Opposition Leader Mark Golding visited Westmoreland on Friday (October 31) to get a first-hand look at the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on Jamaica’s south-western coast earlier this week.

Golding was joined upon landing in Westmoreland by MPs Ian Hayles and Dr Dayton Campbell for an aerial assessment of the widespread damage across east, central and west Westmoreland.

The team also visited several of the hardest-hit communities, including Darliston and Whitehouse, where the hurricane first made landfall, as well as Friendship and Grange Hill.

The opposition leader met with residents whose homes and livelihoods were affected, listened to their concerns, and discussed urgent recovery needs with the MPs and residents. He commended first responders and volunteers who continue to assist those displaced or in distress, emphasising that national recovery must be a unified, transparent and people-centred effort.

“The level of devastation across Westmoreland is heartbreaking,” Golding said. “It is vital that relief efforts reach every community quickly and fairly. The Opposition stands ready to work with all partners to ensure Jamaicans get the help they desperately need.”

The delegation also caught up with Nathan Bates, founder and director of operations for Medic Corps, which has been supporting local emergency response efforts in affected areas.

WATCH:

Today, I visited Westmoreland to see the devastation from Hurricane Melissa and got a 1st hand look at Darliston, Whitehouse, Friendship, and Grange Hill.
MPs Ian Hayles and Dr. @DaytonCampbell joined me as we made a stop in each of their constituencies to speak with residents… pic.twitter.com/7vRYDJAebe

— Mark J. Golding (@MarkJGolding) October 31, 2025