them because there’s no structure left, just rubble. The majority of the roadways are blocked, and residents have had to use chainsaws and machetes to gain single-lane access.”
The MP said roads remain impassable, communication is limited and several critical facilities including schools, health centres, police stations, post offices, and petrol stations have been severely damaged.
“We need the National Works Agency (NWA) to work with contractors to clear these roadways as soon as possible. I’ve been in contact with the minister of works, who has responded favourably, but I’m unable to reach the parish manager because communication is an issue,” Dr Campbell explained.
He stressed that his appeal for help is not political, but a plea on behalf of residents who are suffering.
“In my opinion, this constituency needs to be declared a disaster area so that all emergency services can come in. This is not political, this is about help for the people. There’s nothing I could gain from making a political statement other than victimisation for myself and the people I represent. This is about caring for those who are currently suffering,” he said.
Dr Campbell added that relief distribution centres have been established at the Whitehouse Community Centre and in Darliston, with plans to set up additional centres across the divisions to distribute food and water to affected residents.
