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Relief Support from South Florida
MIAMI (JIS) Sunday, September 19, 2004
Several Jamaican-based charitable organizations in South Florida
have teamed up with the Jamaica Consulate in Miami, to enable the
effective planning of hurricane relief for Jamaica, in the aftermath
of Hurricane Ivan, which devastated parts of the island last weekend.
At a town hall forum convened by Jamaica's Consul General to the
Southeast USA, Ricardo Allicock on September 15 in Miramar, a critical
needs list to help in the relief effort in Jamaica was also distributed
to the South Florida community.
Meanwhile, the Consul General continues to appeal for monetary
donations, which can be made to any Wachovia Bank (Account Number
- 2000023606489 - Jamaica Hurricane Ivan Relief Fund).
In an effort to co-ordinate relief efforts effectively, Mr. Allicock
encouraged persons to work directly with the Consulate office. Several
collection points have already been identified throughout Dade and
Broward counties and information regarding these will be easily
accessible through the media, websites, community associations and
a support network system of volunteers.
While some are engaged in the collection of material items, several
organizations as well as individuals are willing to make monetary
donations.
A number of schools throughout the community have also begun their
individual ongoing collection efforts, to meet the needs of their
peers in Jamaican schools that were affected.
The Consul General expressed appreciation to several international
and local corporations, which have already expressed a desire to
engage in their own relief efforts to assist in the island's recovery
programme. In the same light, he commended the Jamaican associations
and individuals who are willingly responding in this time of great
need.
In an update on recovery efforts taking place in the country, Mr.
Allicock noted that while some areas were badly hit, others were
on the mend.
Shelters were opened across the island to accommodate persons who
had lost their homes to the hurricane.
He indicated that the tourist industry was being restored, with
most hotels on the north coast in operation.
Regarding public utilities and communication, Mr. Allicock noted
that these have been restored in many areas. He mentioned that the
agricultural and livestock industries experienced significant losses.
Also attending the meeting were Air Jamaica's Senior Vice President,
and Regional Director of Community Relations, Will Rogers and Richard
Lue, respectively; the Jamaica Tourist Board's (JTB) Executive Director,
Paul Pennycooke and the JTB's Deputy Director, USA, Donnie Dawson.
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