Infirmaries said prepared for hurricane season
THE head of the Poor Relief Department says infirmaries across the island are prepared for any adverse weather systems that could affect the island during the current hurricane season.
Speaking with the Jamaica Observer against the background of the island’s close shave with what is now Tropical Storm Earl, Barrington Parsons said the department’s board has been meeting with its staff and parish councils to sensitise them about preparedness and address any areas of concern. He noted also that provisions have been made, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and other State agencies, to ensure the safety of people living on the streets.
In the meantime, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Denzil Thorpe advised that there is no special disaster relief/mitigation allocation for infirmaries in the Government’s allocations to parish councils. He explained that it would be difficult to budget for a disaster such as a hurricane or storm, but that funds are used from the regular provisions to the infirmaries, through the local authorities, and replenished through the central ministry if necessary.
The Government has allocated $666.6 million for poor relief services this fiscal year — up from $637 million in 2015/2016.