By Devon Dick

THE PRIME Minister, the Most Honourable PJ Patterson has handled the passage of Hurricane Ivan very well with some good moves. The first good move was the postponement of the PNP's Annual Conference even before the arrival of Hurricane Ivan on September 10 because of the anticipated dislocation that was expected from Ivan.

When I first heard the announcement, I thought it was premature and that a decision could wait until after Ivan had left. It was a right decision because it demonstrated to the country that the governing party recognised that it was a serious hurricane that would lead to significant dislocation. Furthermore, it showed that the country came first before the party because many Jamaicans would be preoccupied with their situation and attempts at recovery.

SIMILARLY GOOD MOVE

A similarly good move was the anticipatory declaration of a state of public emergency. This gave the impression that the government was trying to prevent looting rather than waiting until after looting to declare an emergency. It appears to have worked because there seems to have been less looting this time compared to during Gilbert. Things appear to be settling nicely with no apparent threat as a result of the hurricane so it is time to remove this state of public emergency.

It would have been useful if the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) had such foresight in retaining oversees workers to help in examining the lines before the visitation of 'Ivan' and not afterwards. That would have made their good job even better and quicker. In addition, all shelters should be stocked with one day's supply of water and other basic necessities before the passage of a hurricane. Honourable Kingsley Thomas' suggestion that no one should stay in a shelter longer than one day has merit. Too many shelters are vandalised with long-staying residents. Perhaps a tent is a good idea. That would free up the schools.

However, there should be no undue haste to re-open schools. No school should be re-opened if there is not safe water on the premises provided by the administrators. I always wondered why the Prime Minister chairs the meetings of the ODPEM and not a minister of government. But after seeing the importance of being prepared for a hurricane and the need for quick recovery, it does need the attention of no less a person than the Prime Minister. Many persons have commended the Prime Minister for the selection of a competent and impartial team player, Danville Walker to chair the National Reconstruction (ONR) effort. But another important signal in this move is that his mandate is for six months. This is telling the nation that everything cannot be rectified overnight. The reconstruction will take time. Rome was not built in a day and Jamaica cannot be restored in three weeks, to what it was before the visit of Ivan.

The regular broadcasts by the Prime Minister were reassuring. There need to be weekly updates from the utility companies and the ONR. Jamaicans need to know what has happened, what is likely to happen and what are the factors for certain targets not being met. Persons need to know when relief supplies will reach their areas. It was also reassuring to hear the hardworking Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie stating that there should be no flooding because all the drains and gullies, except one, were cleaned.

PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE

Equally important was the content of the Prime Minister's message. The announcement of a three-month moratorium for NHT mortgagers is an important help. Back to school fees coupled with insurance average clause and 2 per cent excess clause would make it difficult for low and middle-income persons to manage the cost of house recovery. All persons who need the benefit should access it. In addition, there are recovery loans at low interest rates, which is a step in the right direction. These loans, however, could also be used in preventative repairs so that house owners would be in a better position to withstand the onslaught of another hurricane. Similar breaks in interest rates are needed for first-time homeowners and persons wanting to start a business. Senator Bruce Golding's suggestion to private sector suppliers of furniture to give their customers a moratorium should be heeded.

Finally, it was a magnanimous endeavour by the Prime Minister to visit Grenada and offer technical assistance even as Jamaica struggles with its own problems. Hopefully, he would have taken members of the private sector, civil society and the church so that they too could assess the situation and pledge assistance. Good moves, Mr. Prime Minister.

The Rev Devon Dick is pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church and author of 'Rebellion to Riot: the Church in nation-building'.