Remarks of United Nations RC Dennis Zulu On the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative

I extend our heartfelt solidarity and unwavering support to the people and Government of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. 

This devastating hurricane has impacted the lives of many, and we stand with you as you face these challenging times.

Amid the videos of disaster, we are also seeing images of young people, families and communities supporting each other and running to the aid of their most vulnerable neighbours. In this regard, we are truly seeing the spirit of Jamaica alive at this difficult time.

Already, our UN team has been working tirelessly to support the Government's efforts to address the immediate needs of individuals and communities affected by this grave calamity. We are also diligently re-developing and implementing a new UN Response and Recovery Plan to amplify your ongoing efforts. All this, in complement to the already $2.5 Million USD mobilized through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

Mr. Prime Minister, I have activated the local United Nations Emergency Task Team and with its leadership and the support of experts from the Disaster Assessment and Coordination team in the Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN team is actively working within the various coordination mechanisms and entities charged with the overall Hurricane Beryl response. Additionally, I have also convened meetings with the international development partners to enhance collaboration and information sharing among ourselves.

Colleagues, Honourable Prime Minister, our collaboration includes ongoing dialogue with your Office, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and the Humanitarian Assistance Committee. The United Nations remain guided by the Government of Jamaica as we navigate our response and pivot towards recovery.

One thing is sure – the national machinery and response to Hurricane Beryl, while dynamic and complex is coherent, coordinated and strong. I say this not for applause, but to offer a glimmer of hope and comfort to those most in need. Help has come and help is on the way.

With your permission, Honourable Prime Minister, allow me to highlight some of the work that the United Nations is doing through its agencies to assist the people and Government of Jamaica in responding to and recovering from the effects of Hurricane Beryl.

World Food Programme (WFP)

The programme of work being implemented by the United Nations World Food Programme aligns with government priorities and focuses on food security, guided by government-led assessments. The target is to provide cash transfers to assist some 18,000 individuals or 6,000 households) in the most affected southern and central parishes.

Cash distribution is expected to commence in the coming weeks, funded by a multi-donor pool including contributions from the United States, Canada, The UK, and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility of up to $3 million USD. This is in addition to the funds being made available through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

Following a request from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), WFP has procured and contributed thirty generators to support the Government of Jamaica's ongoing emergency response. These generators enable resilience and power backup for critical services in the event of future shocks. Additionally, warehouse infrastructure, including a forklift and pallet jacks, will be procured based on request from ODPEM.

In response to widespread disruptions to basic services, including electricity and internet, in affected parishes, WFP deployed the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to support internet connectivity services for humanitarian responders and affected populations with satellite backhaul and managed Wi-Fi distribution. The ETC is preparing to deploy connectivity solutions in St. Elizabeth to support critical services for humanitarian response.

UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also supporting critical interventions in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), nutrition, and social protection. Essential items such as water containers, hygiene kits, and tanks are being distributed, and community water points will be rebuilt at ten selected sites. UNICEF is also supporting the Ministry of Health and Wellness in conducting acute malnutrition assessments and providing micronutrients and food packages for children under five and their families, especially those with disabilities, through collaboration with Food for the Poor.

Also, cash transfers targeting families with children under five, children with disabilities, and lactating and pregnant women will be facilitated through the PATH programme. 

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The United Nations, through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will soon begin roof repair work for some 1,500 households and will also improve facilities at three community centres to ensure they are more prepared for future emergencies – in ways that are resilient btu also beneficial to the youth and families that use them most. 

Coordination with MLSS and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is ongoing, and there is an emphasis on expediting interventions, particularly roof repairs, as we approach the peak hurricane season in September. In this work stream, it is important to us that we avoid duplication and harmonize investments. In this regard, the IOM will also convene and coordinate other International-NGOs and humanitarian agencies working in this area.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide financial and technical assistance for the reactivation of a Crisis Coordination platform and provide institutional capacity support to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

In addition to the work highlighted, other parts of the United Nations Country Team in Jamaica, including UN Women, PAHO-WHO, UNESCO, FAO and UNFPA, are also working through various activities to support the people of Jamaica in overcoming the difficulties brought about by the hurricane.

Honourable Prime Minister, as we work to support your government's rebuilding efforts, we are also mindful of the meteorological experts' predictions and are prepared to assist in enhancing resilience against future natural disasters. Your government has invested a lot in building more resilient infrastructure, and you Honourable Prime Minster, have also contributed much to fighting for Small Islands Development States. As such, as Jamaica rebuilds, the United Nations will stand with you and your people.

We are deeply committed to supporting Jamaica through these challenging times and beyond. We stand ready to continue our collaborative efforts to rebuild and recover, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all Jamaicans. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and together, we will work towards a positive and resilient recovery. 

Together, we will rebuild Jamaica stronger and more resilient.

Thank you.

Note: As prepared for delivery. Differences may exist in the final presentation.