The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is committed to restoring the lives of Jamaicans impacted by the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl.

In light of this, Pearnel Charles Jr., continues to spearhead the ‘Rebuild Jamaica Initiative’, which has now entered its second week of hurricane relief efforts.

Through this disaster relief initiative, the Ministry is committed to assisting residents who have been severely impacted to recover their livelihoods and rebuild stronger and more resilient homes.

The second week of scheduled activities commenced on Tuesday, September 3, at the Morant Villas Hotel in St. Thomas.

Addressing the beneficiaries in St Thomas, Minister Charles Jr expressed, “Jamaica is a remarkably resilient country where, despite adversities, we can rebuild even stronger. The Rebuild Jamaica cheque handover tour symbolises renewed hope for the people of St. Thomas and, by extension, all Jamaicans whose lives were significantly disrupted by the Hurricane on July 3. The Ministry is here to ensure that no one is left behind because every individual is important. We stand united and will emerge triumphant.”

Approximately 104 individuals received Hurricane relief cheques during the handing over ceremony in St. Thomas, valued at $11,800,000.

“Each stop made by the Ministry to distribute relief cheques across the island will be a promise kept— and will become a promise made reminding each recipient that your Government is here with you, standing shoulder to shoulder. This initiative was implemented to support the most vulnerable and goes far beyond monetary value but is about restoring joy and hope to all recipients,” emphasised Charles Jr.

To mobilise swift hurricane relief efforts, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has partnered with key stakeholders, including the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Red Cross, Food for the Poor, the Social Development Commission (SDC), the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Minister Charles Jr. further exclaimed that the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative is not just a job but a call to service.

“This Ministry is focused on putting the needs of Jamaicans impacted at the forefront. With a spirit of unity and shared purpose, we will overcome this difficult time, where every home and community is more resilient, united, and better prepared for whatever challenges may come.”

The Ministry will conduct the next series of cheque handovers in the coming days to provide financial relief to citizens across the island. The distribution schedule is as follows:

● Wednesday, September 4, at the Hotel Tim Bamboo in Portland at 2 PM.
● Thursday, September 5, at the Montego Bay Civic Centre at 10 AM.
● Thursday, September 5, at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, St. Ann Parish Office at 2 PM.
● Friday, September 6, at the Anglican Church Hall in St. Mary at 10 AM.