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In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has issued a call to action for individuals planning to donate substantial quantities of relief supplies. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborating with registered local charities to ensure a streamlined and effective distribution process. Chief Information Officer André Williams clarified that while individuals are allowed to import a ‘reasonable quantity’ of approved relief items, larger shipments, such as 100 pairs of shoes, will be categorized as commercial quantities and require proper coordination with charitable organizations. Williams highlighted that these donations are intended for direct distribution to those in need, not for resale. He pointed out that registered charities, such as Food For the Poor, are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT), making them ideal partners for large-scale donations. The government has extended the duty- and tax-free period for relief supplies until December 31, ensuring that all shipments arriving before this date will benefit from the exemptions. Williams also advised donors of school supplies to work with the National Education Trust (NET), a government agency dedicated to improving Jamaica’s education sector. For healthcare-related donations, he recommended coordinating with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation. Williams reassured donors that despite potential logistical challenges during the busy holiday season, all eligible shipments will qualify for the tax relief if they arrive by the extended deadline.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support its members affected by Hurricane Melissa, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has introduced a three-month moratorium on loan payments. This initiative underscores the credit union’s dedication to its foundational principle of ‘People Helping People.’

Xavier Allen, CEO of FHC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to its members during challenging times. ‘Our members are our priority. This moratorium offers much-needed relief, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,’ he stated.

Eligible members can defer their loan payments for up to three months by contacting their branch representative, completing a moratorium request form, and providing a brief description of the hurricane’s impact, along with any supporting documentation.

In addition to the moratorium, FHC, in collaboration with its subsidiary, FHC Investments, has launched a donation drive. The initiative encourages staff, members, and the public to contribute non-perishable food items and essential supplies to aid national relief efforts. Drop boxes have been strategically placed across FHC branches to facilitate donations.

FHC is also contributing to the Credit Unions of Jamaica’s relief efforts, providing both financial and material support. On November 8 and 9, FHC team members will deliver care packages to severely affected communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, and St James.

Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager of Marketing Communications and Member Experience, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the credit union’s ethos. ‘This effort embodies our core belief in community support and reaffirms our role as a reliable financial partner in all circumstances,’ she said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has pledged to ensure an accurate count of Jamaicans who lost their lives due to Hurricane Melissa, even if it requires exhuming bodies. This commitment was made during a session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following reports that communities severely affected by the October 28 hurricane have begun burying uncollected remains. Holness was responding to inquiries from Dr. Dayton Campbell, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, regarding the death toll and the process of retrieving bodies. The official death toll currently stands at 32, with 25 of these fatalities occurring in Campbell’s constituency. Holness acknowledged that while the Red Cross considers the death toll relatively low for a Category Five hurricane, there are still unaccounted deaths and unrecovered bodies. He emphasized the importance of proper identification and determination of death, stating, “We will recover all bodies even if we have to exhume them.” Holness also warned that the final death count may be higher than currently reported, particularly in isolated communities. Campbell raised concerns about the adequacy of the government’s response in retrieving bodies, noting that funeral homes and community members had to step in. Holness assured that a forensic team is actively working on the ground to address these issues and provide closure to affected families.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has pledged to investigate allegations of price gouging in western Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness made the announcement during a session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The hurricane, which struck on October 28, caused significant damage in southwestern parishes, leading to reports of inflated prices for essential goods and services, including food, gasoline, building materials, and transportation fares. Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Ian Hayles, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that prices in his constituency had doubled. He urged the government to take immediate action to protect citizens from exploitation. In response, Holness acknowledged the gravity of the situation and revealed that he had already instructed the Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, to launch an investigation. The Prime Minister emphasized that while existing price control measures are limited to specific items such as food and essentials, the government is committed to enforcing regulations to ensure fairness during the recovery period. ‘In times of disaster, everyone is expected to act responsibly to support national recovery,’ Holness stated.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support rehabilitation services, the Western Shamrock Lodge, in collaboration with Jiangsu Construction Group, donated 10 motorized wheelchairs to the Athlone Wing of the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre on Wednesday. The handover ceremony marked a milestone in the long-standing partnership between the organizations and the Jamaican community. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health, praised the initiative, emphasizing its timely and symbolic importance. He highlighted the donation as a testament to the power of partnerships and friendships, stating, ‘Humanity depends on partnerships. It also symbolizes the strength of friendships, and out of friendship has come these long-standing partnerships. Everyone needs a friend at some point in time — they say no man is an island, no man stands alone.’ The motorized wheelchairs are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with severe mobility challenges, offering them greater independence, comfort, and dignity. This donation continues the Western Shamrock Lodge’s two-decade tradition of supporting the Athlone Wing, reinforcing its commitment to community welfare and rehabilitation efforts.