KINGSTON, Jamaica – Responding to a call for support, the Desnoes & Geddes Foundation has donated $ 1 million to the Musgrave Market Rehabilitation Fund to assist in the construction of a temporary market structure following the destruction of Portland’s Musgrave Market by a massive fire in May.

READ: Market, businesses ravaged by fire in Port Antonio

The Musgrave Market Fund rallies financial support for the vital rehabilitation of the Musgrave Market in Port Antonio, after the May 28 blaze left over 200 vendors facing immeasurable losses and a challenging path to rebuilding. The official handover was made on Monday at Red Stripe’s Spanish Town Brewery.

In making the presentation, Totlyn Brown Robb, administrator of the D&G Foundation, said the company’s “commitment to community welfare extends to times of adversity” and highlighted that having witnessed the “destruction and the impact on the vendors who rely on the Musgrave Market for their livelihoods” the company sprung into action.

“We hope this donation makes a positive difference and assists the team as they work to achieve all goals promptly. Ultimately, it takes a collective effort to rebuild and restore hope, so we’re glad to extend this support,” Brown Robb said.

“We’re extremely grateful to the D&G Foundation for coming on board. The funds will go towards building a temporary structure at the back of the market, allowing all the vendors to reunite and sell in one area. Currently, they’re all separated, so this structure will offer a sense of normalcy and for them to regain their community,” said director of Action Ann Foundation, Gabrielle Wood.

“The D&G Foundation answered our calls to action, and it’s through partnerships like these that we can continue this project. The vendors and the community are truly appreciative and eagerly await the completion of this structure,” Wood added.

The team expects the temporary structure to be completed within three months. After which, a second compassionate will be given to each vendor, strengthening the impact of the first grant, which was distributed on June 2.