Byron Blake | What does ‘consultation’ mean for the victims of Hurricane Melissa?

Consultation. A most-used, perhaps abused, term in modern democracies and media. Politicians and policymakers claim that they are always involved in it. Constituents are always demanding it. But consultations are not optional; they are vital in situations of natural disasters and efforts at rebuilding, reconstruction, or redevelopment. The greater the likely required change, the greater the need for rigorous consultations.

Consultations after catastrophic events require additional sensitivity. The person(s) at the centre of the disaster tend to be physically, emotionally, and psychologically disoriented. The other party, typically from outside, is less physically, emotionally, and psychologically invested. In the early stages of such consultations, local persons tend to be less vocal and more receptive to ideas from the external parties.

As the consultation process continues, locals become clearer about what they want and how they want to see reconstruction and redevelopment, and less accepting of “foreign” ideas or proposals for major change, however brilliant. An experienced and empathetic interlocutor would introduce, where necessary, actions for radical change, but not be emotionally, professionally, or financially attached to them.

That sensitivity allows for respectful interactions as the consultation process unfolds and tends to lead to novel solutions, typically some modification either of the residents’ position with the application of new technologies or of the interlocutors’ position with new data and historical experiences.

RESPONSE TO HURRICANE MELISSA

Appropriately structured and easily accessible institutional arrangements are needed to facilitate and manage consultations and two-way information flow. Almost 11 months after Hurricane Melissa, no such arrangements have been established. Further, the normal disaster management agencies seem to have been demobilised or demoralised. The impacted residents now demand mature consultations about plans for their economies and livelihoods, where and how they can reconstruct their businesses, residences, and infrastructure, including schools.

They are distressed, but no longer in panic mode. They are no longer amenable to any imposed solutions.

The Government of Jamaica, firmly based in Kingston, has decided, without consultation, to create, by an Act of Parliament, a new institution, the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), as the special-purpose institution designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery, coordinate large-scale investment, and strengthen economic resilience in Jamaica.

But the affected residents in western Jamaica have not been involved in any process to identify or develop those large-scale projects. Furthermore, restoration and redevelopment cannot be limited to large projects; and there has been no process for coordinating housing restoration, reactivation of community infrastructure such as schools, clinics, secondary and farm roads, and for facilitating business and income-generating activities, including agriculture, fisheries, and vending.

CONSULTATION

Two visits by Major General Antony Anderson, CEO of NaRRA, to Parottee and Black River have been hailed as consultations.

First, during a visit to Parottee on July 16, JIS reporter Okoyo Henry reported Major General Anderson as saying, inter alia: “It was important for me to come down here to see and also to hear from the people of Parottee … what they think about what has happened, and also just to listen to their ideas about reconstruction and resilience.

“While some [residents] indicated a willingness to relocate … others expressed a determination to remain, noting that the sea is their primary source of livelihood and that their deep-rooted connection to the community is not something they are prepared to relinquish easily.”

The photo accompanying the article showed fewer than 20 persons, including the CEO and the minister.

The second consultation was announced by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness in a Facebook posting:

“The future of Black River will be shaped through partnership.”

He explained: “At the first stakeholder engagement with the business community in St Elizabeth, Member of Parliament Floyd Green, UDC and HAJ executives, and NaRRA CEO Ambassador Antony Anderson listened to the perspectives, concerns and ideas of those who know and invest in the community.

“Rebuilding with resilience means more than restoring what was lost. It means creating an opportunity to build a stronger future, supported by meaningful collaboration and community input.”

These were the two consultations with the people of St Elizabeth nine months after Hurricane Melissa. They provide information to the world and are portrayed as models for future consultations and policy action.

Regarding the consultation in Parottee, a group of potential foreign investors and I were in the area between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on July 16. We had extensive discussions about investment prospects.

There were animated discussions about Prime Minister Holness’ Malvern Hill announcement regarding relocation. Residents were adamant that they would not be moved. We did not encounter anyone who had met or was expecting to meet a delegation from the NaRRA.

The activity in Black River was exclusive. The UDC invited about 15 businesspersons on the seaward side of the narrow strip from the bridge to Tern’s Café (near the Anglican Church). Businesspersons on the other side, the Black River Chamber of Commerce, and the municipality were not invited. Two photos from the meeting showed 19 and eight persons, a grand total of fewer than 30.

St Elizabeth has a population of approximately 150,000, and Black River, 8,750. A recent survey identified 75 businesses on High Street. Using Black River, the sample would represent 0.006 per cent of the population. And it was neither random nor representative.

Notwithstanding some official pronouncements, certain recent activities by the UDC suggest that those highly unrepresentative “consultations” are being used for policymaking and possibly as a predicate for compulsory acquisition of property.

There are deep concerns about this secretive and piecemeal approach to the restoration of the historic capital city of Black River. There is despondency about the fate of the other businesses on High Street and, more so, the fishermen from far and near, the small boat operators in the tourism sector, the market vendors, and others whose livelihoods depended on the wharf and the other businesses on the seaside.

A historic city is more than buildings, businesses, infrastructure, seafront, and people.

Ambassador Byron Blake is the former deputy permanent representative of Jamaica to the United Nations and former assistant secretary general of CARICOM. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com