Preliminary Damage Caused by Hurricane Dennis in Jamaica Reckoned at $2 Billion

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has estimated the damage caused by Hurricane Dennis at just under $2 billion, Minister of Information Senator Burchell Whiteman told yesterday´s post-cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

Mr. Whiteman said that the figure was contained in a statement of assessment on Hurricane Dennis sent by the PIOJ to Prime Minister P. J. Patterson.

He said that the report puts the estimated damage at $1.98 billion, including $1.1 billion in infrastructure. However, he pointed out that this was a preliminary figure and a further assessment has to be made.

Mr. Whiteman told reporters that a decision was still to be made on the areas that would need immediate assistance, but said more information would be made available this week.