The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) got a failing grade from the Auditor General’s Department for the financial management of funds donated to assist the victims of Hurricane Melissa that devastated western and southern sections of the country on October 28, 2025.

Examining the systems and practices of the ODPEM in relation to the financial management of donated funds, Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis signalled that the relief agency performed poorly in two critical areas and, in a third instance, barely met the criteria in carrying out its mandate.

First, the auditor general said ODPEM did not have a formal agreement to govern the retention of donated funds.