KINGSTON, Jamaica — The federal government’s $75-million allocation to church buildings affected by Hurricane Melissa is meant for particles elimination and property clean-up, not reconstruction, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness clarified on Monday.
Church buildings can entry the assist after assessments by related state businesses, with steering accessible by means of native places of work. Holness famous the funding is a part of a wider nationwide clean-up effort focusing on essentially the most affected parishes.
The announcement sparked debate, with MP Everald Warmington criticizing using taxpayer funds for non secular establishments, whereas Bishop Dr. Alvin Bailey defended the transfer, highlighting the church’s position in catastrophe response and neighborhood assist.
Minister Desmond McKenzie confirmed the Social Improvement Fee will oversee the assessments and fund disbursement. Hurricane Melissa, which hit October 28, killed at the least 45 folks and prompted US$8.8 billion in harm, leaving many communities nonetheless with out energy.
