Gov’t establishes disaster fund website

A website has been established through which the Government will coordinate donations towards and provide information on Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Beryl recovery and relief efforts.

The portal, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday, can be accessed at www.disasterfund.opm.gov.jm.

He provided details on the facility during the launch of the ‘Building a Better Jamaica Fund’ at Jamaica House, to be administered by the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation.

Holness said the website will serve as the Government’s centralised source of information and statistics on the impact of Hurricane Beryl, as well as for accepting donations from persons who want to support the national relief efforts.

“Anyone, locally or overseas, with a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card can go on the site and make a donation. One of the reasons we established this official portal is to provide assurance to persons who want [to make contributions] that their donations are going to the right place and will be put to good use,” he said, while urging individuals and organisations to ensure that “you go to the correct website – disasterfund.opm.gov.jm”.

The Prime Minister indicated that persons preferring to donate via bank transfers may use the account numbers on the website to do so directly to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

“They have an established account, and the details for that account are on the website,” Holness further informed.

The Building a Better Jamaica Fund was established to support the country’s Hurricane Beryl relief efforts.

The fund will facilitate contributions, with the goal of raising $300 million to assist communities impacted during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3 to recover and rebuild.

An initial $20 million has been pledged by NCB, which will match donations received, up to $150 million.

Persons wishing to donate via bank transfers may do so at :

JMD –NCB Mandeville Branch, A/c # 501556815, or USD –NCB 1-7 Knutsford Boulevard Branch, A/c #354658984. Switch Code/BIC:JNCBJMKX. The donation period runs from July 5 to July 31, 2024.

Holness extended gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to NCB Financial Group Chairman, Michael Lee-Chin, and the NCB Foundation for their vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to the country’s recovery efforts through the Fund’s establishment.

He also commended other stakeholders and international organisations who are assisting and have indicated their willingness to support the national cause, while encouraging others to consider doing likewise.

Hurricane Beryl, which is the earliest category five cyclone on record during the Atlantic hurricane season, wreaked havoc on Jamaica and several other countries in the Caribbean, as well as Mexico and sections of the United States.

- JIS News

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.