KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is allocating $700 million to provide various forms of short-term assistance to farmers and fishers, who suffered significant loss due to Hurricane Beryl.

This was announced on Tuesday by Floyd Green, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, during a statement in the House of Representatives.

“This initial tranche will be used to purchase critical items urgently needed and will be disbursed through RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority), NIC (National Irrigation Commission), AIC (Agro-Invest Corporation), and JAS (Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS),” Green said.

The allocation includes $65 million in seeds that were procured early by the ministry in anticipation that the country could be impacted by a natural event this year Green noted. He said the distribution of the seeds will commence on Thursday.

“We are compiling a comprehensive list of the farmers and fishers whose households have been most significantly damaged … to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for support and intervention. Additionally, we have asked our mining stakeholders to help us to focus on providing support for reconstruction for some of the farmers or fishers’ houses that have been destroyed,” Green said. He stated that Jamaica Bauxite Mining has committed $20 million to this effort.

The ministry has also established a Hurricane Beryl Response Task Force chaired by Senior Director Michael Pryce, with membership from critical agencies and the JAS.

“This task force will seek to coordinate and streamline the assessment and response, ensuring that systems are established for transparency and accountability. Additionally, it will seek to provide coordination and guidance to our private sector efforts to eliminate duplication and ensure that the relief reaches as many of our farmers and fishers as possible,” stated Green.

A customer service hotline has been established for affected parties to report damage and needs. Individuals may call 888 – Ask- RADA which is 888-275-7232.