McKenzie accuses PNP of attempting to create envy between MPs and councillors over Hurricane Beryl relief

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie has hit back at accusations by the National Caucus of People's National Party Councillors, that councillors are being sidelined in the Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts.

In a media release, McKenzie said the Government would "not be drawn into any attempt to create envy or discord between members of parliament and councillors over resources which are meant for Jamaicans who have been adversely affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.”

He noted that the caucus stated that emphasis has been placed on giving support to members of parliament while it is the councillors who residents find more easily accessible and to whom they readily look for support at this time.

But McKenzie said Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that resources are being allocated to constituencies, not to parliamentarians or other elected representatives. He said access to these resources is governed by clear accountability systems.

“I can only hope that at least some members of this PNP Caucus listened carefully to the Most Honourable Prime Minister's Statement to Parliament last Tuesday, where he outlined very clearly the roles of the elected representatives in helping State Agencies to identify where assistance is needed, and the role of these Agencies in delivering services including the distribution of building materials among other items.

"The Government is carrying out a national effort to provide relief to our citizens in which the duplication of functions is minimised, and in which all the representative and administrative arms of the state work together," McKenzie said.

McKenzie also addressed claims by the caucus that councillors' efforts to assist the people in their divisions were hampered by an absence of clear communication, funding and logistical support from the local government ministry.

He said the PNP caucus is well aware and admitted in its news release, that he (McKenzie) recently met with the mayors and outlined the next steps as the recovery process continues.

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