Welcome, readers! This week, we delve into the highlights and critical points covered in the recent Local Governance and Community Development live forum. In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, communities in Clarendon are uniting for recovery, with essential support from local authorities and organizations. Let’s break down the key discussions and takeaways from this impactful forum.
Key Discussions and Insights
The Mayor’s Perspective
Mayor Joel Williams shared the immediate actions taken by the Municipal Corporation in response to the hurricane. He outlined the steps to assess and address the damage, emphasizing the importance of having a well-prepared emergency operations centre and the role of community engagement in these post-hurricane recovery efforts.
"We must educate our community on how to build resilient structures, even when they can't afford formal construction," he stressed, highlighting the need for using hurricane straps and other reinforcements in informal settings.
The Role of JPS in Post-Hurricane Recovery
Winsome Callum, Director of Corporate Communications at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), elaborated on the extensive damage to the electrical infrastructure. She provided a detailed overview of the steps JPS is taking to restore power, including collaborating with linemen from neighbouring Caribbean countries:
"JPS has linemen from Belize, Guyana, and Cayman Islands working alongside our team to expedite restoration efforts."
She also shared valuable safety tips for residents:
Stay away from fallen poles and broken power lines.
Avoid unauthorized attempts to reconnect power lines.
Ensure homes are ready to receive power by checking for loose service wires and potential water damage.
Agricultural Impact and Post-Hurricane Recovery
Wayne Reid from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) discussed the severe impact on local agriculture, from wind damage to flooding. He stressed the importance of Disaster Risk Management training for farmers and shared initiatives to support crop and livestock farmers in rebuilding their enterprises during post-hurricane recovery.
Reid encouraged farmers to stay informed and connected with RADA's network through their local officers and provided contact information:
Clarendon Parish Office: 876-986-2123-4
Mobile Line (WhatsApp): 876-484-6046
Wayne Reid’s Contact: 876-384-2075
Community Support and Practical Measures for Post-Hurricane Recovery
Winsome Callum reiterated the need for patience and proactive safety measures during the post-hurricane recovery period.
Mayor Joel Williams and the panel stressed the critical role of mutual support among residents:
Share accurate information about recovery efforts.
Assist neighbours in understanding safe building practices.
Encourage community-based initiatives to address immediate needs.
Viewer Engagement and Resources
Throughout the forum, viewers were actively engaged, sharing insights and asking pertinent questions:
Councillors Trevor Gordon and Mario Mitchell highlighted the communities in their respective divisions that were still without electricity, emphasizing the importance of clear communication about restoration timelines.
Practical safety tips were shared to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth post-hurricane recovery process.
For more information and regular updates, residents can access:
JPS’s Website: www.jpsco.com
JPS’s Customer Service: 888-225-5577 (FLOW) or 888-935-5577 (Digicel)
RADA’s Email: clarendon@rada.gov.jm
Clarendon Municipal Corporation: 986-2216 / 986-2234
Final Thoughts and Moving Forward
As we navigate the post-hurricane recovery phase, it is vital to remain informed and support one another. The discussions and strategies highlighted in this forum provide a roadmap for building back stronger and more resilient communities.
Together, let’s continue to stay informed, empowered, and united in our efforts to rebuild better and stronger. Thank you for being a part of this essential conversation.
Missed the live forum? Watch the full replay here
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