THE Munro College Old Boys’ Association is rushing to support the school which suffered significant damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl just over one month ago.

The St Elizabeth-based school is estimated to need more than $200 million to restore it to its pre-Beryl state.

Members of the the Munro College Old Boys’ Association — the Class of 1987 on Wednesday handed over a ceremonial cheque for $1 million representing money raised from donations to begin the repairs to roofs, windows, solar panels, and other infrastructure that were destroyed at the more-than-160-year-old institution.

It was reported that 31 of the school’s 35 buildings suffered medium to significant damage.

The old boys — including Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby who was instrumental in getting the ball rolling to garner funding — are encouraging others to rally around the cause and contribute what they can.

“When I learned of the situation at Munro, while I was busy looking at the whole issue of Kingston, I still had to extend myself to help,” said Swaby as he declared that he felt compelled to help the institution that helped to make him the person he is today.

“We are contributing a million dollars and, hopefully, we will go more than [that], but more importantly, we want any past student, any friends of Munro to contribute something to Munro College. This is a great institution and it is in an institution that is here to stay,” added Swaby.

President of the Old Boys’ Association Victor Tomlinson said the body was taken aback by the extreme damage the hurricane did to its beloved institution.

“We’re looking towards $200 million of basic damages, and we have not gotten to counting the electronics and classroom damage and all these damages to be assessed,” said Tomlinson.

He said the intention, through this fund-raising activity, is to reignite the competitive spirit among all classrooms, with each aiming to raise in excess of $1 million.

“That would really help us to get to our objective of restoring Munro College to its former glory and restoring it for another 50 or more years,” added Tomlinson.

Another member of the Class of ‘87, Brando Hayden, is also encouraging other year groups of the school to follow suit and contribute to the association’s Beryl Recovery Fund.

Contributions of the Beryl Recovery Fund can be sent to:

Payee: Munro College Old Boys’ Association

Acc#: 062188006

Acc Type: Chequeing

Bank: National Commercial Bank

Branch: Duke Street Branch

Purpose: PC87 Beryl Recovery

For US$ contributions:

Payee: Munro College Old Boys’ Association

Acc#: 065458594

Acc Type: Savings (US$)

Bank: National Commercial Bank

Branch: Duke Street Branch

Purpose: PC87 Beryl Recovery