JSIF Donates Emergency Supplies to ODPEM

Approximately $4 million worth of emergency shelter supplies were donated Wednesday (July 7) to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at ODPEM office, Haining Road, in Kingston, the agency’s Director General, Ronald Jackson, noted that the supplies will go a far way in meeting its needs.
“What we are receiving here from JSIF is equipment and resources that will be deployed in establishing an emergency shelter, as well as responding to the needs of communities that are dislocated or affected by these events,” Mr. Jackson said.
He revealed that ODPEM recently acquired from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), resources to replace what was dispatched to Haiti to help in their recovery efforts.
“But, this contribution will also put us in a position to be better equipped to respond to the needs of the country. So, I just want to say, on behalf of our organisation, thanks to JSIF and to the World Bank for the immense support provided between 2008 and the present,” Mr. Jackson said.
Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSIF, Patricia Sutherland, noted that ODPEM and JSIF have formed a formidable partnership to facilitate continued improvement in Jamaica.
“It’s our pleasure ODPEM, to work with you and we look forward to much more because you are one of our premier institutions in Jamaica,” Mrs. Sutherland said.
The equipment included 30 portable battery operated radios, 30 cellular phones, 60 first aid kits, 30 knapsacks, 60 flashlights, 30 lanterns, 60 raincoats, 60 water boots, 30 plastic sheeting, 60 tarpaulins, a chainsaw and one quick erect shelter.
The supplies were provided through the Emergency Recovery Project, which is funded through a loan of US$10 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and executed by JSIF.