Prime Minister Andrew Holness is in St Elizabeth touring sections of the parish which have been badly hit by Hurricane Beryl.

Holness is accompanied by Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West Floyd Green, who is also the country’s agriculture minister. 

According to Information Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, the prime minister was advised of the extent of the setback faced by residents of the parish and moved to visit as soon as possible.

“Prime Minister Holness was briefed on the situation in sections of the parish. Scores of roofs were destroyed and major investment in crops lost. Families have also been displaced. Prime Minister Holness understands that this was a devastating event for some families wanted to see the damage first hand and reassure residents of the Government’s support as soon as possible,” Morris Dixon said. 

The information minister says Holness and his administration will be examining assistance that may be brought to affected people as quickly as possible. Scores of roofs were blown off and crops devastated in the parish on Wednesday which is known to be a driving force for the island’s crucial agriculture sector. 

Reports reaching Observer Online are that Flagaman, Great Bay, Treasure Beach, Bluntas, Newell, Newcombevalley and Barbary Hall are among the areas worst affected in the parish.

Houses and crops were also destroyed in Mountainside, Parottee, Vineyard, Arlington, Black River, Galleon, Shewsbury, Middlequarters and Holland Bamboo.

Prior to heading to St Elizabeth, the prime minister also observed damage caused by Beryl in sections of Clarendon.

Minister Morris Dixon says it is expected that the prime minister will tour several areas affected by Beryl.