Caron Chung, the executive director of American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), echoed this sentiment through a popular and heavily believed Jamaican proverb that states, “One hand cyaa clap” during a recent handover ceremony for the Hurricane Beryl relief fund. She recalled how many people, organizations, and businesses came together to meet the needs of those affected by the storm in July.
The Food for The Poor (FFP) Jamaica head office in Spanish Town, St Catherine hosted the occasion. The AFJ gave a check for somewhat less than J$121 million to fund relief operations.
- Advertisement -
In the two months since the Category 4 storm plunged a devastating blow to the island’s south coast, Chung noted that much progress had been achieved, drawing on a Jamaican adage emphasizing the value of cooperation in achieving shared objectives.
Chung stated, “When I see the pictures [of the devastation] and I see houses that are now back in order, families can now get back to living in their space, [and] farmers are able to get back to their livelihood, we are doing an enormous and incredible initiative here together.”
She also said that the AFJ is grateful for the strength of its relationships in accomplishing this common objective and how these alliances have improved their ability to serve individuals.
In addition to working with FFP to carry out key projects in the southern parishes, the AFJ teamed up with the NCB Foundation to increase donations in support of relief operations.
A portion of the money earned on the AFJ platform has been donated to the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation, which works to rebuild homes and businesses in the Greater Treasure Beach region.
The BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation received US$150,000 in donations a few weeks after Hurricane Beryl passed, which the NCB Foundation promptly matched, according to Laura Henzell, a former volunteer and director of the organization.
Her words of appreciation for the collaboration included the fact that it made it possible for the charity to get essential building materials and lumber, which allowed them to get to the most affected areas and start rebuilding.
“Eight weeks ago, we had the ambitious dream where we sought to build 500 roofs for those in need because of the devastation of Hurricane Beryl and I’m pleased to report that we have now reached over 400 homes and counting,” Henzell indicated.
She called the tourist, agricultural, and fishing sectors the “economic drivers” of the impacted areas and said that much work remained in aiding the people in their recovery from the calamity.
More than 250 kids from seven primary and early childhood schools received vouchers to help with part of their back-to-school expenditures, she said, while 80 active fishermen received wire to repair fish pots more recently.
A lot of individuals sought shelter during the disaster or remained with their families, according to FFP executive director Kivette Silvera-Stephens.
She mentioned that FFP was working quickly to bring some Portland Cottage and Clarendon residents back in the comfort of their own homes, but that some people were still living in shelters.
She went on to say that the homeowners’ inability to locate property for the reconstruction of their homes was a significant obstacle.
She concluded, “but together, we can make a difference, and … we are asking persons to continue to help … to make a difference in these people’s lives.”
