ODPEM moves to Office of the Prime Minister to strengthen relief efforts

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been reassigned under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to enhance logistical coordination with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The reassignment takes effect immediately.

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the move on Tuesday during a ministerial address in the House of Representatives, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency in disaster response.

“ODPEM is the central agency for the government’s disaster response. They work with all critical agencies in government, the private sector, international aid organizations, and multiple governments,” Holness said. “However, the response to Hurricane Melissa will require significant logistical experience.”

The Prime Minister noted that the JDF is already providing logistical support to ODPEM and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, particularly in areas where communities are isolated or difficult to access.

“Given the nature of response needed for current relief efforts and the upcoming reconstruction, it’s important that ODPEM operate with even greater levels of collaboration,” Holness said.

He added that the realignment “establishes a virtually single point for emergency logistics and further tightens coordination with relief partners. It’s all about speed.”

The new arrangement is expected to accelerate the delivery of relief supplies to the most affected communities and help restore normalcy more quickly.