PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson will give an update on the damage done to the island by almost two weeks of heavy rains when he addresses the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House today.
Mr. Patterson is also expected to outline what the Government will be doing to assist those who have been severely affected, particularly farmers whose crops were flooded or washed away, and how damaged infrastructure including roads and bridges will be dealt with, according to a release from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
This follows a meeting at Jamaica House on Saturday, where representatives from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Transport and Works and Social Security met to discuss the damage and dislocation caused by the flood rains.
Today, the Ministers will present a comprehensive report to Cabinet on health, agriculture, infrastructure and relief assistance.
Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, said that over 5,000 kilometres of roadway, including Parish Council and farm roads have been damaged. The estimates of damage are still being compiled, the JIS said.
Agriculture Minister, Roger Clarke, said crop damage and livestock costs were estimated at more than $500 million, excluding sugar and bananas. Information Minister, Colin Campbell, also told reporters last week that at least 11 of the 14 parishes suffered heavy damage.
Nine persons also lost their lives as a result of the flood rains and up to Friday, more than 100 persons were still in shelters in Clarendon and Manchester - two of the worst hit parishes.
