Mark Golding | Unity, transparency and compassion must guide Jamaica’s recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, our nation faces the harsh reality of rebuilding lives, communities, and livelihoods. In these moments of collective hardship, political divisions must give way to a unified national response that is rooted in compassion, transparency, and efficiency.

On Wednesday last week, I reached out directly to the prime minister to offer the full cooperation of the Opposition as Jamaica mobilises its response. This is not a time for partisan division along political lines. It is a time for all of us to come together in service to the people who are suffering the traumatic effects of this devastating hurricane. The Government, the Opposition, the private sector, civil society, and faith-based communities must all pull together to bring our country out of this disaster.

I have recommended to the prime minister the establishment of a broad-based task force to oversee the management and distribution of hurricane relief, both local and international. This body should include representatives of the Government and the Opposition, along with leaders from the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the church community.

Such an approach would ensure accountability and transparency in how resources, whether in cash or in kind, are received, managed, and distributed. More importantly, it would send a powerful signal to the country and to our international partners that Jamaica is responding to this crisis as one people, united in purpose.

Excluding the Opposition from the governance and oversight of relief distribution risks creating perceptions of bias or victimisation on the ground. These are negative sentiments that our country should avoid at a time when so many are vulnerable and in need. A broad-based, inclusive mechanism would remove these doubts and replace them with trust, fairness, and a shared sense of mission.

From what I understand, several committees have already been formed under the national disaster risk framework to coordinate various aspects of the hurricane response. The Opposition has not been included in any of them. That omission represents a missed opportunity for collaboration. The Opposition’s participation would not only strengthen public confidence but also help to ensure that relief efforts reach those most affected regardless of political affiliation or geography.

I have no doubt that the prime minister and his team share the goal of ensuring fairness and efficiency. My proposal simply seeks to institutionalise those values through inclusive governance. In times of crisis, our people look for leadership that unites, not divides.

As we continue the recovery process, I urge that we prioritise three principles:

• Transparency – every dollar and every donation must be tracked, audited, and publicly accounted for.

• Inclusivity – every community, regardless of political colour or location, must be treated with fairness and dignity.

• Coordination – the various arms of Government, local authorities, and volunteer groups must operate in harmony to avoid duplication and delays.

Jamaica’s strength is the resilience, creativity, and compassion of our people. In the terrible wake of Hurricane Melissa, those qualities will be tested to the fullest extent. I am confident that if we work together, we can overcome this challenge.

The Opposition stands ready to work side by side with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure that recovery efforts are swift, transparent, and equitable. Let us show the world that when Jamaica faces adversity, we respond as one nation, one people, with one purpose: to rebuild stronger and better than before.

Mark J. Golding, is the leader of the opposition. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com