Questions for the Jamaican Government › restartinjamaica.com

After Hurricane Melissa

Heavy Disclaimer: Before I begin, I’m aware some of you are very sensitive when it comes to the topic of your favorite government officials and what the government should and shouldn’t do for the people they govern. To be clear, I’m not going to educate you on what the job of a government is, you can do that yourself if you truly care to learn.

As we look at the devastation Hurricane Melissa has left behind, many Jamaicans are asking the hard but necessary questions. The storm has exposed not only the strength of nature, but the weaknesses in our systems — issues that cannot be ignored if we want true recovery and resilience. This isn’t just the opinion or assumptions of a few people, these are things experienced and seen first hand by many and it’s only the beginning.

The Questions

Customs Fees to Send or Receive Relief Supplies?
In a national emergency, families abroad should not have to pay high customs duties to send food, clothing, generators, or basic supplies to their loved ones. It feels wrong — and many are asking, why hasn’t the government implemented a longer suspension of customs fees on essential items during this recovery period?
A temporary customs fee reduction or waiver would allow more goods to flow into the country, helping communities get back on their feet faster without unnecessary financial strain. If people want to help, the system should make it easier. So far, they’ve offered a mere 30 days, which isn’t enough time for some to fill a small barrel to send to their loved ones. The shipping alone from the UK can take weeks.

Taxpayer money directed toward real recovery — the clean-up, rebuilding, and relief efforts?
Jamaicans pay taxes with the belief that in moments like this, their contributions will be used to rebuild what’s broken.
So why are communities waiting on volunteers and private donors for things like clearing roads, fixing drains, or removing debris?
If taxpayers are funding the government, their money can go directly to recovery — not to bureaucratic delays or administrative costs. This is the moment for transparency: where exactly is the disaster budget, and how quickly can it be released to help the people?

Why are gullies and drainage systems still blocked?
Every hurricane season we hear the same thing — “clean the gullies” — yet after every major storm, entire neighborhoods flood because the drainage systems were not cleared in time, if at all.
And let’s be honest: it’s not all plastic bottles and trash. It’s trees, sand, soil, and debris that have built up over years. These are structural and environmental management failures, not just public littering issues.
We need answers and accountability from every local authority responsible for public works and maintenance. The people deserve to know why preventive action wasn’t taken before the storm hit.

A long-term resilience plan?
It’s not enough to repair roofs and power lines. Jamaica needs a clear, actionable disaster-preparedness and climate resilience strategy — one that includes proper drainage systems, transparent spending, and real support for affected families.
Our people are resilient, but resilience shouldn’t mean surviving neglect. It should mean building smarter, stronger, and fairer systems that actually protect us.

A Call for Accountability and Hope

This isn’t about politics — it’s about people.
The government, the private sector, and citizens must come together to build a Jamaica that learns from every storm. Asking questions isn’t rebellion; it’s responsibility. The people of Jamaica deserve answers, transparency, and respect for their endurance.