#TrackingMatthew: Let’s pledge to assist Haiti, McKenzie appeals to Jamaicans
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie is appealing to Jamaicans to make a pledge to assist people in Haiti, who are affected by Hurricane Matthew.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has activated a donation account at the Oxford Road branch of the National Commercial Bank in Kingston. The account number is 212387304.
Minister McKenzie, who was speaking at a press conference at ODPEM’s office on Haining Road in Kingston today, said that he will be pledging $100,000 and is asking fellow Jamaicans to join him.
“I know that it is a small comfort but at least whatever we can do as a country we should do,” he said.
“I know that all Jamaicans, at this time, are sending out as much prayers as we can to our neighbours in Haiti, as the situation so far seems to be very bad,” McKenzie added.
According to the minster, the country will now be concentrating its effort on how it can assist Haiti.
So far he said a meeting has already been held regarding Jamaican’s response and another meeting will be held, following which a report will be presented to the prime minister. He said, as soon possible, Jamaica will try to get assistance to Haiti.
“I don’t know how much more can a country like Haiti take because remember the earthquake in 2010 has left a considerable depressed portion, and people continue to live in tents and in homes that are not suitable for humans and the area that is being savaged by Matthew is the area that was devastated by the earthquake,” McKenzie said.
Tanesha Mundle