Anderson praises diaspora mobilisation for hurricane relief

In the wake of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Retired) Antony Anderson, has praised the response of the Jamaican diaspora to the appeal for assistance to the island.

Speaking at a press briefing last Friday at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, Anderson said the response by the Jamaican diaspora has been overwhelming.

“I have received several calls for health missions to go to Jamaica as the diaspora rallied quickly and ramped up support for Jamaica. This is not confined only to individuals but charitable organisations also who have also ramped up their outreach,” he said.

Pointing out that with each passing day the needs in Jamaica grow, the ambassador pointed out that this is the time for the diaspora, friends of Jamaica and others to band together to assist the country.

He said that several governments, multi-lateral organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), congressional and state representatives have reached out, seeking to lend their assistance.

Anderson said the US government has already sent four helicopters to Jamaica to assist. He said another four helicopters from the US government will also be travelling to Jamaica.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Anderson noted that search and rescue teams from Virginia and California were already in Jamaica assisting and pointed out that they would be doing an assessment in conjunction with the Jamaican Government and would report back to the US Department of State as to the needs that the US can assist with.

The ambassador said the need for skilled volunteers is there and the Jamaican embassy would be establishing a database for volunteers in order to better direct where they can best make a contribution.

He assured that the rescue operation will morph into rebuilding.

Several Jamaican Diaspora organisations have set up drop off locations for people wishing to donate to the island.

A number of Jamaican non-profit organisations in the US have also set up how people can make financial contributions to the rebuilding efforts.

Some organisations have combined their efforts to better serve the cause of Jamaica at this time.

Jamaicans Abroad Supporting Jamaicans At Home (JAH JAH) Foundation has joined forces with the Organization of International Development (OID) to raise funds as well as secure supplies to send to the island.

However, the diaspora relief efforts are not confined only to non-profit organisations. Several Jamaican companies in the US have also launched assistance efforts.

Caribbean Foods Delight, through the Vincent HoSang Family Foundation, has already raised some US$20,000 which is being used to assist affected residents.

The Foundation said in a news release that funds raised would be used to provide hardware vouchers for building and repaid supplies, grocery vouchers for essential food items and direct cash assistance for urgent personal needs.

In additional to financial support, the foundation is also accepting donations of non-perishable goods for distribution.

“Our mission is to provide swift and structures supplies to victims,” the foundation said.

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery is also using its stores across the US to collect funds for distribution to hurricane victims.

Golden Krust is hoping to raise some US$250,000 to assist victims.

The Jamaican Consulate in New York has set up a drop-off location at its facility where people wishing to donate can do so.

Donors can also purchase needed goods through amazon.com and the items will be sent directly to the Jamaican Consulate offices.

Over in California, several Jamaican organisations have come together to work to assist the island.

The organisations were seeking to raise some US$500,000 that would be used to support a medical project that is to be identified.

Several New York City politicians are also using their constituency offices to collect items on behalf of Jamaica.

New York City’s outgoing mayor, Eric Adams, has also appealed to New Yorkers to assist in the Jamaican relief efforts.

In Florida, Jamaica-born businessman Ricky Wade has teamed with American Friends of Jamaica to provide relief support to the island.

Blue Mahoe and GroceryList Jamaica have also teamed up to provide assistance to Jamaicans affected by the hurricane.

Jamaicans overseas can use GroceryList Jamaica to purchase foods from grocery stores in Jamaica and have the items delivered directly to their relatives on the island.

editorial@gleanerjm.com