John Azar | Transparent and inclusive approach needed to aid distribution

EVEN AS we give thanks that Kingston and other areas in Jamaica were spared the worst of Hurricane Melissa, the scale of devastation elsewhere is heartbreaking. It is far worse than even the most pessimistic among us might have expected.

The destruction to property in western parishes is indescribable and the magnitude of the losses will take time to assess and compute. Lives were lost which is the greatest tragedy as such losses can never be “computed” or “restored”. It is imperative that everyone who has the ability and capacity to help, should focus on assisting those who are so desperately in need.

Already many countries and organisations across the world have pledged support – relief supplies along with manpower are already arriving in the island.

In this time of crisis where so many people are willing to assist, there are two assurances that every donor wants – to ensure that their monies are spent prudently and that such aid does in fact reach those in dire need.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

As such, it is critical that transparency and accountability are placed at the top of the agenda. The Jamaican Government needs to do everything possible to provide such assurances and by so doing, fast tracking aid which can prove to be the difference between life and death.

While many individuals and organisations are desirous of helping, there is some amount of apprehension being expressed with some in the foreign media already citing residents’ concern in the sourcing, management and distribution processes.

Given Jamaica’s unfortunate history of political tribalism and corruption, these concerns cannot be ignored. There are also questions being asked if the monies and items donated are actually going to be distributed to those in need in the worst affected areas. To counter this narrative and other concerns, every effort should now be made to assure donors that all funds given through legitimate channels will in fact be distributed fairly. Importantly, priority will be given to those who have been most adversely affected, irrespective of their geographical location or their political persuasion. There needs to be proper accounting records to provide details on how and where the donated resources were spent or distributed.

BIPARTISAN OVERSIGHT BODY

In the spirit of both unity and transparency, as well as to remove any perception of uncertainty, the Government should consider the formation of a bipartisan oversight body to supervise the management and distribution of all donations received bearing in mind its obligation not only to the people of Jamaica, but to every donor country, organisation and individual.

This body should consist of members of the Government, members of the Opposition, NGOs, church leaders and community leaders and will go a far way towards removing any doubt as to how monies and aid received will be distributed. Technical experts in logistics, supply chain management, disaster response and humanitarian coordination should also be engaged as the scale of destruction left by Hurricane Melissa demands not just goodwill, but professional expertise in organising and executing relief operations efficiently.

It is said that perception is oftentimes as important as reality and we cannot afford to deal with distractions surrounding how these critical donations will be managed, or to provide anyone with an excuse as to why they should not give generously and without scepticism. The formation of this oversight body – as against committees stacked with persons from one side of Gordon House – will ensure that any such concerns or speculation are proactively dealt with and that the potentially serious barrier of suspicion is removed.

While it is under no such obligation, it is important that the Government include the Opposition in this process as their failure to do so will no doubt fuel added speculation and suggestions of resources being distributed to political allies and shielded from political foes.

This will send the message of unity to all Jamaicans which is crucial now more than ever. It will also send a signal of political maturity on the part of our elected leaders and provide a stark contrast to the debacle which took place inside Gordon House not long ago as the then Tropical Storm Melissa approached.

In this vein, it would have been both welcomed and refreshing had the prime minister extended an invitation to the leader of the Opposition to accompany him on his recent tours to view the devastated areas together. This is not optics but it is exactly the unified image around the road to recovery that all well thinking Jamaicans would want to see.

SET ASIDE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES

Let us be clear, rebuilding our nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa is not a “government” problem, nor is it any particular political party’s problem, it is a JAMAICA problem and every solution around it should be treated as such. If there ever was a time for Jamaicans to set aside our differences and come together as one, it is now. ‘All hands on deck’ has never had more meaning to our nation and our leaders must show solidarity, set aside political differences, and lead by example, which we hope will then filter down to the entire society.

Now is not the time for egos, petty differences, or political manoeuvrings. It is a time for unity and bipartisanship as we move forward rebuilding Jamaica, together. It is said that in times of crisis, leadership has the opportunity to shine.

The leader of the Opposition has already, publicly and repeatedly, pledged his full support to assist “if allowed to do so” which in itself suggests that his offers thus far have not been accepted. If this is true, it would be both disturbing and unfortunate and would suggest that some in Government need to be reminded that the election cycle has concluded and there are far bigger issues at stake now. Over to you, Prime Minister.

John Azar is founder and CEO of KingAlarm Systems Limited. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com