CLARENDON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament (MP) for South East Clarendon, Pearnel Charles Jr, handed over grants valued at $4.37 million to 12 vulnerable members of the Halse Hall and Sandy Bay communities in Clarendon on Thursday, July 14.

The much-needed relief was granted to residents who were victims of widespread flooding in the community last year due to Tropical Storm Grace and Tropical Storm Ida.

The project was supported by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Constituency Development Fund and other stakeholders. The funds are to be used to purchase building materials.

Noting that the grants were just the first step, MP Charles Jr encouraged the community to join together in assisting the beneficiaries with completing their construction projects.

“Sometimes you get the voucher, you get the goods and you don’t have the help so I’m expecting the community to come together and help. So, I’m gonna ask that you make sure that we help each other. Each one help each other, everybody help each other,” Charles Jr said during the event, which was held at the Halse Hall Basic School in the parish.

The Member of Parliament further expressed his intention to continue the programme and assist other vulnerable members in the community to build up South East Clarendon.

“We are gonna try our best to make sure that we carry on this programme and we help a few more next time. So, persons can be assured that we are gonna fight to get some more support to help others as well,” he continued, adding that “we are living in a time now where we have to focus our attention on what’s important,” Charles Jr said.

Meanwhile, Veronica Cross, one of the beneficiaries who was overwhelmed with joy at the donation, shared that she had prayed every night for assistance.

“I thank you for this voucher from Mr Pearnel Charles Jr. Every night I pray to God that this dream would come true. Every day I pray and talk to my kids dem and seh ‘God help us’. God see that we need the help and he’s gonna help us. Don’t give up, you’re gonna get the help. So, Mr Pearnel Charles Jr, I thank you very much sir. Thank you very much, I don’t even can explain to you sir how I feel. I feel so joyed in myself. I can sleep tonight – me and my kids,” she said.

Likewise, Monique Taylor said she was very grateful for the donation.

“I feel grateful, first mi a get something. A lot of times people say they ask and they did not receive so I’m feeling elated and yes, I’m feeling great to know that a community like this – Halse Hall – get some help,” she said.