Relief Support from South Florida

Several Jamaican-based charitable organizations in South Florida have teamed up with the Jamaica Consulate in Miami, to enable the effective planning of hurricane relief for Jamaica, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, which devastated parts of the island last weekend.
At a town hall forum convened by Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeast USA, Ricardo Allicock on September 15 in Miramar, a critical needs list to help in the relief effort in Jamaica was also distributed to the South Florida community.
Meanwhile, the Consul General continues to appeal for monetary donations, which can be made to any Wachovia Bank (Account Number – 2000023606489 – Jamaica Hurricane Ivan Relief Fund).
In an effort to co-ordinate relief efforts effectively, Mr. Allicock encouraged persons to work directly with the Consulate office.
Several collection points have already been identified throughout Dade and Broward counties and information regarding these will be easily accessible through the media, websites, community associations and a support network system of volunteers.
While some are engaged in the collection of material items, several organizations as well as individuals are willing to make monetary donations.
A number of schools throughout the community have also begun their individual ongoing collection efforts, to meet the needs of their peers in Jamaican schools that were affected.
The Consul General expressed appreciation to several international and local corporations, which have already expressed a desire to engage in their own relief efforts to assist in the island’s recovery programme. In the same light, he commended the Jamaican associations and individuals who are willingly responding in this time of great need.
In an update on recovery efforts taking place in the country, Mr. Allicock noted that while some areas were badly hit, others were on the mend.
Shelters were opened across the island to accommodate persons who had lost their homes to the hurricane. He indicated that the tourist industry was being restored, with most hotels on the north coast in operation.
Regarding public utilities and communication, Mr. Allicock noted that these have been restored in many areas. He mentioned that the agricultural and livestock industries experienced significant losses.
Also attending the meeting were Air Jamaica’s Senior Vice President, and Regional Director of Community Relations, Will Rogers and Richard Lue, respectively; the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) Executive Director, Paul Pennycooke and the JTB’s Deputy Director, USA, Donnie Dawson.