HELP FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN PORT MARIA

#Kingston, March 31, 2022 – More than $25 million is being spent by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to assist individuals in Port Maria, St. Mary, who were negatively impacted by recent flood rains.

Addressing a cheque handover ceremony at the Port Maria Arcade on March 29, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, said the Ministry remains committed to responding to persons who are in need.

He noted that a computerised system has been established to document and record the needs of individuals, and forms part of efforts to distribute in an equitable manner. He said the computerised documentation is a move away from the paper-based system that existed before.

“The whole idea is to make sure that when a benefit is needed, it reaches the people in need as quickly as possible and we can check back quickly,” he said.

Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Richard Creary, thanked the Ministry for the assistance to the people.

He pointed out that assessments were carried out to determine the needs, noting that only a representative of beneficiaries would receive their cheques at the ceremony.

“Apart from those persons in the arcade, I am told that the Ministry has [approximately] 800 cheques to hand out to the householders,” he said, adding that assistance would be provided to more individuals at a later date.

The Mayor urged the recipients to use the money wisely. “Use this money to replace the stock in your business and items in your house… don’t take it for granted, put it to good use,” he said

Member of Parliament, St. Mary Central, Dr. Morais Guy, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided.

During the ceremony, cheques totalling $1.32 million were handed over to 31 vendors.  A total of 879 householders will be assisted.

The flooding occurred on February 1 in Port Maria and negatively impacted several businesses and homes.

CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON