Support for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa continues to come in from all corners of the Cayman Islands, three weeks after the storm hit the nation.
Health Services Authority (HSA) staff raised more than $11,000 through its HSA Cares programme to buy urgently-needed medical supplies, as requested by Jamaica through the Cayman Islands Medical Relief Emergency Support Team.
Funded by voluntary employee salary donations, the amount was raised in less than four days.
“This initiative once again highlights the unbreakable bond that unites these two countries,” said acting CEO Dr. Vinton Douglas. “As healthcare workers, we know what it means to care for those in times of crisis, and our team has once again answered the call to stand with our Caribbean neighbours in their time of need, demonstrating our spirit of compassion and solidarity. Our staff’s swift actions remind us that our commitment to care transcends geographical boundaries and that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives we touch,” he said.
In addition to HSA’s staff contributions, First Baptist Church made a pledge of $10,000 to the efforts through the Medical Relief Emergency Support Team, while additional medical supplies were donated via Health City Cayman Islands and JDW Medical Solutions and Cayman Airways donated transportation and logistical support.
Continued support
Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands and lead coordinator for Cayman’s National Emergency Operations Centre said, “It is encouraging to see the continued support for Jamaica in the community from public and private organisations.”
Airbound support for the relief and recovery effort has been provided by Cayman Islands Helicopters and Cayman Private Aviation who have been working with local authorities and humanitarian organisations to deliver essential supplies, provide logistical support and assist communities.
A spokeswoman for the company said that the helicopter had been in action in Jamaica working with US NGO Medic Corps to carry urgent food and medical supplies to areas which has been rendered unreachable by road. Jerome Begot, owner of Cayman Islands Helicopters and Cayman Private Aviation, had been personally involved with the missions, including transporting people in need to medical facilities. Cayman Private Aviation’s Learjet had so far made two relief trips to Montego Bay, loaded with crucial supplies.
Student fundraising
The Montessori By The Sea school raised $3,900 by holding a special Jamaica Day fundraising event on 13 Nov. in support of two long-standing staff members whose families were affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Students crafted Jamaica-inspired bookmarks, made Jamaican flags to display in classroom windows and teachers created black, green and gold bracelets for the students to wear. The money raised came from donations and sales of fresh patties donated by Island Taste.
Insurance solutions provider Coralisle Group (CG) said that it has been shipping essential supplies, including tarpaulins and water, to affected communities and continues to explore additional support through regional and international partnerships, focusing on rebuilding and restoring the island’s compromised healthcare infrastructure as well as supporting homelessness, particularly in the western region, which experienced the most severe impact.
Meanwhile JN Money said that it has been able to resume operations at most agent locations in Hanover, St James, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, following temporary closures due to Hurricane Melissa.
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