Bunting Accuses Gov’t of Partisan Disbursement of Beryl Relief

PNP caretaker for South Manchester, Senator Peter Bunting, is questioning whether the Hurricane Beryl relief support is reaching those who suffered real damage from the storm.

He raised the matter at the South East St. Elizabeth candidate presentation conference in Junction on Sunday.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security reported on the weekend that 82 per cent of households confirmed to have suffered damage from Hurricane Beryl have received reconstruction cheques. 

But according to Senator Bunting, his checks on the ground don’t support that claim.

In a statement last week, the Ministry of Social Security outlined that over $600 million in Hurricane Beryl relief have been delivered under the Rebuild Jamaica initiative.  

It said 6,828 cheques valued at $608 million have been delivered to beneficiaries in all parishes as at October 15. The highest delivery rate in Westmoreland at 94 per cent, followed by St. Catherine and St. James at 92 per cent each. 

Additionally, the ministry said it was in the process of delivering an additional 2,200 cheques valued at $200 million through the parish offices and community locations in several parishes.

And preparations were underway to start disbursing the second-tranche payments to householders whose houses were totally destroyed.

But Senator Bunting has suggested that the distribution of relief is being done on a partisan basis.

Senator Peter Bunting, PNP caretaker for South Manchester.