Portland residents get Beryl grants

Port Antonio, Portland:

Seventy-four Portland residents on Wednesday received grants from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to assist with the reconstruction of their homes as part of the Government’s Rebuild Jamaica initiative, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July.

The beneficiaries comprised individuals and families from communities in East and West Portland, who suffered minor damage, were severely damaged, or whose homes were totally destroyed during the hurricane.

Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, in delivering his address on Wednesday at hotel Tim Bamboo, urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the grants are used for their designated and intended purpose, which he said entails the reconstruction of their homes, instead of undertaking other personal issues including rum drinking and purchasing new hairstyles.

“We are here today because of you. Even though Portland did not get the worst hit, Portland has at least 10 houses that were destroyed, “said Charles. “And so the question is, what are you going to do with this cheque I am receiving from the Rebuild Jamaica initiative? Am I going to buy some rum or clothes or things that you don’t really need right now? Or am I going to take that money and purchase board and ply, hurricane straps, or some cement to build the foundation?

“Those decisions must come from you understanding your responsibility. Today, we have all of 70 families that will receive support from the Rebuild Jamaica initiative. And there are hundreds more in Portland that will receive cheques in the short term. We have made a commitment to you in Portland, and we are fulfilling that commitment. Use the cheques wisely. You will not be able to collect a cheque from Minister Charles, 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 here, “Charles added.

The grants range from $50,000 for those who received minor damage to $150,000 for those who received severe damage and $200,000 for those suffering total devastation.

Earlier, West Portland MP Daryl Vaz, along with East Portland MP Annmarie Vaz, who spoke by telephone, commended the ministry, and in particular Charles, for what they described as the quick response in providing grants to those ravaged by the hurricane that struck the island on July 3.

In the meantime, 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 could make outside of serving God is to have a place called home with a roof over one’s head.