Consul General Appeals To Canadians For Assistance

Jamaica’s Consul General in Toronto, Seth George Ramocan, has appealed to Canadians for support, in the aftermath of the extensive damage to the island’s infrastructure caused by Tropical Storm Nicole last week.
“One of the issues we face is that, because this was not a hurricane, (is that) we are not allowed to tap into international agencies for assistance, but the damage done is of hurricane proportions,” Mr. Ramocan stated.
He was speaking at a Media Conference at the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto, Canada, on Tuesday (October 5), providing an update on the situation in Jamaica. He showed members of the media photographs of the damage left by the storm.
“So far, the estimated damage stands at about J$14 billion, although damage assessments are still being conducted by various ministries and agencies,” Mr. Ramocan disclosed.
“We’re looking at significant damage to roadways and water systems. Several communities have been marooned. It is impossible to get to them by roadway and helicopters are taking supplies into those communities. In addition, we are talking about sectors being affected, like education, health, and agriculture,” he explained.
The Consul General appealed to members of the Canadian public for financial contributions to Jamaica.
“At this time, we are not asking for things in kind, because of the logistics of getting the things to the affected persons in time. It is much easier to utilize finances,” he said.
Cheques should be made payable to the Jamaican Consulate General and sent to:
The Jamaican Consulate General303 Eglinton Avenue EastToronto, Ontario M4P1L3.
The words “Tropical Storm Nicole” should be written in the memo section of the cheque.
Mr. Ramocan said the funds will be sent to agencies in Jamaica, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Food for the Poor Jamaica and the Jamaica Red Cross.