THEY SAID …

Yes, the advent of a hurricane and the attendant preparation represent a loss to businesses and Jamaica on a whole, but it’s a small price to pay for what could have been a massive loss.

– Former PSOJ President William Mahfood affirming the importance of preparation after Jamaica was spared from Hurricane Matthew

Jamaica must, and we are repaying our debt. The consequence of this is that there are no resources available to make the kinds of public investment that can stimulate economic activity.

– Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressing the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Rev, since they said this thing start with me, I’m giving up myself so that it must end with me.

– Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke’s reported expression of remorse to Reverend Al Miller for the events of the 2010 Tivoli incursion

When you have politicians taking over the role of, and sidelining, disastermanagement professionals, then they had better be prepared to do it properly.

– Dr Barbara Carby, raising concerns about the input of politicians in the preparations for Hurricane Matthew

The main priority for the authorities now is to get food supply quickly as a short-term response to the people. They need water and they need food items, because there have been over 10,000 people sheltered.

– Lieut Leandre Roliams, a Haitian national living in Jamaica, pleading for help for Haitians after Haiti was ravaged by Hurricane Matthew

I will not comment on the deaths at Victoria Jubilee Hospital until an investigation into the matter has been completed.

– Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton responding to claims by the Opposition that more than four babies have died at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital