JAMAICAN HIGH COMMISSION
OTTAWA
UPDATE ON THE SITUATION IN JAMAICA IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE
PASSAGE OF HURRICANE BERYL
Dear Members of the Diaspora Community,
Further to prior communication from this Mission regarding the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the High
Commission now provides a preliminary update on the situation in Jamaica. As you are aware, Hurricane Beryl passed over Jamaica on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane. Immediately following the passage of the system, the Government of Jamaica has embarked on a comprehensive assessment of the entire island to determine the extent and magnitude of the damages incurred. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is leading this effort and is in the process of compiling a comprehensive report, including a “Needs List” which we will be widely disseminated once received.
Based on preliminary reports, regrettably, two lives have been claimed, and the southern parishes of
Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth deemed as being most adversely affected, with extensive
damage to housing infrastructure (mainly roofing); farms and agricultural lands; road infrastructure in
some areas caused from landslides, flooding; downed power lines and trees, as well as the coastline. The relevant government entities; utilities companies and telecommunication providers have been working assiduously to restore services to persons and areas affected as quickly as possible. We recognize the anxiety and concern many of you may be experiencing exacerbated by the distressing connectivity challenges. As a consequence, we have established a dedicated emergency hotline number 613-415-4671. Please be aware that our ability to provide information will be based on what we receive from official sources.
The High Commission and the Consulate-General have initiated discussions with our Honorary Consuls across Canada as well as the Global Jamaica Council Members and Youth Council Members in Canada; the Presidents and Heads of the major Diaspora Organisations and Associations and other stakeholders, including the Jamaican Canadian Association; Food for The Poor Canada (FFTP) and David McAntony Gibson Foundation (GlobalMedic), as we seek to facilitate and support a coordinated response to the immediate needs arising from this disaster. While we await the official List from ODPEM, we anticipate that there will be need for certain basic items such as purified water, food and hygiene kits. ODPEM has indicated a preference for monetary donations to expedite the response efforts. The banking details for the Emergency Response Fund are:
Beneficiary Name: Office of Disaster Preparedness Emergency-Donation (Relief)
Bank: National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited NCB
SWIFT Code/BIC: JNCBJMKX
Beneficiary’s Account # 212387304
For those who would wish to channel their support through Food for The Poor Canada, please see the
contact information below:
donations@foodforthepoor.ca and 416-921-4008; Giving at https://foodforthepoor.ca/donate-now/.
For individuals and organization interested in making donations directly to institutions and communities, the usual custom guidelines for processing charitable donations and supplies would apply. We encourage everyone to verify the legitimacy of any donation campaigns which may be in the public domain.
The High Commission and the Consulate-General of Jamaica at Toronto extend sincere appreciation to the Diaspora community as well as our international partners, including the Government of Canada, and other humanitarian relief organisations for the outpour of solidarity and generous offers of support as we seek to respond and offer assistance to those impacted. Your patience and solidarity during this challenging time are deeply appreciated.