United Way to help restore farming communities

United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) and its board have postponed 'The Ruby Thread' 40th Anniversary Gala slated for Saturday, in the wake of Hurricane Melissa's catastrophic impact.

"We have shifted our focus to full disaster recovery mode," said UWJ Board Chair Dr Devon Smith.

"The UWJ is launching the Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund, pledging an initial $1.5 million to bring support and long-term recovery to Jamaica's farming communities, our nation's lifeline. Join with UWJ to strengthen its effort to provide effective assistance for the affected communities," Smith said.

"We have an urgent timeline to bring the necessary support to these locations and it is imperative that our corporate and donor partners come on board to ensure we can reach those that are in desperate need. With each passing day that we are not able to respond is each passing day that we are making it more difficult for the citizens of this country," Smith added.

The Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund will deliver critical resources including equipment, livestock feed, and financial aid to help farmers rebuild. Support also includes reconstruction of homes and greenhouses, fertiliser, planting supplies, and seedlings for crops such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber.

"From the hills of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland to the plains of Clarendon and St Catherine, many have lost everything: homes, crops, livestock, and the very soil on which they depend. This initial fund is a lifeline to those who feed us, who rise before dawn to cultivate the land, and who now face unimaginable loss," said Kerry-Lee Lynch, UWJ officer in charge.

Smith urged private and public organisations to collaborate with the UWJ and utilise its established channels.