UN providing Hurricane Beryl relief for worst-hit Jamaicans

   

Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Jamaica Dennis Zulu says work is underway to reach the worst affected households following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

 

Mr. Zulu says he activated the local UN emergency task team to coordinate with the various agencies involved in the Hurricane Beryl response.

 

He has hailed the national response as being coherent and strong despite being dynamic and complex.

 

The UN representative says funds will be shortly distributed to assist the recovery efforts. 

 

"The programme of work being implemented by the United Nations World Food Program aligns with government's priorities and focuses on food security guided by government-led assessments. The target is to provide cash transfer to assist over 18,000 individuals or 6,000 households in the most affected southern and central parishes."

 

He said cash distribution is expected to commence in the coming weeks, funded by a multi-donor pool, including contributions from the United States, Canada, the UK and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility of up to US$3 million. This is in addition to the funds being made available through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

 

Mr. Zulu added that the International Organization for Migration will be on the ground to undertake infrastructure repairs. 

 

"IOM can soon begin with roof repair work for 1,500 households and also improve facilities at three community centres to ensure they are prepared for future emergencies in ways that are resilient but also beneficial to the youth and families that use them the most. Coordination with the ministry, MLSS (Ministry of Labour and Soical Security) and Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ is ongoing and is an emphasis on expediting interventions, particularly roof repairs, as we approach the peak hurricane season in September," he said. 

 

Mr. Zulu noted that UNICEF is working to reduce the effects of Hurricane Beryl on children. 

 

"The United Nations Fund is also supporting critical interventions in water and sanitation, nutrition and social protection. Essential items such as water containers, hygiene kits and tanks are being distributed and community water points will be rebuilt in 10 selected sites. UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health and Wellness in conducting acute malnutrition assessments and providing micronutrients in food packages for children under five and their families, especially those with disabilities and through collaboration with Food for the Poor."

 

Cash transfers, through the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH), will also be distributed, to benefit children under five, children with disabilities and lactating and pregnant mothers.

 

Mr. Zulu was speaking Monday at the Official Launch of the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative.