Portland residents get Hurricane Beryl grants

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Wednesday handed over grants to 70 Portland residents to assist with the reconstruction of their houses that were damaged by Hurricane Beryl. 

Residents who suffered minor damage got cheques valued at $50,000, with $150,000 being given to those with severe damage.

Grants valued at $200,000 were provided to homeowners who had total loss.

Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, in delivering his address, urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the grants are used for their intended purpose.

"We are here today because of you, even though Portland did not get the worse hit, Portland has at least 10 houses that were destroyed," commented Charles Jr. 

He added, "And so the question is what are you going to do with this cheque. I am receiving from the re-building Jamaica initiative? Am I going to buy some rum or clothes or things that you don't really need right now? Or am I gonna take that money and purchase board and ply, hurricane straps, or some cement to build the foundation?

"Today, we have all of 70 families who will receive support from the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative. We have made a commitment to you in Portland, firstly Jamaica, and we are fulfilling that commitment. Use the cheques wisely. You will not be able to collect a cheque and go buy things, and then go to your MP [Member of Parliament] to collect another cheque to build the house. It won't work because we are collaborating,” he warned.

Earlier, West Portland MP, Daryl Vaz, along with East Portland MP, Ann-Marie Vaz, who spoke by telephone, commended the Ministry, in particular Charles Jr, for what they described as the quick response in providing grants to those ravaged by the hurricane in July.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Port Antonio, Paul Thompson, also urged the beneficiaries to use the money for reconstruction purposes, while pointing out that the biggest investment that one can make outside of serving God, is to have a place call home.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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