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JAMAICANS IN NEW YORK MOBILISED TO ASSIST THE RELIEF EFFORT
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (JIS):
An emergency meeting of Jamaican nationals in New York was convened
at the office of the Consul General in Manhattan last Wednesday
(Sept.15) to mobilize the community's response to the relief effort
in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.
The meeting, which was hosted by Consul General, Dr. Basil K. Bryan,
included leaders of community groups and organizations, members
of the Clergy and alumni associations as well as representatives
of the business community.
Among the officials present were Deputy President for the Borough
of Brooklyn, Yvonne Graham; State Assemblyman, Nick Perry; Una Clarke,
representing the Governor of New York State; Commissioner Guillermo
Linares from the Mayor's office and New York Councilman, Leroy Comrie.
Dr. Bryan welcomed those in attendance and appealed for their assistance
as the country began the recovery process. "It is a part of
our history as Jamaicans to demonstrate generosity at times such
as this, as we share in the dislocation being experienced by our
nationals at home. For this reason, I am confident that we will
rise on this occasion", he stated.
An appeal letter with a list of urgently needed items was circulated
to the meeting. Dr. Bryan informed the gathering, that a Jamaica
Hurricane Ivan Relief Fund 2004, had been established and cheques
and international money orders could be made payable to the fund.
He emphasized that all monies received would be acknowledged with
an official receipt.
A telephone link was made with Ambassador Gordon Shirley in Washington,
who gave a quick overview of the government's relief effort and
pointed out ways in which the Jamaican community in New York could
assist.
Ambassador Shirley also urged the community to extend support to
other Caribbean countries that were affected by the devastating
hurricane.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Linares announced that the city would make
nine firehouses available for use as drop off/collection points.
This will comprise four in Brooklyn, two in Queens and three in
the Bronx.
Mr. Tony King, from the New York office of the Jamaica Tourist
Board, also addressed the meeting and gave a brief update with respect
to the tourism sector, while representatives from Air Jamaica also
updated the meeting on relief efforts by the national carrier.
Air Jamaica will be offering a special fare for persons going to
Jamaica and will be allowing one additional piece of luggage per
person until October 14.
Several shipping companies were identified as drop-off points for
a limited period and they will also be offering free or discounted
rates to assist the country's relief efforts. It was also announced
that a special fee for remittances would be in place for a limited
period.
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