The Opposition is calling on the Government to reopen the self reporting form for the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) programme.

The ROOFS programme closed on February 28, and according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, over 98,000 people applied for benefits.

The ROOFS programme is a targeted disaster recovery initiative designed to provide financial assistance to home owners and occupants whose primary residences were damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

Beneficiaries can receive grants of up to $500, 000.

Speaking during a People’s National Party press conference yesterday, Member of Parliament for South St. James, Nekeisha Burchell urged the Government to extend the programme.

She called for provision of clear guidelines for public engagement with members of parliament, so more people can benefit.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Mark Golding indicated that the ROOFS programme has failed to reach many in desperate need, who were unaware of its existence.