Jamaica not yet ready for Hurricane Season - Arscott

With the start of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season three days away, there are grim indications for the state of the country’s preparedness should a major storm hit.

According to Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, the country is not where it needs to be in terms of preparations.

Arscott says the Local Government Ministry has been hard hit following the massive fire at the Riverton City landfill in St Andrew in March.

According to estimates the fire, which raged for over two weeks, will cost the government more than $300 million.

The Local Government Minister says he has sought assistance from the Finance Ministry to cover these costs.

Meanwhile, he says the ministry does not have the cash it needs to adequately prepare for the hurricane season.

Arscott says some Parish Councils have received the funds needed to begin their drain cleaning exercises.

However, the Local Government Minister was unable to say when additional funds would reach the councils.

Arscott says given the difficult financial situation, the Ministry would not be able to make a blanket payment to the councils, but would instead make additional funds available where necessary. 

Meanwhile, the Local Government Minister says if the country is hit by a major storm, Jamaica may be able to access to the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, CCRIF.

He also points to funds available in the Disaster Fund and emergency resources set aside by Parish councils which could be used in the aftermath of a storm.

myReport Assignment: Send us your photos, videos and stories about buildings, roads and other structures yet to be restored since any majorstorm. www.jamaica-gleaner.com/myReport ... See it, snap it, share it!