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$36.3 Million to Refurbish Facility for Haitian Refugees

March 16, 2004

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Minister of Land and Environment, Dean Peart, has said it would cost some $36.3 million to refurbish the Montpelier site in St. James, where the Haitian refugees would be accommodated, and to take care of all their needs until July.
He also noted that Cabinet has approved a sum of $6.5 million to be made available to cover the food and medical expenses of the 134 Haitian refugees now in the island.
Giving an update on the Haitian situation at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday (March 15), the Minister pointed out that the Government was currently repairing the facility at Montpelier to house the Haitians, and this should be completed by next week when the Haitians would be relocated.
Minister Peart noted that members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) would provide security for the area.
He said that after the Haitians have returned to their country, the facility would be handed over to the Ministry of National Security, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and Food for the Poor.
The Minister pointed out that the Jamaican business community has been very generous in their contribution to the Haitians, with a notable one being Tankweld Construction Company Limited, which has contributed fencing of the site, roofing of the facility, and has donated a six-burner stove. This contribution was worth some $6.2 million, he noted.
Other companies that have offered assistance are: New Era Homes ($500,000); Magil Construction Limited (electrical work); Can-Cara Development Limited and Wisynco (Plumbing work).
Also making contributions are Petroleum Company of Jamaica (Pet Com), which has offered a 1,000 gallon gas tank and connections for the stove, Grace Kennedy and Company Limited, the Port Authority of Jamaica, among others.
Asked about the facility in St. Mary that was under construction, Minister Peart explained that this was a temporary one.

Last Updated: March 16, 2004

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