KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) says it is aware of concerns raised by members of the public regarding challenges in contacting the ministry to make enquiries or follow up on matters in relation to the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme.

The ministry, in a media release on Thursday, said since the launch of the initiative, a significant number of reports and enquiries have been received, reflecting the high level of public interest in the programme.

“Given the high volume of enquiries currently being received by the ministry, we appreciate the patience and understanding of the public as officers continue to process the significant number of reports and conduct the necessary assessments. Every effort is being made to ensure that cases are reviewed thoroughly and that assistance is provided to households in accordance with the programme’s established criteria,” the ministry said.

The ministry said it is taking steps to ensure that members of the public have clear channels through which they can make enquiries and receive updates on their cases.

Additionally, the ministry said the self-reporting form previously used to submit information for damage assessments under the ROOFS programme is now closed. It said information collected through that process is currently being reviewed as the ministry continues to undertake verification and damage assessments to determine eligibility for assistance.

Individuals who previously submitted information and wish to make enquiries or follow up on the status of their case may contact the ministry by visiting the nearest MLSS parish office. The ministry said officers will assist in reviewing records and providing updates where available.

They can also contact the ministry by telephone. Individuals may call the ministry’s main contact line at (876) 922-8000-13, or contact their nearest parish office directly to make enquiries or seek clarification regarding the status of their report or assessment under the ROOFS programme.

For the convenience of residents, contact numbers for parish offices in some of the most affected areas are provided below:

Westmoreland: (876) 676-5770, 676-5771, 955-2532, 918-0275

St Elizabeth: (876) 676-5807, 676-5843, 966-3373, 966-9512

Trelawny: (876) 676-5784, 676-5785, 954-3312, 617-5506

St James: (876) 676-5777, 676-5778, 676-5779, 952-2327, 940-4413

St Ann: (876) 676-5790, 676-5791, 676-5792, 972-2470, 972-0472

Hanover: (876) 676-5765, 676-5766, 956-2255, 956-3133