Holness wants resilience embedded in society

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a stronger, more disaster-resilient Jamaica by implementing a multi-sectoral approach to crisis preparedness.

Speaking recently at the National Commercial Bank (NCB)-hosted event, The Hurricane Beryl: Building a Better Jamaica Fund - National Tribute to Partnership and Recovery, Holness said the Government is making strategic investments to safeguard the country's future, with a focus on fiscal security, community education, and institutional reform.

"Resilience must never be seen as a one-time event," Holness stressed. "It is a long-term investment rooted in good governance, modern legal frameworks, institutional reform, and local capacity-building."

He noted that Jamaica's location in the Atlantic hurricane belt, combined with rising sea levels, economic instability, and health-related threats, makes the island particularly vulnerable. To better respond to these risks, Holness said the Government has integrated buffers and insurance tools into its fiscal framework, allowing for faster, more effective responses when disasters strike.

"These fiscal safeguards are not just abstract policies; they will help Jamaica rebound faster from environmental and economic shocks," he stated.

He said that by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, communities can significantly reduce the risk of damage and loss of life during environmental crises.

He urged citizens to think about preparedness at the household level and not rely solely on national response efforts.

"Resilience must begin where people live, work and worship. That is why we are scaling up efforts in public education, community engagement and early warning systems, ensuring that every Jamaican is informed, equipped, and empowered to act locally in the face of a national disaster," Holness said.