WASHINGTON, DC – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson, has appealed to Jamaicans residing in that country, to support Jamaica’s National Disaster Recovery Fund, which was established by the Government, to assist in resuscitating the country’s infrastructure, which sustained significant damage during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav.
Addressing hundreds of Jamaicans and other patrons, who attended the inaugural staging of Reggae Summer Fest on September 7, at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Johnson said, “I am appealing to you all, to assist Jamaica in its recovery process, by contributing, financially, to the National Disaster Recovery Fund (NDRF). I am sure that many of you here have relatives back in Jamaica, who were affected by the tropical storm, and who are in need of your help at this time.”
Ambassador Johnson told the gathering that the Fund was launched with a donation of $20 million by Supreme Ventures Limited, in collaboration with the Jamaican Government. Also, that Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), through its remittance arm, JN Money Transfer Service, as well as GraceKennedy Remittance Service, have agreed to open direct accounts to facilitate Jamaicans in the Diaspora contributing to the Fund. The accounts opened are: the Hurricane Relief United Jamaica account for GraceKennedy, and JN Recovery Fund account for JNBS.
Ambassador Johnson, who expressed regret at the loss of lives and damage to properties, said, “the funds will help to meet the costs of emergency works and relief measures that are being carried out, with emphasis on schools and hospitals.”
Managing Director of National Alliance Foundation, promoter of Reggae Summer Fest, Lillian Lodenquai, said part proceeds from the show will be donated to the National Disaster Recovery Fund, and the Cancer Society of Jamaica. The eight-hour reggae show featured international artistes such as: Beres Hammond, Kymani Marley, I-Wayne, and Etana.(JIS)
