Jamaicans in Florida Updated on Recovery Effort

The Jamaican Consulate in Miami on Wednesday (Aug. 22) convened a meeting of nationals in South Florida in response to concerns about the welfare of Jamaicans in the wake of Hurricane Dean.
The meeting, which was chaired by Consul General, Ricardo Allicock and held at the Christway Baptist Church in Miramar, discussed relief efforts for the victims of the hurricane and provided an update on the situation in the country.
Even as the Consulate awaits a formal report of damage across the island, Mr. Allicock briefly outlined the critical needs at this time, which include basic construction material, non-perishable food items, sheets/blankets, sleeping bags, first-aid kits, toiletries, flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radios, water purification devices and infant-related items.
Meanwhile, the Consul General continued the appeal for monetary donations in the form of money orders, which should be made out to the Jamaica Consulate Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund, 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609, Miami 33131.
Marlon Hill, member of the Diaspora advisory board for the Southern United States, indicated that several drop off points for relief supplies have already been identified throughout Dade and Broward counties. He said that while some persons are willing to make monetary donations, others are engaged in collecting material items.
He expressed appreciation to the many volunteers and interested persons and groups across the Diaspora, indicating that several organizations had already indicated a desire to engage in their own relief effort to assist in the island’s recovery process. Giving an update on the recovery effort taking place in the country, Mr. Allicock noted that while some areas were badly hit, others are on the mend, although the island was spared the worst effects of the hurricane.
Shelters were opened across the island to accommodate persons, whose homes were damaged or destroyed during the hurricane.
Regarding public utilities, communication, and roads, Mr. Allicock noted that some areas still remain without power and telephone communication, while roadways are being cleared of debris and fallen trees.
Air Jamaica’s Community Relations Manager in Miami, Kay Chong, gave a brief report on the operations of the airline as it resumed daily service, informing that the island’s two major airports in Kingston and Montego Bay, are fully functional.