Gov't announces BRIDGE training programme to boost hurricane recovery efforts

 

 

 

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has announced that the government will be implementing a programme in western Jamaica to boost recovery efforts in communities severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

 

The Building Resilience and Inspiring Development through Guided Experience (BRIDGE) programme is being implemented through the HEART/NSTA Trust.

 

Dr. Morris Dixon says 200 unemployed young people from several parishes, including St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James and Hanover, will be equipped with effective training through the programme. 

 

[They will get] practical construction skills through guided work experience on active reconstruction sites, training to receive hands-on instruction and roof repairs, steel fixing and masonry with support from HEART-certified instructors and visiting technical expertise through partnerships with those countries who are coming in," the minister disclosed.

 

A monthly stipend of $65,000 will be provided for each trainee as part of the programme.

 

Dr. Morris Dixon urged HEART/NSTA Trust to "give special attention...as much as possible" to members of the disabled community, noting that they should be able to participate in these types of programmes.