A benefit dance will be held next Saturday to raise funds for hurricane relief in Jamaica and Haiti.

Recently the Jamaican Association of Bermuda, a Bermuda-registered charity, raised around $5,000 with its God Bless Jamaica cruise, to aid Jamaica and Grenada which were hit by Hurricane Ivan.

Jamaican Association of Bermuda (JAB) president Marlene Flynn-Simons said while 90 percent of the electricity was back on a month after the hurricane, there was still work to be done in her homeland.

The storm killed 20 while the preliminary figure from damage suffered from Hurricane Ivan was put at $362 million.

More than 100,000 homes were hit, of which about 6-8,000 were demolished. Worst hit were the areas of St. Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon. Cove Valley, St Ann is still under water after being buried under 25 feet of water during the hurricane.

She said: ?The impact of Hurricane Ivan has left its mark on the physical structure of Jamaica, which can be and is being reconstructed, however; it did not break the spirit of the Jamaican people.

?Jamaicans across Jamaican have gathered in their places of worship on Saturdays and Sundays giving thanks to the Almighty God for sparing us the worst of a deadly hurricane.

?Jamaicans are resilient, determined and strong people and just like we bounced back from the effects of Hurricane Gilbert, we will bounce back from Hurricane Ivan.

?We must rise and we will rise again. Having said that, it will take some time and billions of dollars.?

Next Saturday the benefit dance entitled One Love, One Heart will be held at Spring Garden restaurant with dinner from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and dancing will follow until 3 a.m.

Proceeds are in aid of relief for Jamaica and Haiti.

Tickets $30 (includes dinner & dance) and may be purchased from Dub City, In-between Boutique, Jamaican Grill in Court Street and also from Spring Garden Restaurant and Platinum Hair Salon.

This event is sponsored by Spring Garden Restaurant with a gate prize of a round trip ticket to USA or London.

On Saturday, November 20 the Jamaica Association of Bermuda will host its annual Cultural Night entitled Come Back to Jamaica ? Big Tings a Gwaan.

This event will be held St. Paul Centennial Hall from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will showcase Jamaica in culinary arts and entertainment with over 20 different dishes to sample. The special guest is Mr. Owen (Blacka) Ellis, a Jamaican playwright, actor and stand up comedian. The event is also set to have local comedians.

Tickets are adults $20 and children $10 (Patrons: $30).

Proceeds will assist in the relief efforts of Jamaica and the JAB Scholarship Fund.

The Jamaica Association is also sending a container to Jamaica for Christmas of food and clothing and toys.

The container will be parked at the parking lot next to the Jamaican Grill from the week of the October 31 to the November 19. It will be shipped on the November 23 in time to reach Jamaica for Christmas.

?We encourage everyone to be a part of this even if you have already given. The JAB thank the Bermuda community for their support of the events and for their kind contributions.?

The Jamaica Association has established an account with the Bank of Bermuda, Jamaica Association ? hurricane Ivan relief fund ? account number 701 31900.

Funds will be sent to relief agencies in Jamaica in November.