3,300 Cheques Distributed So Far As Part Of Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts
The Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is reporting significant progress in relief distribution efforts, under the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative, two months after Hurricane Beryl brushed sections of southern Jamaica.
Already, the Ministry of Labour says it has distributed thousands of cheques and other essential resources.
Speaking at the recent Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Tuesday (September 10), Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. highlighted that the government allocated J$1 billion to the Ministry for the distribution of grants to individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed. As of Friday, September 6, 2024, the Ministry had completed 13,000 household damage assessments across all 14 parishes. Based on the severity of the damage, affected households have been receiving financial aid as follows:
– Minor damage: A single payment of J$50,000.
– Major damage: A single payment of J$150,000.
– Total destruction: Initial payments of J$200,000, with a follow-up payment of an additional J$200,000 upon verification of proper use of funds for reconstruction.
The Minister reported that so far, 6,670 cheques valued at $594.4 million have been prepared. Of this, 3,300 cheques, totalling J$260.5 million, have been distributed over the past two weeks to assist with home repairs. Approximately 43.8% of the allocated cheques have been successfully distributed, and efforts to deliver assistance across all parishes are ongoing.
Minister Charles Jr. further noted that the top three parishes receiving aid so far are:
– St. Elizabeth with 1,245 cheques valued at J$116.4 million, of which 40.16% (J$46.75 million) has been disbursed.
– Clarendon, which has seen 1,055 cheques printed at J$98.3 million, and the highest disbursement value of J$59.7 million.
– St. Mary, which follows closely behind, with Manchester and Portland also receiving substantial support.
In addition to financial assistance, the Ministry has distributed 14,000 food packages, 3,400 tarpaulins, and 1,700 mattresses to those in need.
Importantly, Minister Charles Jr. also acknowledged and thanked the key partners who have helped to bolster the relief efforts. These partnerships include:
-US$1.4 million provided by the UN World Food Programme to deliver cash grants to some of the worst-affected families, including those with children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Payments will commence this September.
– J$42.75 million from UNICEF, of which J$36.5 million will be directed to families on the PATH program with children aged 0-6 and pregnant/lactating women and J$6.25 million will be allocated to persons with disabilities affected by the hurricane.
Additionally, support was given for the replacement of 250 roofs in the most severely impacted communities through a partnership with Global Empowerment Mission.
While acknowledging the progress, Minister Charles Jr .noted some challenges, including 1,306 households missing TRN information and 3,680 with incomplete data. The Ministry has initiated field verification to address these issues, with social workers visiting homes to collect the necessary information. This process is expected to continue through the end of September.
“The people of Jamaica continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Beryl, but we are committed to ensuring swift and effective relief for all affected citizens. Our team has been working tirelessly to deliver much-needed assistance with the utmost fairness, transparency, and compassion,” emphasized Minister Charles Jr.
The Minister continued: “The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all beneficiaries receive their assistance promptly, and the distribution of cheques in all parishes is ongoing. We invite anyone with questions or concerns to contact our offices or the Ministry’s Customer Contact Centre at 876-922-9000-13.”
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will continue to update the public on relief efforts through its official social media channels.