KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica is partnering with the United Kingdom government and the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide cash grant assistance to Jamaicans most affected by Hurricane Beryl, which struck the island in July.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security signed a memorandum of understanding with London through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the WFP, which will result in the UK Government committing £160,000 (US$200,000) towards cash transfer interventions in Jamaica.
This initiative supports the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide immediate financial aid to approximately 2,000 individuals whose lives were severely impacted by the hurricane.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said, “Outside of the infrastructure comes the basic need for cash for medicine, to buy food, etc.
“We don’t want just to build back; it’s about building back better. It’s about putting those who are most vulnerable into situations that recognize their value,” he added.
Cash grants will be distributed to affected households, prioritizing those where homes were destroyed or significantly damaged, with particular attention being given to those with children, people with disabilities, and older people.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Colette Roberts Risden said the event reflects the longstanding cooperation and efforts of the Jamaica, United Kingdom, and WFP governments.
“As we move forward together, we will continue to provide to those affected by the disaster and enable them to recover and emerge from this challenge stronger,” she added.
In her remarks, British High Commissioner to Jamaica Judith Slater said, “We are pleased to be able to make this contribution… to provide humanitarian relief for vulnerable citizens to meet their basic needs; and we wish the people very well in getting back to normal as soon as they can.”
Head of the WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Jamaica Office, Dana Sacchetti, provided a breakdown of how the funds will be allocated.
He said assistance will be tailored to the size of a household, with US$120 to be provided over two months of payments to a household of between one and two persons, US$240 to a household of between three and five persons, and US$340 for households comprised of six people or more.
Beneficiaries will shortly be notified of their eligibility via SMS from WFP, with cash assistance to be disbursed by Western Union and their national network of more than 230 outlets.
Sacchetti reaffirmed support and solidarity for the people and Government of Jamaica, highlighting that recovery plans for Hurricane Beryl relief started well before the system affected the island.
“Even before the hurricane struck, the World Food Programme was in contact with our government partners, monitoring Beryl and preparing options for response.
“Aligned with government priorities and with a key focus on food security, WFP has been working hand in glove with the [Ministry] since the early days of Beryl’s impact to support in coordinating assessments, which put a human face on the needs compelled by such an event and help us to understand where to surge our support,” he said.
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