Hurricane Victims In St. Elizabeth Receive Grants

Several persons in St. Elizabeth, whose homes were affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl, have received grants through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Rebuild Jamaica Initiative.

As part of the initiative, emergency grants are being provided to homeowners based on the level of damage sustained.

Homeowners whose properties suffered minor damage will receive grants of up to $50,000, while those with severe damage will receive up to $150,000. Householders whose homes were completely destroyed will receive grants of up to $400,000.

Beneficiaries were presented with their cheques by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., during a ceremony held at the Ministry’s office in Santa Cruz, on Thursday (August 29).

The passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3 resulted in extensive damage to southern parishes, with St. Elizabeth being the worst hit.

In his address, Mr. Charles Jr. urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds for the intended purpose.

“You’re not kids, you’re big, responsible people, and you must be held accountable, and you must hold yourself accountable. We as a country value you, and we call you to this place and expect that you are going to do what is right,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ministry will be monitoring the use of the funds and the disbursement of the grants.

“We have a monitoring mechanism in place to make sure, particularly for those [whose property] is destroyed and damaged, that you get a portion. We watch what you do, and you get the final portion. Regardless of that, you must know how you are going to spend what you receive, and it must be your personal responsibility to ensure that it is put to its proper purpose,” the Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Minister encouraged residents rebuilding their homes to construct more resilient structures to prevent future damage.

Mr. Charles Jr. also implored them to assist those in need in their communities, particularly the elderly.

Also attending the ceremony were Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green; Minister of State in the Ministry and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Eastern, Hon. Franklin Witter; Mayor of Black River, Councillor Richard Solomon and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth North Eastern, Delroy Slowley.