J’cans in US ramp up relief efforts for homeland

NEW YORK:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States has intensified its efforts to support the island’s recovery.

Using a preliminary list of much-needed items and supplies provided by the Office of Disaster Management and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaicans in several states are setting up drop-off points and donating items to ship to the island.

Among the items listed by the ODPEM are portable generators, standby generators, heavy-duty chainsaws, field hospitals, water-storage containers, metal hull rescue boats, solar-powered lanterns, heavy-duty special roofing tarpaulin, and rigid hull inflatable boats equipped with engines and equipment.

The ODPEM is also asking for drip-irrigation hoses, fertiliser, greenhouse metal poles, raincoats, wheelbarrows, vegetable seeds (all types), chicken waterers and feeders, seed planters’ reaping crates, and animal medication, among other things.

Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, has also appealed for generators and house-repair items.

She said that the embassy is working with several organisations, including Samaritan’s Purse out of North Carolina, which has already sent a planeload of supplies to Jamaica.

The ambassador also said that financial contributions can be made to Jamaica’s recovery efforts and that donations should be made through Food For the Poor, the Jamaica Red Cross, and American Friends of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Food For the Poor has already shipped 27 of 53 containers of relief supplies to Jamaica to assist badly affected communities. The supplies include food hygiene items, medical supplies, family emergency kits, non-perishable food items, and other items, according to Miami-based Jamaican attorney Marlon Hill, who is coordinating efforts with the various Jamaican organisations in Florida and working with the Jamaican Consulate in Miami.

Hill said that the items will be donated to southern parishes in Jamaica, which have been most seriously affected by the hurricane.

Miami Consul General Oliver Mair told The Gleaner that an intense relief effort was under way in Florida to assist Jamaica.

“We have already established several drop-off points for the collection of items,” he said, adding that more than 300 volunteers were working with Global Empowerment Mission to pack relief packages and containers to be sent to Jamaica.

Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Northeast Global Diaspora Council Member, said that she was working with Jamaica’s consul general to New York, Alsion Wilson, and Jamaican organisations to coordinate relief efforts. They are in the process of identifying drop-off points for relief goods and finalising arrangements with a number of churches to organise fundraising efforts.

Pointing out that a final list of the priority needs is still to be shared with the diaspora, Tulloch-Neil said that the focus is on the parishes that have been most badly impacted.

She said that teams of contractors and other volunteers are being mobilised to assist in reconstruction efforts.

At the same time, the Lorraine J. Smith Foundation has donated J$1 million to stage a back-to-school fair in St Elizabeth, the parish hardest hit. The event will provide essential back-to-school supplies, medical check-ups, and mental-health sessions for affected children and families.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl has placed an immense burden on families in St Elizabeth,” noted Peter Gracey, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative for Southern USA.

“This back-to-school fair is a testament to our commitment to restoring hope and rebuilding futures for the children. We are deeply grateful to the Lorraine J. Smith Foundation, This is Jamaica, and Sunshine Women’s Medical Center for their unwavering support and generous contributions,” he added.

“The Lorraine J. Smith Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most. The children of St Elizabeth have faced unimaginable hardships due to Hurricane Beryl, and it is our responsibility to help them regain a sense of normalcy. By supporting their education and health, we are investing in their future and the future of Jamaica as a whole,” said Smith.

Nancy Fong, CEO of Sunshine Women’s Medical Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We are honoured to be a part of this crucial initiative. Ensuring the health and well-being of our children is paramount, especially in the aftermath of such a disaster. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical check-ups and mental-health support to help these children start the school year on the right foot,” she said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com