Objection to $75m for rebuilding churches

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I write with a heavy yet hopeful heart in the wake of the devastating hurricane that has tested our nation. I understand the impulse to support churches as pillars of solace, community, and leadership in times of crisis. However, the proposal by the prime minister to allocate $75 million to church-building projects can’t be supported while many hurricane victims remain in shelters and the broader recovery remains under-resourced.

Immediate needs must come first. Families in shelters require basic shelter, food security, medical care, mental health support, and protection from the elements. Directing funds toward new church buildings diverts crucial resources away from the urgent safeguards that restore lives and dignity.

Recovery must serve all affected citizens — regardless of religious affiliation. Public funds for religious infrastructure risk creating perceptible or actual exclusion and could undermine the principle of equal protection for all taxpaying residents.

Building projects carry long timelines and recurring costs (maintenance, utilities, insurance). In a disaster scenario, it is prudent to invest in proven relief channels with transparent oversight, such as temporary housing, rapid housing solutions, relief distribution networks, and programmes that rebuild livelihoods.

Churches, mosques, temples, and other faith-based organisations are essential partners in relief and reconciliation. Rather than earmarking funds for one sector, government support could empower ecumenical networks, NGO partners, and community-based groups to coordinate shelter, trauma counselling, and rebuilding, ensuring accountability and broad access.

Any use of public funds should be subject to rigorous audit, open reporting, and clear outcomes. Public confidence depends on demonstrable results, not good intentions alone.

A constructive path forward could include:

Redirecting the proposed $75 million toward securing temporary housing, clean water, electricity restoration, mental health services, and job-creation programmes for affected residents.

Establishing an independent oversight body to monitor relief and rebuilding projects, ensuring funds reach those most in need without duplication or leakage. Encouraging interfaith and community collaboration in planning and implementing recovery efforts, so that all faith traditions — without privileging one — contribute to the common good.

Members of Parliament, the prime minister, and responsible ministers should adopt a recovery-first posture that prioritises vulnerable families in shelters, supports sustainable rebuilding, and strengthens social cohesion across our diverse society.

Our nation’s resilience will be measured not by how quickly we raise new walls, but by how swiftly we restore lives, hope, and opportunity for every Jamaican.

REV FR KINGSLEY ASPHALL

Holy Cross Church

Kingston