Jamaicans in the UK Mobilised to Provide Relief

The Jamaican community in the United Kingdom has been mobilized to support the relief and rebuilding efforts underway in Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, which severely affected the island.
The Jamaican High Commission in London has established a relief fund and Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica are being encouraged to support the effort. Donations to this fund are already coming in.
The High Commission has monitored the progress of Ivan and the island’s ongoing relief efforts almost non-stop and the mission and the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) office has been receiving hundreds of telephone calls from concerned nationals and well wishers.
The mission and the JIS have been providing up to date information on the developments in island and has disseminated information through the churches, community organizations, and the media.
Several community groups and individuals have already organized special fund raising events and in several regions, the community organizations have offered their premises to serve as storage facilities and collection points for approved donations.
In addition, the Jamaica National Building Society UK office has organized a UK-wide drive to collect donations working with the National Airline, Air Jamaica. Both Jamaica National and National Commercial Bank, through its money transfer agency, Senvia, have reduced their rates for Jamaicans who wish to send money to their relatives and friends at home.
High Commissioner, Maxine Roberts, has thanked the Jamaican community and friends of Jamaica in the UK for the offers of support and assistance in the wake of Hurricane Ivan. The High Commissioner said the many prayers and well wishes were deeply appreciated.