An international philanthropic organization has stressed the urgency required in rebuilding what was damaged by Hurricane Beryl in St. Elizabeth and other badly hit areas.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has partnered with National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation, Breds Foundation, Food For The Poor (FFTP), among other groups to carry out restoration work in St.Elizabeth.

GE, Founder and CEO, Michael Capponi, emphasized the urgent need to rebuild and repair roofs of buildings on Jamaica’s south coast, as this would have the greatest positive impact on persons most affected by the hurricane. 

GEM and Breds foundation, which is led by hotelier Jason Henzell, initiated preparation work for roof restoration yesterday, with the intention to begin implementation by next week. 

Mr. Capponi said speedy rebuilding will enable the affected residents to resume being self sustainable.

Meantime, Mr. Henzell expressed appreciation to GEM Foundation for also supplying a powerful generator to the National Water Commission (NWC), so that pumps can resume providing piped water to customers. 

The men were speaking at a press conference for the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between NCB Foundation, FFTP, American Friends of Jamaica and United Way of Jamaica to facilitate NCB’s Build A Better Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund.