Grants Totalling Over $13m Distributed in St. Mary Under ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ Initiative

More than $13 million in grants has been distributed to Hurricane Beryl victims under the Government’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ initiative in St. Mary, benefiting more than 100 families.

The presentations were made to the beneficiaries during the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ tour at the Anglican Church Hall in Port Maria on September 6, which marked the final leg of this engagement.

Speaking during the event, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., underscored that the $1-billion initiative is predicated on more than just infrastructure recovery.

“Rebuild Jamaica is not just talking about rebuilding the four walls and the roof; we’re talking about rebuilding the sense of purpose and unity in this nation, where we continue to take care of each other, even when there is no disaster,” he said.

Minister Charles maintained that the Government is committed to supporting Jamaicans in “bouncing back better” following Hurricane Beryl, while lauding the fact that the country is now in a position to develop initiatives like ‘Rebuild Jamaica’.

“It’s important for us as a Government, not just to acknowledge the challenges that you have faced but to acknowledge that we have placed ourselves, as a nation, in a position to provide resolution to you,” he pointed out.

Noting that more than 1,850 assessments were done across St. Mary, the Minister said the category-four weather system, which passed just south of Jamaica on July 3, had a significant impact on households and livelihoods in the parish.

He, therefore, urged the recipients to make good use of the cash grants, emphasising that, “we are expecting that, as Jamaicans, this is our time to pull together and show that we value each other, we value ourselves, we value our nation and we can hold ourselves accountable”.

Mr. Charles advised that there are monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure the appropriate use of the grants provided.

Through Rebuild Jamaica, grants of $50,000, $150,000 and $400,000 are disbursed to beneficiaries, depending on the level of damage to their home.

Mr. Charles said that for those who receive $400,000, a $200,000 disbursement will first be made, “and our team will be working with you to receive the next $200,000, after we see you apply this [initial] portion”.

“You are a part of this Rebuild Jamaica initiative… you are the most integral part of this team. We are here, in this initiative, encouraging you, supporting you, providing you with the tools and the knowledge, so that when you rebuild you put yourself and your community in a better position,” the Minister emphasised.

In his remarks, State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for St. Mary South Eastern, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, told banana and plantain farmers in the parish, famous for its agricultural outputs, that the Government is working to ensure their recovery.

“You are not alone in this recovery. Your Government stands with you. We are about supporting you. I believe that, together, we will come out of this stronger than before. Let us rebuild with a sense of purpose and pride,” Dr. Dunn said.

‘Rebuild Jamaica’ is supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), 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).