Major Relief Shipment from Florida

A major shipment of 16,181 kilograms (40,000 pounds) of emergency relief items was sent off to Jamaica yesterday (September 13) from Florida, as relief efforts get underway, following the passage of Hurricane Ivan.
This is the initial release of some 45,454 kilograms (100,000 pounds) of much needed materials by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programme to assist in the island’s reconstruction efforts.
The shipment, which left the Miami International Airport by a special Air Jamaica flight, included large quantities of rubber boats and motors, water purification containers, tarpaulins and plastic sheeting to be used in the relief efforts being undertaken by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeast USA, Ricardo Allicock, expressed appreciation for the much needed items.
Witnessing the cargo take-off were Air Jamaica’s Regional Sales Manager, Richard Lue; Public Relations Co-ordinator, Tamika Bell; Cargo Director, Orville Hart and the Consul General.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Consulate in Miami has launched an appeal for monetary donations through the co-ordinated effort of the Wachovia Bank.
The Consul General has advised that conditions in Jamaica are being assessed at present. Announcements for further appeals will be made on receipt of a formal report by the Government.