More than 14,000 receive recovery grants

The Government has delivered more than 14,000 recovery grants to households that were affected during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3 last year.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, during the fifth staging of the National Day of Prayer and the 19th staging of the Heal the Family, Heal the Nation annual gathering, at the National Arena in Kingston earlier this week. The annual gathering was held under the theme 'The Hour of Decision' (Joshua 24:1-17). Dr Holness said many Jamaicans have recovered from the effects of the category four hurricane, which impacted the country.

"The past year tested our resilience but it also revealed our strengths in the face of challenges such as the devastating Hurricane Beryl. We witnessed the extraordinary spirit of Jamaicans. Many of you here were your brothers' keepers, many of you here gave from your households to other households who suffered. So, though it tested us, it also revealed our strength, our strength of character, our brotherliness, and our commitment to rebuilding Jamaica," he said.

He pointed out that, notwithstanding the damage caused by the hurricane, the country was spared when compared to the impact of previous weather systems, adding that prayer played a critical role.

"I recall meeting with representatives of the Church just before the hurricane struck and they prayed for us, and my recollection is that the prayer called upon God to spare us. And, even though Beryl was the earliest forming category five hurricane and even though it hit us at about a category four, and though it hit the southern parishes the hardest, when compared to Hurricane Gilbert, it was still a glancing blow," Dr Holness said.

Following the passage of the hurricane, the Government introduced the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help Programme, which aimed at providing immediate assistance to Jamaicans. The major elements of the programme include: the distribution of food and essential supplies; utility, water, electricity and telecommunications restoration; and housing reconstruction and support.