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JAM | Nov 27, 2025

MLSS refutes claims of partisan distribution of relief supplies

Toriann Ellis

Toriann Ellis / Our Today

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The offices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Kingston. (Photo: pripsjamaica.com)

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is refuting publications which has been circulating, claiming that the ministry has been distributing relief supplies along partisan lines.

The publication displays an image of a branded MLSS vehicle stocked with supplies, accompanied by a narration that accuses the ministry’s staff of supplying food to supporters of the JLP in Westmoreland.

The ministry says it unequivocally rejects this misleading and damaging statement as untrue.

“It is to be noted that the relief operations are coordinated and scheduled to reach all individuals and families impacted by the recent hurricane in a fair and equitable manner. Communities in Westmoreland have been placed in seven distribution zones, each of which has been served weekly on scheduled days since the passage of the hurricane,” the ministry said in a statement.

It is reported that as of November 26, the ministry and its partners have distributed over 84,000 food and hygiene kits, with 41 per cent of these being distributed across Westmoreland.

The ministry has since informed that relief efforts are conducted with the highest consideration for the dignity and well-being of the citizens served, “free from political or other biases”.

The MLSS expressed that the statements now being circulated have placed its teams at risk of victimisation and harassment. “The ministry therefore calls on all members to act responsibly and to avoid statements that could harm public servants executing their jobs with integrity and compassion.”

Tags
food Hurricane Melissa hygiene kits Ministry of Labour and Social Security partisan lines relief supplies Westmoreland

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