TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Delano Seiveright, says the Government is moving decisively to address some of the needs of micro and small businesses devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

He noted that Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, have already issued directives and convened meetings focused on immediate strategies to help small enterprises restart operations.

Seiveright emphasised that the Government, in collaboration with private partners, aid agencies and civil society, are working on several fronts simultaneously, restoring electricity, water and telecommunications; clearing blocked roads; supporting hospitals and health centres; ensuring relief supplies reach affected communities and more.

“The situation is Herculean and multifaceted, and recovery will require an all-hands-on-deck effort from the private sector, civil society, international partners, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and beyond,” the minister said.

He added that the MIIC is actively engaged in crafting targeted interventions and coordinating with other ministries and agencies to help affected small businesses recover quickly.

He further noted that the prime minister has mandated all ministers of state to play an integral, on-the-ground role in relief coordination and recovery efforts across badly affected communities.

Minister Seiveright made the comments while overseeing the distribution of relief supplies in sections of Trelawny North severely impacted by the hurricane.

Alongside Seiveright were Members of Parliament and fellow State Ministers Tova Hamilton (who is also MP for Trelawny North), Donovan Williams, Delroy Williams, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn and Senior Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rayharna Wright.