Dear Editor,

By now it should be clear to all Jamaicans, especially our political leaders, that our nation is in the throes of a mammoth crisis caused by Hurricane Melissa. The loss of lives, the widespread hunger, the destruction of homes, and the devastation of vital infrastructure can only be described as apocalyptic.

Equally severe are the mental and psychological effects of grief, trauma, and despair that are now gripping countless citizens.

Given the enormity of this national tragedy, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness must move swiftly to summon all Jamaicans, both at home and in the Diaspora, to join hands, hearts, and minds in addressing the urgent tasks of relief, recovery, and reconstruction. While international expertise will undoubtedly be needed, this moment demands that we galvanise our people and enlist our finest minds and most capable hands in a coordinated national effort.

I, therefore, issue an urgent call for the establishment of a National Committee of Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction. Considering the magnitude of the physical, economic, and psychological toll left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, this initiative must be non-partisan in nature, bringing together political leaders, Members of Parliament, councillors, caretakers, community leaders, private-sector representatives, non-governmental organisations, and faith-based and community organisations in a united front.

To ensure credibility, trust, and national unity, it may be wise to appoint a credible and competent non-partisan individual (a czar) to lead this committee and coordinate the multi-sectoral response.

Now is not the time for division or delay. Jamaica needs a unified, organised, and compassionate national response to chart the way forward. Let us do this for Jamaica, land we love.

Dr Orville Plummer

oaplummer@gmail.com