As I read The Gleaner’s report on Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s defence of the non-use of donated Hurricane Melissa funds, I am left to conclude that he is deflecting. Referencing the more than $67 billion projected for relief efforts does not address the inefficiency and apparent mismanagement of donated funds.

It is understood that disaster recovery would require more than donations alone, especially given the more than 100,000 households reportedly affected. Naturally, the Government would need to find additional resources. However, the critical question remains: why did people donate in the first place? Many did so because of the urgent and immediate needs of those impacted.

I personally chose to support recovery efforts through an individual distributing supplies directly to affected communities. I did not contribute to the state-run fund, and, in hindsight, I am relieved I did not.