Scores of Darliston, Westmoreland, residents are now moreinformed to build and repair their houses to better withstand hurricanes, after completing popular Build Back Better Roofing clinics at the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Community Action Fair last week.

They were among hundreds who turned out at Enfield Primary and Basic School last Wednesday, exactly one year after Hurricane Melissa cut a trail of destruction through communities like Darliston, and amidst consistent evidence that many home construction practices consistently fail the Category 5 test.

The standing room-only pop-up roofing master classes and demonstrations headlined the fair’s Technical Assistance Centre (TAC), coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in partnership with the HEART College of Construction Services, with participants receiving tools and equipment donated by UNDP to support home repairs and construction.

Attendees engage during the roofing clinic.

The UNDP outreach model, packaged as a Community Action Fair, targets build-back-better education and comprehensive hurricane recovery support.

Visitors accessed a wide array of services centred on applications for government documents; legal aid, dispute resolution and wills; National Health Fund registrations, health checks, and tests; and farming support and advice including distribution of materials by Jamaica 4H. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and NIS services were also popular among residents.

Darliston residents turn out to take up the various services on offer at the Technical Assistance Centre in Westmoreland.

Farmer Leodon Cummings, who attended one of the two clinics, said the class was useful for many residents who discovered they were not building properly.

“The roofing clinic [taught] us a lot, and we learned a lot. It’s like I was still going to school. It’s really good, and the people there left with knowledge, a lot of knowledge,” he stated.

Dania Parnell, business owner, said she learned the importance of building the proper way, including reinforcement, ensuring less destruction in the event of a hurricane.

It seems to have been standing room for one of the roofing clinics last week.

“I loved that little class that we had today, because it teaches us how to come back bigger, better, and stronger,” she said.

“Today was so informative. I enjoyed every moment of it,” said Carmen Jones Robinson of New Market, who travelled in from St Elizabeth for the event. “It was very informative, interesting, and we learned a lot. They provided for the kids. I learned a lot from the other booths and appreciate every organisation [represented here]. I also went to HEART Trust training today and I learned things I didn’t know about roofing,” she said.

UNDP Assistant Resident Lesley Ann Ennevor said resilient re-roofing and safer reconstruction are important parts of the UNDP model, but it’s also important to recognise that recovery needs are interconnected.

UNDP Assistant Resident Lesley Ann Ennevor and ODPEM Deputy Director General Richard Thompson discuss the day’s activities.

“A household rebuilding after a hurricane may also need assistance to replace documents, access health or psychosocial services, obtain legal guidance, restore a livelihood, or navigate available government programmes,” she explained, adding that UNDP remains committed to recovery that protects dignity, expands access, and strengthens community agency.

“This includes ensuring that women, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, small business owners, and other groups facing heightened barriers can access information and support,” she stated.

UNDP representatives share information with western Jamaica residents who attended the recent clinics.

ODPEM Deputy Director General Richard Thompson reported that the TAC’s roofing clinics were a hit, with many artisans from Westmoreland signing up to participate.

Noting the severe wind damage to roofs in the aftermath of hurricanes, he said ODPEM embarked on a major initiative in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to support resilient roofing practices.

“We have been saying to Jamaicans to build resilient roofing. And part of our initiative to get persons to understand is by showing them what to do. The roofing clinic has been that initiative,” Thompson said.