KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Red Cross has received a cheque, valued at US$50,000, from the Chinese Red Cross, to assist with the recovery process, following the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav.
At the handing over ceremony in Kingston on Friday, September 5, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Kan Liu, expressed deepest sympathy and condolence, to the many who were affected and to the families that lost loved ones during the storm.
“The donation from the Chinese Red Cross, reflects the deep solicitude and profound feelings from the Chinese people to the Jamaican people,” he said.
He pointed out that China is prone to natural disasters and as such, could truly identify with what has occurred in the island.
“China is a country which is subject to natural disasters every year. As you know, in last May, China suffered from a severe earthquake in the Southwest of the country, which caused the casualty of nearly 90,000. The Chinese people understand fully how difficult life can be and how much painstaking effort is needed on the road towards recovery right, after a major natural disaster,” he said.
Mr. Liu assured that his country would continue to do whatever it could, to assist the island in the reconstruction effort, adding that they would remain a reliable development partner.
“It is my firm conviction that the Jamaican people will soon recover from the disaster and make their homeland even more beautiful,” he said.
Mr. Liu also disclosed that the Chinese Government has made a decision to offer a grant assistance of US$100,000, to the Government for the disaster relief.
Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Jamaica, Kan Liu (right), presents a cheque valued at US$50,000 to Director General of Jamaica Red Cross, Yvonne Clarke (left), to assist with the recovery process, following the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kingston on September 5. Looking on is Executive Member in Charge of Care, Jamaica Red Cross, Rosemary Neale.
Director General of the Jamaica Red Cross, Yvonne Clarke, in her remarks, said that many persons would benefit from the contribution, adding that persons in shelters and who were severely affected by the passage of the storm, would be “the number one priority.”
“We are concerned about the farmers who have lost their crops and will not be able to support their families for quite a long time. We are concerned about persons like those. We are concerned about the single headed households who cannot go off to work now because they have nowhere to leave their children. So, there are many persons who will benefit from this contribution,” she said.
Miss Clarke said that psychological support and counseling were essential during this period, especially for those who were affected by the storm and those who were assisting them.
“I am very happy and honored for the contribution of the Chinese Red Cross and the Chinese Government. We have had a very long and wonderful relationship,” she said. (JIS)
