Residents of St Ann and Trelawny receive grants to rebuild

More than 70 beneficiaries from St Ann and Trelawny have received financial assistance to restore their homes, which were damaged by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.  

Under the Rebuild Jamaica initiative, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the affected men and women were provided with grants ranging from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on the extent of the damage to their properties.  

“It is not by coincidence that we're able to provide $1 billion for this Ministry alone to provide you with cheques – $50,000 if it's minor damage, $150,000 for severe damage, and $400,000 if you have total damage,” said Portfolio Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr. 

He was addressing the handover ceremony, held at the Ministry's St. Ann Parish Office on Thursday, September 5. 

The Minister pointed out that nearly 10 homes were completely destroyed across the two parishes, with approximately 500 assessments conducted. 

“So, in addition to the cheques that you will receive, some of you who are among the worst impacted and are vulnerable, will receive an additional cash grant in two weeks from the World Food Programme, which is one of our partners,” he outlined. 

The event follows similar efforts in other parishes to include Kingston, St Catherine, Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth. 

The Minister said the Government is committed to helping residents rebuild after the challenges brought on by Hurricane Beryl. 

For resident of Trelawny, Moses Wilson, his house and belongings were destroyed by a fallen ackee tree during the hurricane.  

With the financial aid he received, Wilson noted that he will be able to rebuild his house, for which the foundation has already been laid.  

“When I saw all [the damage], a whole heap of things ran through my mind, but I just held confidence and asked God to help me. So, I give thanks. They (Government) are helping other people like me and even those worse off,” Wilson said. 

Dorrette DaCosta from Free Hill, St Ann, recalled the terrifying night when sections of her roof were torn off during the hurricane. She said that despite the damage, she was thankful that her family was safe.  

DaCosta said that the Government's efforts are to be commended and hopes that the funds will be used wisely by all who received them. 

“I want to thank the Prime Minister and the Member of Parliament and all the people that work and come and visit us to see the problem that we are into. They really did the work that could help us today,” she said. 

- JIS News

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