Rebuilding Jamaica Stronger with the Launch of Building Jamaica Better Fund; Hurricane Beryl Relief Coordination Committee
“It is a rough time and for the areas that I have toured, I want to say to the people there, I see your pain. I feel your pain and I’m working as hard as I can to make your recovery as quick and as sustainable as possible.“
– Prime Minister Holness
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In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl across Jamaica, the Government has endorsed the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation’s Building Jamaica Better Fund, while launching the Disaster Fund for the facilitation of donations towards relief and recovery efforts.
Addressing the nation at the launch of the Building Jamaica Better Fund during a press conference on Monday (July 8) at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured residents that help is on the way. He said, “It is a rough time and for the areas that I have toured, I want to say to the people there, I see your pain. I feel your pain and I’m working as hard as I can to make your recovery as quick and as sustainable as possible.”
In commending the NCB Foundation, the Prime Minister said the Build Jamaica Better Fund is a step in a direction towards quick and sustainable recovery.
The NCB Foundation has pledged an initial $20 million towards the Fund and has committed to match every donation made.
At the same time donations can be made to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
To facilitate efficient coordination and transparency, the government has launched a dedicated website, Disasterfund.opm.gov.jm. This platform will serve as a centralized hub for real-time updates on the hurricane’s impact, as well as a secure portal for accepting donations from local and international donors.
Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of ensuring that all contributions are directed towards areas most in need such as Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Southeast Clarendon, the southern end of St Elizabeth, Hanover, and St Thomas.
Reflecting on Jamaica’s resilience in the face of previous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Holness called for a positive outlook.
The Prime Minister stated: “It is all about now a mindset. You may not have electricity, you may not have water, but don’t let that create a mindset of doom and gloom. Let us take a positive attitude. Let us take an attitude of hope, and an attitude of resilience that we will recover from this stronger.”
In the meantime, the Prime Minister extended gratitude to the Honourable Michael Lee Chin and the NCB Foundation for their leadership and generosity: “On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Michael Lee Chin and to the NCB Foundation for their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s recovery.”
For more information on how to donate and support Jamaica’s recovery efforts, please visit disasterfund.opm.gov.jm.