Minister: Hurricane relief fund report vindicates PM's decisions

Minister of State for Land and Settlements, Robert Montague, declared that the Auditor General's report on unspent hurricane relief funds "vindicated the Prime Minister’s wise decision." He addressed criticism over the slow disbursement of donations for Hurricane Melissa during the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

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As you go through the report, it has not said any funds are missing or misappropriated. The spend has been slow, that’s true because we are following other processes and navigating unchartered waters. But the hard-earned donations of Jamaicans, foreigners, agencies, companies, and partners are all accounted for. All of Jamaica should take a bow!

The government had faced public backlash after an audit revealed that only $26.2 million, or 1.8 percent of the $1.44 billion in donations received by February 23, 2026, had been spent by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Montague, however, presented a different interpretation of the findings on June 9.

"As you go through the report, it has not said any funds are missing or misappropriated. The spend has been slow, that’s true because we are following other processes and navigating unchartered waters," Montague stated. He emphasized that all donations are accounted for, praising Jamaicans and international partners for their contributions. "All of Jamaica should take a bow!" he exclaimed.

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Prime Minister, congratulations, once again, you have demonstrated the type of leadership that continues to make Jamaicans proud. Big up yourself mi boss

Montague highlighted that the audit not only examined spending but also identified weaknesses in government procedures. He assured the public that the Prime Minister is implementing recommendations to strengthen these areas. "The report is good for Jamaica," he insisted, noting it demonstrates the government's ability to account for donated funds and guides other organizations toward accountability.

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The country can be assured that our Prime Minister has already moved to implement the recommendations, strengthen the weaknesses and close the gaps. The report is good for Jamaica. It shows that the government can account for donated money. It helped our organisations, charities and institutions who also received funds, lighting the way to accountability