“How Do I Share 600 Generators With 150,000 People?” Prime Minister Pushes Back Against Criticism of Relief Distribution

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is pushing back hard against mounting criticism over how hundreds of donated generators are being distributed in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, insisting that the government’s approach is guided by national resilience, not political favour. The storm left tens of thousands without electricity, triggering public frustration over the pace and priority of relief efforts.

Holness, addressing the issue head-on, revealed that Jamaica received roughly 600 generators — a figure dwarfed by the estimated 150,000 affected residents and 42,000 households. “How do I share 600 generators with 150,000 people?” the prime minister asked pointedly, explaining that widespread distribution was simply not feasible. Instead, he said the government is prioritising essential services where a single generator can support multiple communities.

According to Holness, the generators are being allocated to police stations, municipal buildings, hospitals, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Jamaica Defence Force — departments he says are crucial for stability during and after natural disasters. However, he stressed that these agencies must first present a clear operational plan, including how the generators will be managed and replaced once their life cycle ends.

Amid the ongoing debate, Holness urged Jamaicans to move away from politicising relief efforts, arguing that accuracy and fairness are vital as the country recovers. The government also plans to transition from handing out food packages to issuing coupons or cards for residents to purchase necessities more independently. Acknowledging that many local shops remain closed due to lack of power, Holness said additional generators purchased by the state will be loaned to business owners to help them reopen and support their communities.

As recovery efforts continue, all eyes remain on how effectively the government can balance speed, fairness, and transparency while restoring normalcy in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

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