Dear Editor,

The recent announcement by the Government of Jamaica that it is allocating $75 million to assist churches damaged by Hurricane Melissa has sparked significant debate, particularly following the objections raised by Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Western Everald Warmington. His position deserves careful consideration, as does the response from church leaders and the wider public.

On one hand, Warmington has argued that taxpayer funds should not be used to rebuild religious institutions, citing the principle of separation between Church and State. He has also questioned whether churches, many of which are financially stable, should receive priority when thousands of ordinary citizens are still struggling to repair homes and livelihoods. His concern reflects a broader issue of equity in disaster relief: Should limited public resources be directed first to individuals and families rather than institutions?

On the other hand, church leaders have strongly countered this view, pointing out that churches have historically been at the forefront of disaster response, providing shelter, food, counselling, and financial assistance to affected families. Many of these same churches now face structural damage, limiting their ability to continue serving communities in times of crisis. From this perspective the allocation is not simply about repairing buildings, but about restoring vital community hubs that contribute to resilience and recovery.

It is also worth noting that Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasised the social role of churches in rebuilding efforts, and the funds are to be distributed through the Social Development Commission following damage assessments. This suggests an attempt at accountability and fairness in the process. Still questions remain about whether $75 million is sufficient, and whether the allocation should have been broadened to include other community-based organisations equally engaged in relief work.

In balancing these perspectives, one might conclude that while Warmington’s caution about public spending is valid, the unique role of churches in Jamaican society cannot be overlooked. Perhaps the way forward is not to exclude churches from assistance, but to ensure that allocations are transparent, needs-based, and inclusive of all community institutions that serve the vulnerable in times of disaster.

Ultimately, Hurricane Melissa has reminded us that recovery is not only about rebuilding structures, but also about strengthening the social fabric that holds communities together. Churches are part of that fabric, and so too are schools, community centres, and homes. A balanced approach would ensure that all are supported in the spirit of fairness and national unity.

Leecent Wallace

Principal of Christiana High School

leecentw@yahoo.com