When questions were being circulated about the use of the donated funds, including claims that the money was not accounted for, I understand the concern it created. The Auditor General later confirmed that the funds were present, but that the issue raised was about the timing and approach to spending, not that the money was missing. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane Melissa, Jamaica received a large amount of emergency supplies such as food, generators, tarpaulins, and other relief items. The real challenge was not the availability of supplies, but the logistics of identifying the most vulnerable households and ensuring proper distribution without delays or waste. For that reason, the decision was made to use the donated funds in a structured way that allows for transparency and accountability. This includes rebuilding roofs, supporting housing recovery, and ensuring that resources are directed to clear, visible, and traceable outcomes for our people. The goal has always been to match relief needs efficiently while ensuring that support reaches those who truly need it most, especially during the emergency and recovery phases.(Andrew Holness)