Government yesterday announced it will make an initial donation of $50,000 to help Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Ivan.

And it has also offered to temporarily house companies whose premises were damaged in the Cayman Islands.

Government made the announcements following a meeting at the Cabinet Office with charities, churches and business groups aimed at coordinating relief efforts from Bermuda.

Hurricane Ivan ripped through several islands causing 70 deaths and billions of dollars worth of damage.

“We were in touch with BVI's (British Virgin Islands) Dr. Orlando Smith, who said that 90 percent of the Cayman Islands' infrastructure was hard hit, 20 percent irreplaceably - 90 percent of the homes have been hit in Grenada.

“Most of them will be without shelter tonight,” Premier Scott said yesterday. Jamaica was also hard hit by the hurricane.

“The donations made by BVI was $50,000 to Jamaica, Grenada and the Cayman Islands. Government will donate $50,000, on behalf of you, to them as well.”

But Mr. Scott appealed to members of public to give materials to the islands as well.

“Funds are big, but resources are what they need now,” he said. “Funds will go through the Red Cross, who will conduct a secure and safe transfer to give it into the hands of individuals who need it. That will happen.

“The Salvation Army work with Governments so it is to them that we give our support, as they have the name, access to ports, facilities and protocols and are definitely right into the system of distribution down there,” the Premier said.

“We are quick to give, literally, the clothes off our back. But we want the best you have. Not second hand - tattered and torn. These people were hit hard ... by nature's worst. Everything you give you should be prepared to wear yourself,” he said.

He said the garments given “should look clean enough to go to church in on Sunday morning”.

“Bermuda works best when we work together. It is the heart and soul of Bermuda. People are prepared to assist to move resources from here to Bermuda,” he said.

Mr. Scott was joined at the press conference by leaders from a wide range of Government departments, the Bermuda Regiment, Police, churches, charities, Caribbean associations and the businesses who detailed their relief plans.

Lovette Brangman of Bright Temple AME Church said the church wanted to tell “the world that we are willing and able to provide for our brothers and sisters with whatever they need.

“What they have expressed to us what they need first, is housing.

“We have to take some form of shelter down there first. Second and third are food and clothes. The basics we all need,” Mrs. Brangman said.

West Indian Association president Susan Moore-Williams said: “Our members were very, very concerned.

“(The hurricane) has impacted drastically upon us. Our members have friends and families in the territory who have suffered too or have homes in the territories affected. We want to support this effort.”

She said the West Indian Association will organise a telethon to fund recovery in the territory.

Major Lindsay Rowe of the Salvation Army said the Army had been granted “relief distribution status” for Jamaica, Grenada and the Bahamas.

That means emergency supplies could be flown straight into the islands without paying duty and could be put directly into the hands of those who needed them.

“We have already received goods at the Salvation Army, that were immediately distributed,” he said.

“Yesterday a corporate jet flew out with $5,000 worth of supplies. It left at 1.30 p.m. and arrived in the hands of the Salvation Army in Jamaica at 5.30 p.m. and was distributed today.

“At our citadel on North Street various organisations are sorting through clothes and prioritising what goes out,” he said.

“There is a desperate need for (fresh) water in Jamaica. We hope to send a full container of water there by next week as well as a container of other supplies.

“A container filled mostly with building supplies and tools will be sent to Grenada as a lack of housing is their worst problem.

“All are invited to come and join the team and work together. Some may have a greater opportunity to make a cash donation,” he said.

The Salvation Army has a shopping list for Grenada that will be purchased at discount prices in Canada and flown to Barbados this weekend. (see box)

The Salvation Army is also asking people to bring these items to the Hamilton Citadel to be sent out by air or container as soon as sufficient quantities are received.

Bermuda Red Cross director Ann Spencer-Arscott said the Red Cross had already raised $14,600 in funds.

“A lot of organisations have organised denim days and asked staff to contribute. Over 24 Boy Scouts are doing a walk, converging in Hamilton mid-day on Saturday,” she said.

Teams of scouts will start at Watford Bridge in Somerset and King's Square in St. George's. The Scouts will collect donations from members of the public along the way.

Motorists are asked to keep an eye out for the boys and to throw some donations into their open rucksack or collection box.

Larry Burchall of the Bermuda Scout Association said more than two dozen Scouts and cubs are expected to participate. During the hike they will give notice to residents and motorists as they enter different neighbourhoods along the North Shore, Middle Road and South Shore.

The walk begins at 10 a.m. and ends at Butterfield Bank at 3 p.m.

Mr. Scott said the Bermuda Regiment was prepared to send 50 soldiers to the region if they were needed while the Police were also ready to send officers.

“What we all have to appreciate here are that this effort will continue for weeks, months and years,” Mr. Scott added.