SEVEN schools across Western Jamaica still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October are poised to benefit from a major rehabilitation initiative by Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant. It will mean refurbished canteens to support students and boost recovery efforts at the institutions.

The beneficiary schools include Rusea’s High in Hanover, Crawford Primary in St Elizabeth, Port Maria Infant in St Mary, Munro College in St Elizabeth, Westwood High in Trelawny, Providence Heights Infant in St James, and Savanna la Mar Infant in Westmoreland.

Golden Krust Vice-President of Marketing Steven Clarke, who made the announcement during a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew on Wednesday, highlighted that many schools across western parishes were still struggling with significant infrastructural damage.

Clarke told the press briefing that while the company was based in the United States of America, it was operated by people with strong Jamaican heritage and roots which, he said, invigorated them to contribute to recovery efforts

“We’re doing our part, but we need to do what we need to do so that they can have a better education, they can eat comfortably. There are rooms without roofs, and it’s just tough. We’ve seen a lot of things over the last six months, but we’re going to be here to continue to support them, and trust me, it’s really still hard out there. I know we might not see it, but there’s so much work left to be done,” said Clarke.

He disclosed that a mere 33 days after the Category 5 storm left destruction in its wake, the company was on the ground in western Jamaica helping farmers get back to optimum production standards.

Clarke explained that in partnership with the American Friends of Jamaica and Carita Jamaica Limited, the company was able to target 10 farmers across five parishes, providing them with equipment and other essential resources needed to resume their livelihoods.

“[We] helped them get their irrigation equipment, pesticides, fungicides, all the things that they needed to get back up and running. And we went back and we planted with them. Of course, people can send cheques, but it’s much better to go down there, till the soil, plant in the thyme, and make the time for these people who ship goods to us. So after we did that, we wanted to make sure that we took care of the students, the kids, the future,” he said.Phase two of the company’s hurricane recovery initiative, as explained by Clarke, will be focused on “feeding the future”, which he says is important to ensure that students are comfortable and focused to perform in their studies.

“So we were on the road yesterday from six to seven, and I don’t mean for one hour, and we’re going to be on the road again on Thursday, heading down to St Elizabeth, and then down to Lucea to visit Rusea’s [High]. [It’s] a huge initiative for us, feeding the futures of the island. The minds of tomorrow will continue to build the island as we continue to tackle AI (artificial intelligence), as we continue to support the diaspora… So that’s what’s up next,” said Clarke.