United Church moderator urges transparency on Hurricane Melissa relief spending

Faith leaders are pressing for stronger transparency and independent oversight as the Senate advances legislation linked to the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NORA), amid fresh scrutiny of how Hurricane Melissa donations are being used.

The call gained prominence during the 85th anniversary service at Webster United Church in St. Andrew, where the morning programme featured dance, music and thanksgiving. In his sermon, Dr. Colin Cowan, moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, turned to matters dominating national debate, beginning with recovery from Hurricane Melissa.

“It is going 7 months after Melissa. And the public still does not know the extent of contribution to the national hurricane relief efforts. Nor do we know whether any condition is attached to such contributions,” Cowan said.

He pointed to a recent Auditor General report showing that, up to February 2026, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management had spent only 1.8% of cash donations raised for Hurricane Melissa victims. Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, Opposition Leader Mark Golding and other parliamentarians were among those seated in the congregation as he spoke.

“Worse yet, we are once again approaching the 2026 hurricane season. And the blue roofs abound across affected parishes. I ask, is there an answer as to why less than 2% of hurricane relief funds have been spent notwithstanding the desperate circumstances of many many Jamaicans?” he asked.

Cowan acknowledged that poor communication might partly explain public concern, but stressed that communication is a core duty of leadership and must not be dismissed lightly. Since the report’s release, the government has defended its handling of Melissa relief and argued that the findings underscore the need for NORA.

The church, Cowan said, backs reconstruction, resilience building and administrative efficiency. “Our call, however, is for all of this to be done in a manner that inspires public trust and reflects ethical values of fairness, stewardship, and accountability,” he said. He urged a robust, independent oversight mechanism, transparent procurement and reporting, safeguards against conflict of interest, meaningful consultation with affected communities, clear environmental protections and equitable support for vulnerable groups.