State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, has mounted a strong defence of the proposed National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Act, arguing that Jamaica urgently needs a coordinated, accountable framework to drive post-disaster recovery.

Making his contribution in Parliament, Seiveright said the legislation is designed to bring speed, structure and transparency to rebuilding efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, which he described as one of the most catastrophic events in the country’s history.

The Bill proposes the establishment of NaRRA as a central body to oversee and manage reconstruction, a move that has drawn criticism from the Opposition. However, Seiveright dismissed many of the concerns, insisting they do not stand up to a careful reading of the legislation.

“We know the criticism, and this is democracy at work, but much of what is being said does not really stand up to a careful reading of the Bill as it now exists,” he said. “When you move past the speculation and examine the text, what you find is not recklessness—you find structure, discipline and accountability built into law.”

He pointed to several provisions within the Bill that he said ensure strong governance, including clear coordination mechanisms, Cabinet oversight, robust audit and reporting requirements, a public register for transparency, and streamlined approval processes with built-in safeguards.

Describing the legislation as a response to extraordinary circumstances, Seiveright stressed that the country cannot afford delays in recovery.

“Madam Speaker, this Bill is grounded in a moment of extreme national urgency,” he said, warning that many countries have faltered in post-disaster recovery due to poor coordination, bureaucratic gridlock and weak oversight.

“This is not unchecked power. This is organised, accountable urgency,” he added, emphasising that NaRRA would be time-bound, transparent and focused on delivery.

Seiveright also underscored the scale of the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, noting that the storm inflicted an estimated US$12.2 billion in damage—equivalent to more than half of Jamaica’s gross domestic product.

According to the minister, approximately 215,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, some 600 schools were impacted, and key infrastructure—including health facilities, major roadways, drainage systems and utilities—was severely compromised.

He argued that the magnitude of the crisis demands a legislative response of equal weight.

“This is not routine legislation,” Seiveright said. “It is among the most consequential pieces of legislation this Parliament has been asked to consider in the modern era of Jamaica’s development.”