Hurricane threat triggers bipartisan collaboration

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Saturday | August 18, 2007

The Government and the Opposition have agreed to establish a bipartisan committee to monitor and coordinate disaster response measures, if the country is severely affected by Hurricane Dean.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, in a telephone conversation yesterday, pledged to work together in the interest of Jamaicans, as Hurricane Dean moves ominously close to the island.

Speaking at an emergency press conference yesterday at JLP headquarters on Belmont Road, St. Andrew, Mr. Golding said at this time the country should set aside political differences and campaign activities.

Both political parties have cancelled all campaigns and political meetings.

Concentrate on recovery efforts

He said politicians should work together to help Jamaicans prepare themselves to face the threat and to concentrate on recovery efforts if the disaster strikes.

"We appeal to all Jamaicans not to take this threat lightly, we hope that this hurricane will change course and we pray for that, but we must prepare for the worst," he said.

He urged community-based organisations to work with their communities to minimise the possible effects of the impending hurricane.

"We call on individuals, citizens and families to take the necessary precaution to protect their families, to protect their homes and we ask them to pay special attention to the children and the elderly," he said.

The JLP leader also encouraged the authorities to ensure that adequate bedding and food supplies are available for persons in shelters.

mitigate the potential damage

At the same time Mr. Golding said that telephone lines have been established at the JLP's headquarters for members of the public to highlight steps that could be taken now to mitigate the potential damage that might result from the hurricane.

He said persons affected by the system could also call the numbers if they are affected. Mr. Golding said the JLP would make contact with the relevant government agency to expedite the delivery of relief supplies. The numbers are 579-3007-12.

In the context of the hurricane threat to Jamaica, Mr. Golding was asked, what in his view would justify the postponement of the August 27 general election.

According to Golding, the Governor-General in consultation with his legal counsel and the Electoral Commission would have to assess the situation and make a decision.

However, he argued that the postponement of the election should only take place under "extraordinary circumstances", where there is widespread dislocation and persons are prevented from going to the polls because of the impact.

He also said that such a decision to postpone an election due to the effects of a hurricane should also enjoy wide public support.