Subject: Urgent Follow-Up Complaint – No Progress on ROOFS Grant Despite Full Submission of Documents, Photos & Videos – Tangle River Point, St. James
Dear Minister / Sir or Madam,
I am writing as a resident of Tangle River Point P.O., St. James, Jamaica, and as Chief of Furry Town Maroons, to formally complain about the severe and ongoing delay in receiving assistance under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
My home was totally demolished (or suffered severe damage) by the Category 5 hurricane. For the last six months I have been forced to live in makeshift conditions under tarpaulin or temporary shelter, fully exposed to the elements and at the mercy of mother nature. Our spirits are broken, and we have very limited means to rebuild without government support.
The rest of the community in Tangle River Point and surrounding areas also continue to suffer greatly. Many households remain in the same desperate situation, still waiting for meaningful relief.
I have already provided all respective documents, photos, and videos of the extensive damage to the relevant authorities. Despite these submissions, there has been no assessment update, no communication, and no disbursement whatsoever. Meanwhile, the Government has disbursed billions of dollars under the ROOFS programme (including over J$600 million to St. James parish), with grants of up to J$500,000 for severe or total damage cases. Reports indicate that some individuals with little or no damage have already received assistance, which feels deeply unjust for those of us in the worst-hit situations.
The assessment and verification process has been painfully slow and uneven, especially in rural communities like Tangle River Point. Empty promises have left ordinary Jamaican people — particularly the most vulnerable in hard-to-reach Maroon and rural areas — feeling abandoned and forced to fend for ourselves in this time of great need. We are being treated as mere statistics rather than human beings whose lives were completely destroyed by this national disaster.
I respectfully request the following urgent actions:
An immediate review of my submitted documents, photos, and videos, and confirmation of the status of my case.
Prompt processing and disbursement of the appropriate ROOFS grant for severe/total damage for myself and support for other affected households in the community.
Clear written communication within the next 7–10 days on the exact timeline and any additional steps required.
Greater transparency in prioritisation so that households with total destruction and full documentation — including those in Maroon communities — are not continually overlooked.
I remain fully willing to cooperate with any further requirements, provide additional information, or meet assessors at the earliest possible date. My contact details are:
Full Name: Fabian Stennett
Title: Chief of Furry Town Maroons
Address: Tangle River Point P.O., St. James
Parish: St. James
Phone Number: 876-315-2467
Email: fabianstennett@gmail.com
This prolonged hardship has caused immense daily suffering, stress, and loss of dignity for my immediate family and the wider community. With the 2026 hurricane season approaching, the situation is becoming even more critical. I appeal to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Government of Jamaica to act with real urgency and demonstrate care for the welfare of affected citizens, especially in vulnerable Maroon and rural communities.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt response and tangible progress.
Yours sincerely,
Fabian Stennett
Chief of Furry Town Maroons
Date: April 27, 2026
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