Jamaica 4-H Clubs Seeking Support for RYEEP Participants Affected by Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs is seeking support on behalf of participants in the 2024/25 Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) Builder, who were impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Acting Manager of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs Business and Entrepreneurship Development Unit, Odean Bernard, disclosed that an assessment of participants’ losses has been completed.

The findings were drawn from a survey in which participants advised the organisation of the damage they sustained and outlined what measures could be taken to replenish their enterprises.

Mr. Bernard stated that the information provided has been verified by the organisation’s parish managers. A comprehensive report has since been compiled and submitted to stakeholders in order to secure the support and resources required by the participants.

“We haven’t received any concrete response as yet but we’re still in dialogue with some of our stakeholders to see how best they can assist and how many of [the participants] they can assist based on [the] level of need and support,” he told JIS News.

Mr. Bernard added that the participants were also informed of the support available through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, provided via the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).

“From the [RYEEP] programme, they would have been formalised and in a better position to be [eligible] to receive inputs and support. So, we would have put them on to RADA and the other agricultural agencies to see how best they could assist until we get our footing,” the Acting Manager explained.

Similar to the RYEEP participants, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs is also seeking assistance for schools, particularly in the parishes that were significantly devastated by the Category Five hurricane.

Mr. Bernard indicated that the organisation conducted its own assessment and verification, and that the report was provided to loyal stakeholders.

“We would have received a few commitments, and we are just waiting on the field services team to work out the logistics of distribution, [which] will be done on a needs basis,” he further disclosed.

Mr. Bernard pointed out that the majority of the schools, including some in eastern parishes affected by the hurricane, primarily require redevelopment of their gardens.

He emphasised the benefits of the school gardens, noting that “it is a way for [the students] to apply what they have learned through a practical plot”.

“Some may not have a plot at home to apply what they have learned but they have one at school to reinforce and implement those best practices,” the Acting Manager stated.

Mr. Bernard further explained that the produce from the gardens can be used within the school, whether in the kitchen or to generate income, which helps to build the characteristics of a young farmer, entrepreneur and overall business person.

Meanwhile, he extended an invitation to local and international stakeholders to partner with the Jamaica 4-H Clubs in implementing agricultural projects.