KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, has announced the launch of the National Registry of Volunteers, an initiative designed to coordinate volunteers to aid in relief efforts after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a special media briefing on Monday, Grange said the registry has been launched on the Support Jamaica portal, which can be accessed at supportjamaica.gov.jm.

“This registry has now been launched and provides a safe and simple way for you to get involved,” the minister shared. She explained that the platform allows individuals to indicate their availability, skills and preferred areas of assistance.

Grange added that volunteers may choose from a range of activities, including food distribution, shelter management, medical support, clean up, counselling, transportation, or administrative tasks.

“Whatever your skills are, however you want to help, just tell us when you sign up to the registry,” she said, encouraging both local Jamaicans and those in the diaspora to register and lend their support.

“Based on when you are available and based on the type of volunteer work that you would like to provide, we will contact you. We will brief, equip and deploy you in an efficient and coordinated way,” she added.

The minister emphasised collaboration among organisations.

“And I should mention here that the CVSS [Common Vulnerability Scoring System] and other NGOs (non-governmental organisations) have been invited to sign up on this portal, so we’ll have a joined-up, seamless approach. We will reduce or eliminate duplication and ensure that we get help to those affected by the hurricane,” she added.

Urging individuals, groups and companies to participate, Grange called for an “all hands on deck” approach.

“So I want you to log on to supportjamaica.gov.jm. Click on volunteer for Hurricane Melissa and complete the short registration form. It’s as simple as that to join the registry of volunteers and get involved,” she said.