ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica – More than 500 homes across Jamaica that suffered roof damage during the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July finally have coverings again thanks to the efforts of the locally-based Breds Treasure Beach and NCB foundations, and international charity Global Empowerment Mission (GEM).

“Breds has already delivered in partnership with NCB Foundation over 513 materials for 513 homes. And then we come in and add other materials that may be also needed and reinforcements – hurricane straps etc,” Michael Capponi, GEM’s founder and president, said last week while providing roofing solutions to residents of St Elizabeth severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.

“We have to look at a house. If one section, for example, blew off, we have to look at make sure the old section is still reinforced,” Capponi continued. “Otherwise, it’s going to be these situations that arise. And so it’s a big effort. It’s all started here and it goes all the way down to Manchester and Clarendon …as we are working equally around the island.”

In Jamaica alone, GEM has distributed over US$400,000 in humanitarian aid supplies to seven communities in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, south Manchester, and Rocky Point in Clarendon, according to the organisation’s website.

One woman was overcome with emotions over the assistance provided by the charities as she recounted the hardship her family faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

“My heart goes out to you all because when it was raining the other day, we had to hold down our bed, because it was so freezing because of the rain and the breeze. But thanks to (Breds founder) Mr (Jason) Henzel and you wonderful people, because you all come to our rescue,” the woman, a resident of Treasure Beach, said.

Another resident, in expressing his gratitude, “we can sleep better now knowing that we have a good roof”.