Jamaican Government rejects declaring areas disaster zones

The government has rejected a recommendation by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to declare sections of the island disaster zones.



The ODEPM had recommended that some areas in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Kingston and St Andrew be declared disaster zones.



The move by the ODEPM followed the damage during the passage of Tropical Depression 16 which later developed into Tropical Storm Nicole.



However, the director general of the ODPEM, Ronald Jackson, says the Government has decided against declaring the suggested areas disaster zones.



Instead, Jackson says alternative means will be pursued to address the needs of communities.



In order for an area to be declared a disaster zone, the recommendation must first be accepted by the Cabinet and then gazetted.