As Jamaica recovers from the impact of Hurricane Beryl, nationals and friends of the Diaspora are rallying to support the country’s recovery efforts.
Jamaica’s Consul General, Oliver Mair, who also chairs the South Florida Caribbean Consular Corp, expressed his gratitude for the swift response from community groups, individuals, charitable agencies, and corporate entities eager to help.
The Consul General noted that the Consulate General’s office is awaiting a comprehensive damage assessment from the Jamaican government, which will then be shared with the community. Meanwhile, aid efforts have already begun, with people responding to calls for emergency supplies, monetary donations to established fund programs, and volunteers to help prepare packages for immediate shipment. Local media outlets have also been actively seeking updates on the situation.
Various networks across South Florida have been activated to support relief efforts. The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a South Florida-based charitable organization, has started packaging emergency kits and food supplies for shipment to Jamaica, as well as Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent, which were also severely impacted by the hurricane. Volunteers and donors can visit GEM Headquarters at 1850 NW 84 Avenue, Suite 100 in Doral, or sign up online. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for volunteers.
Food for the Poor, another Florida-based global charity, has also initiated relief efforts for the affected areas.
In Lauderhill, Commissioner Denise Grant announced that the City Commission is organizing a supply collection drive for the Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Donations can be dropped off at John Mullin Park, 2000 NW 55th Avenue in Lauderhill, from Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Suggested items include:
- New blankets and sheets
- New cots
- Yard waste bags
- Unexpired canned and non-perishable foods
- New sleeping bags
- New work gloves
- Solar-powered lights/flashlights
- Industrial sponges
- Professional first aid kits
- New tarps
- Personal hygiene kits
- New washcloths
- Baby food, diapers, and wipes
The City of Miramar has also listed several donation drop-off locations, including fire stations, police stations, and community centers:
Fire Stations:
- Fire Station 19: 6700 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33023
- Fire Station 70: 9001 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33025
- Fire Station 107: 11811 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33025
- Fire Station 84: 14801 SW 27 Street, Miramar, FL 33027
- Fire Station 100: 2800 SW 184th Ave, Miramar, FL 33029
Police Locations:
- Main PD Headquarters: 11765 City Hall Promenade, Miramar, FL 33025
- Historic Public Safety Complex – East Station: 3500 SW 69th Avenue, Miramar, FL 33023
- PD West Substation: 2811 SW 186th Ave, Miramar, FL 33029
Community Centers:
- Multi-Service Complex: 6700 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33023
- Sunset Lakes Community Center: 2801 SW 186th Ave, Miramar, FL 33029
Consul General Mair emphasized that the Consulate General’s office has been receiving an overwhelming number of calls from Diaspora members eager to support their homeland after witnessing the extensive impact of Hurricane Beryl. He encouraged everyone to stay updated through media and social media channels and websites for the latest information following the nation’s damage assessments.
Read: Jamaican Diaspora ready to assist with hurricane recovery
