More Help for Haitian Refugees

Haitian refugees in Portland continue to receive assistance, with Pepsi Cola Jamaica Limited being the latest to donate 450 cases of soft drinks. The presentation, which was made on March 4, is valued at approximately $250,000. Other corporate groups have already made donations, including the Jamaica Broilers Group and the Jamaica Biscuit Company.

The drinks will be distributed to the three centres where the refugees are housed – Winifred’s Rest Home in Fairy Hill, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Portland Rehabilitation Centre in Port Antonio.

Making the presentation, Dave Lee, District Manager for the Eastern Region, said Pepsi Cola was delighted to be able to contribute to the refugees.

He noted that the company was very sympathetic to the plight of the refugees and the Haitian population in general, adding that not only would the donation help to satisfy the needs of the refugees, but would also serve to indicate the solidarity and support felt by the Jamaican people for the Haitians.

Accepting on behalf of the refugees, Faye Neufville, Co-ordinator of the Portland Disaster Committee, thanked Pepsi Cola for the donation. He said the refugees “will thoroughly enjoy them”.

Mrs. Neufville said the gesture would help to make the refugees feel more at home, and noted that the hospitality displayed by the Jamaican people in response to the refugees, “is a practical demonstration that this is still a loving and compassionate nation”.