Things bad back home

WHILE most attention seems to be focused on Grenada in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan on that island, Jamaican High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Lorne McDonnough, has painted an equally grim picture of his country. He told a press conference on Friday that the southern part of Jamaica was particularly hard hit. He defined the areas affected as the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. He added that these areas were the true “breadbasket” of Jamaica. “That’s where the bauxite and aluminium facilities are located,” he added.

McDonnough said up to Friday, Jamaica was largely without electricity. Some 230,000 customers have been reconnected. The reconnection is done on a priority basis — hospitals, water pumps, pumping stations, and a number of commercial areas once again have service. He said the domestic agriculture area has been badly devastated and the banana industry seems to have been completely wiped out. “What we want is support from our friends to ensure that we are back on track in the fastest possible time,” said McDonnough. The Jamaican diplomat thanked the people of Trinidad and Tobago for their empathy and solidarity.

He said Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago shared important relations. Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassasdor at large, Jerry Narace, who also attended the press conference, said Jamaica needs at this time, tents, blankets, cots, mattresses, baby food, powdered milk, canned goods, building materials, tarpaulins, galvanise, rechargeable lanterns, power saws, generators and medical supplies. Some 30 to 40 containers have been promised by the Manufacturers Association, while the Chamber of Commerce, the South Chamber of Commerce and the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce are also expected to chip in here. The Bankers’ Association has pledged some Jam$18 million. A number of other organisations have committed themselves to help. They include the Supermarkets Association and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce.