Jamaica has announced the establishment of a disaster risk management review committee (DRMRC) to assess the country’s disaster risk management processes.
Major General Antony Anderson, the former head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, will lead the body.
Other members include Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., a leader in geospatial technology; Jonathan Brown, a retired senior public official; and Trudy Deans, a consultant who has been instrumental in initiatives such as the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC).
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the work of the committee will strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness for disasters and ensure that the country is ready to meet future crises, head-on.
He noted that given the intensity and frequency of disasters in recent years, the country must stand ready to respond swiftly and effectively to safeguard lives livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
“The most recent reminder of our vulnerability came with Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Beryl caused significant damage across parishes, affecting thousands of households and leaving many Jamaicans without shelter, water, electricity, and internet connectivity, totaling, I’m sure, over $10 billion in damage,” Holness said.
“The resulting impact is sobering and it shows what is at stake for Jamaica if we are hit by a hurricane or any other form of natural disaster,” he pointed out.
In carrying out its mandate, the DRMRC will assess vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and services to ensure they remain operational even during disaster events.
These include water supply systems, electricity grids, telecommunications networks, and transportation.
“These are the backbone of daily life and must remain operational. The focus will be on ensuring that these essential services are designed, maintained, and upgraded to withstand the impact of hurricanes, floods, and other disaster events,” Holness noted.
He informed that the committee will also evaluate the readiness and capability of the country’s emergency services to ensure they are equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to crises and provide recommendations for improving national and local disaster response frameworks, ensuring better coordination among agencies.
“The work of the DRMRC is not just about addressing the immediate risks posed by disasters but about building a culture of resilience in Jamaica that prepares us for the future. The ultimate goal is to ensure that our infrastructure, services and communities are equipped to handle any challenge, ensuring the continued safety and well-being of Jamaicans and, indeed, the continuity of Government in the face of any serious natural disaster challenge,” Mr. Holness said.
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