Prime Minister Holness Takes Christmas Treats to Hurricane-Affected Communities in Western Jamaica
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) hosted its annual Christmas treats for children and senior citizens in hurricane-affected communities, as part of a deliberate effort to bring hope, light, and happiness to citizens during the festive season.
Traditionally hosted at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness explained that the decision was taken to relocate the treats to Western Jamaica in recognition of the significant hardship experienced by several parishes following the hurricane.
“We are usually confined to Kingston, and we usually treat the children in Kingston. This year, because of the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, where at least six parishes experienced significant damage, we decided that we would use the resources of the OPM and host those treats that we normally do in Kingston, and bring them here to where it really matters, and where people really need the assistance,” Dr. Holness said while addressing the children’s Christmas treat in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth.
The Prime Minister added that directives had been issued to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to follow a similar approach by prioritizing outreach in communities most affected by the hurricane.
Dr. Holness also underscored the importance of national solidarity during the Christmas season, urging sensitivity in celebrations.
“We had said to the MDAs that the normal Christmas parties that they would keep should be scaled down in recognition and respect of the persons who are now experiencing dislocation, hurt and trauma. As one family and as one country, half cannot be happy and the other half sad,” the Prime Minister said.
He continued:
“The Government must set the example that those who are not impacted should focus on and support those who have been affected.”
Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation to the corporate partners and other sponsors whose support made the initiative possible, noting that toys and gifts were distributed to children as part of the treats.
Sponsors included Scotiabank, Barita Investments, Restaurants of Jamaica, Restaurants Associates Limited, Huawei, Honey Bun, Purity, Pan Jamaica, Wisynco, GraceKennedy, Lasco Distributors, Coldfield Manufacturing, the Jamaica Stock Exchange, Jamaica Broilers Group, JMMB Group, CB Foods, COK, Lifespan Distribution Limited, the National Water Commission, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the HEART NSTA Trust, the National Identification and Registration Authority, Tax Administration Jamaica, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
Following the engagement in Middle Quarters, the Prime Minister also travelled to Petersfield High School in Westmoreland, which was operating as one of the shelters. There, the Christmas treat extended not only to senior citizens of the community but also to other persons residing at the shelter, ensuring that the celebration reached those most in need.
The Government of Jamaica remains committed to ensuring that the Christmas season brings comfort, unity, and encouragement to citizens as recovery efforts continue.