The Jamaican Diaspora within the Southern United States has reaffirmed its unwavering help for the island, donating almost US$30,000 (roughly J$4.7 million) to help with catastrophe reduction and group growth.
The official handover occurred on Thursday, April 17, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the place Minister of State Alando Terrelonge obtained the contributions on behalf of the federal government. The donations had been mobilised by the Consulate Common of Jamaica in Miami, led by Consul-Common Oliver Mair.
The majority of the funds was raised throughout the Consulate’s 62nd Independence Church Service, with important help from company companions together with Spirit Airways and the Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman legislation agency. The donation has been earmarked for the Workplace of Catastrophe Preparedness and Emergency Administration (ODPEM) to help restoration efforts following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
Hurricane Beryl, a strong Class 4 storm, impacted Jamaica in early July 2024, bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread harm. The storm primarily affected parishes on the southern and southwestern coasts, with Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and components of Westmoreland bearing the brunt of its power. The system downed energy strains, broken houses, and disrupted important infrastructure, prompting swift emergency responses and long-term rebuilding efforts. Because the hurricane, different teams and organizations within the Jamaican Diaspora, akin to American Friends of Jamaica, have raised funds to help the nation with reduction efforts.
As well as, a separate contribution of US$3,825 (about J$600,000) was offered to the Door Christian Fellowship Church. This donation was collected throughout the 61st Independence Service in 2023 and was formally handed over to Reverend Patrick Anthony Jordan.
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Minister Terrelonge counseled Reverend Jordan on receiving the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, noting his longstanding contributions “within the fields of faith, volunteerism, and group growth.”
