Commentary

The increasing costs of natural disasters

ACCORDING TO THE lead story in yesterday's Gleaner, pre-liminary estimates of Hurricane Dennis' damage has amounted to $1.9 billion.

A price tag for Hurricane Emily's damage has not been determined, however. While the Government will have to find millions to pay for the damage, Jamaicans are paying in other ways they can barely afford.

The lead story in today's STAR is one demonstration of some of the unexpected costs associated with the destruction caused by the hurricane.

THE STAR reported that taxis and buses which used the gorge prior to the hurricanes are now charging extra fares to travel the alternate route.

The story stated that the fare moved from $60 to $120 and after Hurricane Emily, it moved to $150. Commuters journeying even further to Ocho Rios, St. Ann, are now paying $300 when they usually paid $150 or $200.

The damage at the gorge has seen an increase in the fuel costs of taxis and mini buses, as the alternate route is quite long. This has led to them charging extra fare to mitigate the costs. However they have been acting un-reasonably.

They must recognise that their passengers have also been affected by the hurricanes. Many of them barely have enough money to repair their homes much less to pay these exorbitant fares. They need to realise that it is illegal for them to institute a fare-hike, and while their commuters have obliged and paid the increase, they should not abuse it.