In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness and public health resilience, the NCB Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica, has donated 400 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Shelter Kits to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Valued at J$14.8 million, the kits were officially handed over during a ceremony at ODPEM’s headquarters last Tuesday. This initiative is part of the broader Strengthening WASH Resilience to Climatic Events Post-Hurricane Beryl Programme, a J$43.8 million project aimed at supporting vulnerable communities across Jamaica. Perrin Gayle, CEO of NCB Foundation, emphasized the importance of compassion and preparedness in disaster recovery, stating that clean water and sanitation are critical for rebuilding efforts. Food for the Poor (FFTP), the executing partner, sourced the kits, which include essential items like disinfectants, soap, and sanitary supplies. Nakhle Hado, Director of Operations at FFTP, highlighted the life-saving impact of ensuring clean water and sanitation in shelters. Michelle Edwards, Acting Deputy Director General of ODPEM, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its role in safeguarding lives during crises. The kits will be distributed to municipal corporations for allocation to shelters island-wide. UNICEF Jamaica, serving as a technical advisor, is working with local parish councils to ensure sustainable management of these resources. Mohammad Mohiuddin, UNICEF Jamaica’s Officer-in-Charge, underscored the initiative’s alignment with global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The project, funded by NCB Foundation, reflects a commitment to climate-smart, inclusive development and national disaster resilience.
NCB Foundation, UNICEF hand over $14.8m in WASH Shelter Kits to emergency shelters
