The Government is pushing back against concerns regarding the spending of money from the hurricane relief fund, saying the system is working as it should.
Government Senator Marlon Morgan says the administration has taken a careful approach to managing donor funds and recovery projects following hurricanes Beryl and Melissa.
Morgan said, &ldquo;There is some $67 billion that the Government has earmarked in relation to support to certain critical sectors &ndash; not least, the Ministry of Health, and the Agriculture Ministry to support our farmers.&rdquo;
He also defended the Government&rsquo;s support of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) saying, &ldquo;Quickly restoring electricity was critical for communities and businesses&rdquo;.
Morgan said the economy is likely to grind to a halt in some parts of the island when there is no electricity, which powers infrastructural&nbsp; facilities across various sectors.&nbsp;
Regarding funds unspent, he insists there is an account of all funds, and said the Government is taking steps to strengthen transparency and public trust.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is not that the money was not reported to the Ministry of Finance&hellip; It is sitting in the coffers of ODPEM. It is the case where an appropriately requisite committee, that is to direct the audit of the Disaster Relief Fund, be undertaken. It is important for the donor community to be assured that whatever they pour into Jamaica, to support their Jamaican brothers and sisters, are utilised for purposes as intended.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

Latest Audit Sharpens Focus on Disaster Spending