Jamaica: Capacity-building project for at-risk communities successful

Ronald Jackson, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has hailed the success of a project aimed at enhancing the capacity of nearly 60 vulnerable communities to manage and mitigate disasters. According to the Jamaica Observer, Jackson feels that Jamaica is now better prepared to face disasters.

Nevertheless, Jackson thinks that investment in disaster management needs to be continued, through infrastructure for instance: "Figures presented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica shows we're tracking on average $14 billion in losses as a result of cyclonic events and over $7 billion to replace infrastructure prior to this year. We will never have enough cots, blankets and food for these persons in vulnerable communities. The reality is we have to smartly and strategically drive down the vulnerability of these persons."