‘Rebuild Jamaica’ Beneficiaries Grateful for Cash Assistance from Government

Kemar Evans is closer to reuniting with his children under one roof after receiving grant assistance towards the restoration of his home under the Government’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative.

The St. Mary resident’s house suffered significant damage during the July 3 hurricane, and his children have been staying with relatives since then.

“The house was completely down… it was a disturbing look,” he tells JIS News during the handover of more than $13 million in grants to residents of the parish, at the Anglican Church Hall in Port Maria on September 6.

Mr. Evans points out that currently, his own temporary living arrangements are “not very suitable” and when he found out that he would be among the more than 100 beneficiaries of the ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative in St. Mary, he was elated.

“I was feeling so excited and I said at least the Government recognises us and we’re getting good help. I am very, very grateful for this. I am so proud of what the Minister is doing right here,” the elated father says.

On being apart from his two daughters and his son, Mr. Evans tells JIS News that “It is affecting me in many ways. They call every minute and ask when they can come home.”

He notes that he has acquired a job since the hurricane and this, along with the grant from the Government, will help him get back on his feet.

“Out of the bad, comes a good,” he says.

In St. Thomas, more than 100 beneficiaries received cash grants under the $1-billion Rebuild Jamaica initiative.

Among them is Nashay Clarke of Ramble district, whose house was “totally destroyed”.

“Apparently Hurricane Beryl came high and I live on top of a hill so I got all of it. The house collapsed with me inside,” Ms. Clarke tells JIS News in relating the terrifying experience.

She says that although she was not significantly hurt, suffering “just a few scars and small bruises”, the event was traumatic.

Expressing gratitude for the $400,000 assistance from the Government, she says “I am elated. It’s a good start and as for me, I am going to do what has to be done”.

James Barrett of Golden Valley says the category-four hurricane “affected me very badly because the house blew over and an ackee tree dropped in it and split it up”.

He tells JIS News that his furniture and appliances were destroyed, and he is grateful for the assistance from the Government to help him recover.

“I feel happy. It (the cash grant) will carry me very far. Give thanks to them to help the people survive back again,” Mr. Barrett says.

For two weeks, the Rebuild Jamaica tour delivered cash grants to Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Beryl.

Through the programme, persons whose homes suffered minor damage received grants of $50,000, while those with severe damage received $150,000.

Persons whose homes were completely destroyed received grants of $400,000.

Partners on the initiative include the World Food Programme, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Red Cross, Food For the Poor, Social Development Commission (SDC), and the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA).