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The Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) was presented with a cheque for $40 million on September 24, that will go toward the reconstruction effort, following the devastation by Hurricane Ivan just over two weeks ago. This money represents the combined donations of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), National Commercial Bank (NCB), Dehring Bunting & Golding (DB&G), and Victoria Mutual...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, Senator Noel Monteith has emphasised that every effort was being made to improve condition in affected schools, in the shortest possible time, following the damage done by Hurricane Ivan. In a statement to the Senate on September 24, Mr. Monteith said the Ministry recognized that although several schools were...

The inaugural Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence, which was scheduled to take place on October 19, to honour a Jamaican athlete par excellence, has been postponed until early 2005, as a result of the dislocating effects of Hurricane Ivan. The winner should be between the ages of 18 and 30, should have represented the country at a senior level and...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) has begun refurbishing its branch office in Springfield, St. Thomas for re-opening by Monday, September 27. Regional Manager of the SDC, Luther Cummings told JIS News that since damage was done to the roof and parts of the building by Hurricane Ivan about two weeks ago, employees have been operating from another building. He said...

The Ministry of Water and Housing, through its agencies, has been playing a very critical role in Jamaica's reconstruction efforts, following the passage of Hurricane Ivan, Minister Donald Buchanan has said. Speaking with JIS News, the Water and Housing Minister made particular mention of the National Water Commission (NWC), which has already restored water supply to over 80 per cent...

Despite an estimated $90 million damage to schools in Region 4 by Hurricane Ivan about two weeks ago, all 157 schools are back in operation, although to a limited extent in some cases. Approximately six schools across the region still have persons sheltering on their property, but in all six cases the persons are housed in the school cottages. Region...

The Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA) has been playing an instrumental role in the hurricane relief effort mobilising millions of dollars to help persons who suffered losses during the disaster. Regional Coordinator for ADRA, Pastor Claude Brown, told JIS News, that the organisation had committed to assisting 20 shelters in Manchester. "Our pastors were mobilised and were very busy taking...

Minister of Water and Housing, Donald Buchanan, has received a cheque valued at $100 million from Red Stripe and the Diageo Foundation, for the restoration and improvement of potable water supplies to communities most severely affected by Hurricane Ivan. "We will be using these funds particularly in the hurricane-ravaged parishes of Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland," the Minister told JIS...

Health Minister, John Junor has assured that despite the blow dealt to the Health sector by Hurricane Ivan, the entity remained committed to "providing quality health care, even in the face of disasters". Addressing journalists at a press briefing to discuss the sector's recovery, Mr. Junor said initial estimates of damage to the Ministry's facilities were put at $206.58 million,...

A memorial service for Caribbean and American victims of Hurricane Ivan was held last Sunday (Sept. 19) at the Holy Family Episcopal Church in North Miami. The members of the church, which represent some 16 nationalities worldwide, have started a relief fund for victims in Jamaica and Grenada and other areas severely impacted by the recent disaster. Persons willing to...

The High Commission and Agencies of the Jamaican Government in London will collaborate to host a 'Tea Party and Social Jamaican Style' to raise funds for the Hurricane Ivan Relief Fund. This event is set for Friday, October 8, at the Jamaican High Commission in London. Co-ordinator, Angeline Fletcher told JIS News that the event came about last week following...

A shipment of 50,000 pounds of emergency supplies totalling over $100,000 was yesterday (September 23) donated to hurricane victims in Jamaica by Diaego Corporation, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company. The consignment will be delivered to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which will administer and distribute the supplies throughout the island. The shipment consists...