Jamaica establishes disaster management committee following Hurricane Beryl

Jamaica has announced the establishment of a disaster risk management review committee (DRMRC) to assess the country’s disaster risk management processes.

Major General Antony Anderson, the former head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, will lead the body. Other members include Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., a leader in geospatial technology; Jonathan Brown, a retired senior public official; and Trudy Deans, a consultant who has been instrumental in initiatives such as the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC).

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the work of the committee will strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness for disasters and ensure that the country is ready to meet future crises, head-on. He noted that given the intensity and frequency of disasters in recent years, the country must stand ready to respond swiftly and effectively to safeguard lives livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.

“The most recent reminder of our vulnerability came with Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Beryl caused significant damage across parishes, affecting thousands of households and leaving many Jamaicans without shelter, water, electricity, and internet connectivity, totaling, I’m sure, over $10 billion in damage,” Holness said. “The resulting impact is sobering and it shows what is at stake for Jamaica if we are hit by a hurricane or any other form of natural disaster,” he pointed out.