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SCRIPT FOR BULLETIN # 2
Rebuilding Jamaica
September 21, 2004 - MIDDAY
Office of National Reconstruction carrying out assessments
Members of a team under the Office of National Reconstruction are carrying out
assessments of damage to schools and public buildings island wide.
The evaluation will be completed in less than two weeks. Communications Liaison at the ONR, Tracey Hamilton noted that the ONR is still focusing on relief efforts. "We are ensuring that all the victims are made as comfortable as possible. We are still handing out blankets; tarpaulins to cover homes and basic food supplies," Ms. Hamilton explained.
The ONR is urging members of the public in need of assistance to call the Office
of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management at 928-5111-3 or 928-5147.
It should be noted that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security continues
to visit affected parishes to identify persons who need assistance and execute
repairs as soon as possible.
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Dr. Omar Davies to address Parliament
Prime Minister the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson and Minister of Finance and Planning
Dr. Omar Davies will outline major recovery and reconstruction initiatives post
hurricane Ivan in Parliament this afternoon.
Prime Minister Patterson will address price gouging among other issues while Dr. Davies will update the nation on the impact of hurricane Ivan on fiscal targets.
Commerce Minister makes appeal to retailers
The Ministry of Commerce Science and Technology is appealing to retailers to
refrain from exploiting consumers during this difficult period. Reports to the
Ministry indicate that the cost of Kerosene oil pre hurricane Ivan which ranged
from $38 to $43 dolars per litre is now being sold for as much as $100 per litre.
Some retailers are now selling candles, which previously ranged from $6 to $7, for $20 each. Consumers are therefore being urged to be vigilant and to resist paying exorbitant prices and report cases of overcharging and price gouging to the Consumers Affairs Commission.
New Bridge In Boswell Heights
A new bridge will be constructed in Boswell Heights.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works Dr. Fenton Ferguson said the design work is completed and is being reviewed by the National Works Agency.
In respect to the Tangle River main road in St. James, Dr. Ferguson said a detailed study would be conducted on the topography of the land to determine the best construction method.
During the passage of hurricane Ivan a section of the roadway at Tangle River collapsed, covering one house, moving another some 100 meters from its original position and severely damaging the building which houses the Baptist Church and Basic School. The alternate route is through Maroon Town and Vaughnsfield.
Cornwall Regional Hospital in full operation
The Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James is back in full operation and is receiving patients. Public Relations Officer, Clinton Pickering says electricity and water supplies have been fully restored and treatment at the outpatient clinic will begin today. The hospital, which is the chief medical facility in western Jamaica, suffered only minor structural damage.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT
National Solid Waste Management Authority
The National Solid Waste Management Authority is asking person with heavy equipment and specialised collection units to contact the agency at 968-8034 or 960-7558.
The agency aims to increase its capacity to remove accumulated solid waste
from hurricane Ivan. Units required include Front End Loaders, Dump Trucks and
Garbage Compactors.
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Contact: The Public Relations Department
E-mail: pr@jis.gov.jm
Tel: 929-1919
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