MPs, councillors allocated funds to stave off Chikungunya

Jamaican Members of  Parliament and Councillors have each been allocated J$2 million and J$600,000 respectively, as part of the national effort to battle the Chikingunya virus.

Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, advised MPs of  the allocation during a special meeting at Jamaica House on Tuesday morning. The meeting was called to provide an update on the national plan to deal with the Chikungunya outbreak as well as to prepare for the possible arrival of Ebola in Jamaica.

Mrs. Simpson Miller said a number of issues were taken into consideration, with emphasis to be placed on controlling mosquito breeding sites.

"We have to weigh what is happening in the country, in terms of how we are able control the thing (Chikungunya)... and my concern right now is the control and how we can destroy the mosquito (breeding) sites," she stressed. 

Ebola, travel ban

The Prime Minister also revealed that a travel protocol has been issued, for Government officials in respect of overseas travel. They will simply not be allowed to travel countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, she declared.

That has drawn the full backing of Opposition MP Karl Samuda.

"Absolutely appropriate!" he declared in support, adding that the country should "utilise our representatives abroad, and our ministers' station should be in Jamaica at this time, not travelling all over the world."

He declared that "every measure that would prevent the likelihood of Ebola hitting our shore must be taken, regardless of any other consideration."