LITTLE LONDON, Westmoreland — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has signaled that his Administration is prepared to aggressively counter what he describes as deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining the country’s Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Speaking on Friday at the official opening of the newly built Little London Police Station, Holness said a growing “culture of deliberate mischief” has taken root in the public sphere, with some individuals intentionally spreading falsehoods to mislead citizens and sow division.
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“If there is one thing you can say about me, I’m not afraid of anyone,” Holness said. “All who want to talk, make memes—go on. I will go with you toe to toe. Every piece of nonsense you talk, I will respond to it. I will not allow lies to take hold.”
Holness declared that the Government will fight back against those who distort facts for political gain.
“Man come out with foolishness, I respond: ‘Nothing nuh go so.’ And as many memes as they can make, I can make too—so it’s going to be war,” he said. “We cannot allow the people who peddle nonsense and tell lies to win.”
The prime minister said combating misinformation is now a crucial part of the national recovery strategy. He urged Jamaicans to maintain a positive outlook while the country rebuilds.
“It is not just managing the disaster—it is managing the false information,” he explained. “Much false information distracts people when we need to have a positive mindset for recovery.”
Opposition Criticism
The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) and several residents in western Jamaica have accused the Government of partisan and sluggish distribution of relief supplies. They have argued that elected representatives should oversee the recovery process instead of ministers.
Holness dismissed these critiques, calling attempts to politicize relief distribution “disgusting.”
He announced that the Government will soon shift from delivering food packages to issuing coupons or cards that will allow affected residents to purchase items directly.
Defense of New Police Station Opening
Addressing questions about why the Government would open a new police station amid recovery efforts, Holness said the project was long-planned and unrelated to Hurricane Melissa.
“This police station was conceptualized in 2017 through a partnership between the NHT and the Government,” he said, noting the station supports two major housing developments in the Little London area.
Holness emphasized that recovery and development must continue simultaneously.
