KINGSTON, Jamaica – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called on the Jamaica government to develop a transparent and people involved programme aimed at rebuilding the west of the island following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa when it slammed into the country last October causing 45 deaths and damage estimated at more than US$9.9 billion.
PNP and Oppositin Leader, Mark Golding addressing the People’s National Party (PNP) conference on Sunday (CMC Photo)PNP and Opposition Leader Mark Golding addressing the public session of the PNP’s 88th anniversary conference in Westmoreland, south of here on Sunday, told supporters that 11 months following the passage of the category 5 hurricane, people in the western section of the island are still awaiting a number of basic services.
“I want to outline a recovery roadmap for Western Jamaica. Firstly, Jamaica needs a public reconstruction dashboard showing every damaged school, health facility, road and public building, the money allocated, the contractor who is responsible and the deadline for completion,” Golding said.
“The people must be able to see where the money is going and whether work is being done for the money,” he said, recalling that in November last year, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced plans for a dashboard.
“ Well, we are still waiting 10 months later and no dashboard is there. Secondly, we need a properly funded recovery facility for farmers, for fisher folk and for small businesses. Assistance must reach the people quickly and on reasonable terms so they can replace equipment, restore production, rehire workers, restock businesses and start earning again.
“Thirdly, we need accelerated settlement of legitimate insurance claims. People who pay their premiums should not be waiting indefinitely to receive their insurance money. Where delay becomes unreasonable, the regulators, the government and if necessary Parliament must act. Act”.
Golding said said reconstruction must make the west stronger than it was before, more resilient roofing, more resilient public buildings, better drainage, stronger electricity and water systems and construction standards fit for a country that is exposed to more powerful storms than ever before.
“And…we need a special land titling and adjudication of title programme in disaster affected communities. Families cannot rebuild securely without the peace of mind of owning the land where their home is built. And throughout this recovery, the people must be respected and given a seat at the table. It is the people who are affected by the decisions that impact their lives.”
Golding said that reconstruction cannot be designed in the capital, Kingston, and announced in the west, saying community organisations, churches, farmers, business operators, local representatives must be involved in setting priorities and monitoring delivery.
“ It must be shaped with the people who live right here in the west. That is a recovery roadmap for Western Jamaica. Rebuild with transparency, reject political victimisation, restore livelihoods, revive the economy, strengthen infrastructure, secure land ownership and leave no community behind.”
Golding, who led the party into the September 2025 general election that saw the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) win a third consecutive term by a 34 to 29 seat margin, told supporters he remains committed to the task of making Jamaica a much “better place for all Jamaicans.
“As a leader, it is not the status and trappings of office that keep me going. Those things are really a distraction. And if you indulge in them, you will inevitably succumb to arrogance and a deluded belief in the quality of your own performance.
“Deluded belief in the quality of your own performance. I am here now because I know Jamaica can do better. And I have the skills, the experience and most importantly, the caring heart to lead this country forward to a better place,” Golding said, recalling the words of former prime minister and PNP leader, Michael Manley that a leader must walk humbly with the people, listen, learn and understand the reality of what needs to be done from the people.
“He knew where we were going and so do I. What has happened in the west reflects a wider national problem. Too many Jamaicans are left to struggle alone against the raging tide of high prices, unreliable public services, insecure housing, inadequate healthcare and an economy in which work does not deliver a better life for so many people who are working.”
Golding said Jamaica does not lack talent.
“We do not lack hardworking people. We do not lack good ideas. What we lack is governance and policies that put the people first. My vision, my vision for Jamaica is anchored in the core principles of the People’s National Party. Our policies must always seek to benefit the majority of the people.
“That is what putting people first really means. We pursue social justice because we know that the way things are is not how they are meant to be and better must come because positive change is not beyond us. “
Golding said that is why PNP when n office had created the National Housing Trust and the National Health Fund to provide and passed laws to eliminate bastardy so that everyone is equal and lawful and to guarantee maternity leave and equal pay for women.
“It is why we created the PATH programme to provide a safety net for the people who need it and it is why we under my guidance decriminalised ganja to end a century of oppression and created a new lawful industry in medical and therapeutic cannabis that should be open to all whether you’re big or you’re small,” Golding told supporters.
