KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Government has commenced assisting flood victims in St Thomas, from a $2.5 million relief package, for house repairs and other damage.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Shahine Robinson, visited the affected residents on Friday, where she presented cheques, during a brief ceremony held at the Golden Grove Police Station, in the parish.

The Minister told the beneficiaries that their plight is recognised by the Government, and although the assistance will not return them to where they were before the floods ravaged their homes and businesses, they should make the best of what they receive.

“It is a start, we are trying to help you in the best way that we can,” she said, while informing that most of the cheques will be presented to affected persons at the Social Security Office, in Morant Bay.

Robinson commended groups and individuals, such as Food for the Poor (FFP), who reached out and helped, during and after the floods. Prior to the distribution of the cheques, the Ministry provided mattresses and tarpaulins to a number of persons. 

Parish Manager for the Ministry, Grace Dean, said that the distribution of cheques will continue into next week, and once persons present a valid identification, they will be able to get the assistance.

Recipient of a cheque, Carmen Grace, said she was “well appreciative” of the help as she had received damage to her roof, crops, and walls to her house.