More than 13,500 homes in Jamaica were impacted by Hurricane Beryl‘s passage on July 3, according to Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. This figure was revealed during a recent damage assessment conducted across the island.
“When I gave my speech in Parliament, you would recall that I said then that we had 8,700 assessments done. Well… we have now passed 13,500, and are clipping towards 14,000,” Minister Charles stated. The increased number of affected households has prompted the Ministry to consider seeking additional government funding to ensure that all affected Jamaicans receive the necessary support.
Minister Charles made these remarks during a ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ cheque presentation ceremony held at The Source in Savanna-la-Mar on August 29, where beneficiaries from Westmoreland received financial assistance to restore their homes.