Anderson outlines ways Jamaicans in the US can help in Melissa aftermath

Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret'd) Antony Anderson, has sought to rally the Jamaican Diaspora across the US to provide disaster assistance to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, while outlining the avenues through which such aid can be directed.

In a virtual town hall meeting Monday evening, Anderson told his audience that the embassy in Washington DC has been designated as the lead mission for disaster coordination.

He said that the embassy is plugged into the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Jamaica so it can get the latest information to share with the diaspora.

To this end the embassy has established a special email address that Jamaicans can use for donations or to have questions answered. The email address is www.disasterresponse@jamaicaembassy.org.

He also said that a hotline is being established through which members of the diaspora can contact the embassy for up-to-date information.

He said that the town hall meeting was necessary so that the diaspora can organise itself to support Jamaica in what could be a significant time of need.

“We know that diaspora members are very concerned about what is occurring in Jamaica. [There's] a certain level of nervousness among people in the diaspora,” Anderson said.

Describing Hurricane Melissa as a very significant threat, the ambassador said that he has spoken to the US Department of State which has already sent in a pre-team to Jamaica with other members standing by for deployment to Jamaica after the hurricane.

He also told his audience that several countries, non-governmental organisations and other organisations have pledged assistance to Jamaica.

“We have been given a needs list which we will be sharing with the diaspora, but this list will change depending on the needs on the ground,” he said.

He also said that the embassy will be posting drop-off points across the diaspora and that they are being consolidated for better, more efficient delivery of supplies to Jamaica.

“We have to ensure that the supplies sent into Jamaica go into the right hands for distribution. We have seen in the past where there has been an oversupply of some items and an undersupply of others and we are seeking to ensure that this does not occur this time around,” he said.

“I don’t want there to be a sense of divergence that supplies sent to assist the people in the most needy communities will not get those supplies. Those most affected will receive supplies,” he told the more than 500 people on the Zoom call.

The ambassador said that a list of 501 non-profit organisations is also being developed so that people who want to utilise these organisations will be able to do so.

Anderson further stated that he will be setting up a database of volunteers with various skill sets that will be able to go into Jamaica to assist the country.

“The first 72 hours after the hurricane hits will be crucial and we will be monitoring the situation as to assistance needed on the ground at the outset,” he said

In addition, Anderson clarified that there will not be a blanket waiving of customs fees, but accommodation will be made for those supplies certified as being for disaster response.

Ambassador Anderson said that there will be future meetings to keep the diaspora informed as more information comes in regarding the needs of Jamaica.

“It is going to be one heck of a recovery effort and we will need all hands hard at work to assist in the recovery,” he concluded.

- Lester Hinds

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