The government is working to secure a sum of US$1 billion to assist the recovery of small and medium sized businesses impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Mahiri Stewart Reports.

Opposition leader, Mark Golding, has called for an urgent rollout of what he describes as a marshall plan for micro, small and medium-sized businesses devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

He made the call during his presentation at the Small Business Association of Jamaica’s Growth and Resilience Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel last Wednesday.

According to Golding, thousands of enterprises across western and central Jamaica remain crippled months after the storm.

Golding argued that with the fiscal rules suspended for this financial year, the government has both the leeway and the responsibility to act decisively.

In response, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill says a plan is already in motion.

He says in short order, the ministry anticipates that at least US$1 billion will be secured to execute the recovery plan for businesses.

Senator Hill says the ministry is acting on the mandate given by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

He noted that a comprehensive marshall plan has been undertaken by the government.