Jamaica halts Highway tolls to aid acceleration of Beryl recovery

Jamaica: The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is advising that the imposition of the toll on the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 will be deferred to August 17, due to the existing conditions caused by Hurricane Beryl.

This is against the background of the devastation and dislocation that has been caused by Hurricane Beryl and affords some breathing space for the motoring public in assisting their recovery.

Previously, in March, Prime Minister Andrew Holness had included a further extension of the toll-free period to July 1st, but the recent hurricane made it necessary for a further extension. The Government of Jamaica would like to ensure that focus is on recovery and relief works in those areas affected.

The government is offering support so that resources and attention can be focused on these communities in the southern parishes which have been hit hardest by the hurricane.

“We are very much aware of the magnitude of challenges that residents are dealing with post Hurricane Beryl. We are deferring the new toll to support the ongoing relief effort and to take pressure off those affected,” said Prime Minister Holness.

Prime Minister Holness further indicated that the National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC) would continue monitoring the situation closely and advise accordingly.

It is proactive in approach: All measures are taken to support recovery and to tackle immediately any emerging problems. The highway section under the May Pen to Williamsfield category of Highway 2000 represents a critical link in transportation.

In fact, deferring the toll on the highway is to ensure balancing development through infrastructure and managing disaster. Through the postponement of the toll, the government intends to reduce further stress on the affected communities and support a recovery process that will be more effective.

Additional information will continue to be made available to the public by the NROCC and OPM, to update regarding the implementation of the toll as well as the ongoing recovery efforts in the regions affected.