Jamaica: Storm ravaged nation seeks succor from expatriates

With the island still bearing the scars of storm Gustav, the Jamaican government and some private sector entities have appealed to its diaspora to stand by their loved ones back home in hard times. Jamaican Ambassador to the US, Anthony Johnson, has asked the expat community to extend financial aid to assist fast rehabilitation of the country's impaired infrastructure, particularly in the healthcare sector.

“The funds will help to meet the costs of emergency works and relief measures that are being carried out, with emphasis on schools and hospitals.”

Jamaican Ambassador to the US, Anthony Johnson

At a recent gathering of the Jamaican expats in Washington, the ambassador called for contributions to Jamaica's National Disaster Recovery Fund, set up by the government after the tropical storm lashed its territory in late August. The Fund, launched with a $20 million donation from Supreme Ventures Limited, is aimed at providing support to the ongoing relief work.

“The funds will help to meet the costs of emergency works and relief measures that are being carried out, with emphasis on schools and hospitals.” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, the JN Group, the third largest financial institution in the island, and GraceKenney Remittance Service have extended their support by joining the campaign to raise funds from the expatriate population. The JN Group, through its remittance arm, JN Money Transfer Service, would mobilise resources for the Disaster Recovery Fund. It has also decided to open direct accounts for expatriates in the US, Canada, the UK and some other countries and to waive remi t tance fees on contributions sent through these accounts. The funds raised would be handed over to the government for rehabilitation of schools and hospitals.