KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) says claims circulating on social media that persons are required to present identification (ID) or Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRNs) to collect hurricane relief packages are completely false.

“There appears to be an attempt to conflate two separate activities. No documentation is required to access any food or hygiene packages distributed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. However, documentation is normally requested during the household damage assessment process,” the MLSS said in a statement on Sunday.

The ministry says relief efforts are being carried out in partnership with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), parish disaster coordinators, and a network of volunteers, with operational support from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and local and international donors. The household damage assessment process continues at the same time.

It added that requesting ID in the assessment process is necessary to verify the identity of householders whose homes have been affected and to ensure that post-relief benefits are delivered to legitimate owners or residents during the medium-term recovery process.

“Given the scale of the recent disaster, and recognising that many persons may have lost important documents, our social workers have been instructed to proceed with all assessments and to advise beneficiaries on how to replace lost documents before any payout exercise,” explained chief technical director with responsibility for social security, Audrey Deer-Williams.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Dione Jennings noted that “the Ministry continues to make adjustments to existing requirements where necessary, in keeping with the realities on the ground, to ensure that no affected individual is left behind.”

Jennings emphasised that “the MLSS remains steadfast and transparent in its commitment to deliver critical support to every affected household.”

Residents and concerned citizens are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Parish Offices or the Client Care Centre at 876-922-8000-13 or via WhatsApp at 876-582-8972 to verify information or report any concerns.