Red Cross starts hurricane disaster cash appeal
Bermuda Red Cross is calling on the community to donate funds to help islands affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Additionally, David Burt has said the Government will provide disaster relief and will co-ordinate that support with the Jamaican Association (Bermuda).
The storm devastated Jamaica after making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday with sustained winds of up to 185mph, the worst to hit the island since records began.
Andrew Holness, the Jamaican Prime Minister, declared the island a “disaster area” and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered because of continued flooding and the risk of landslides.
Associated Press said that eight deaths were reported in Jamaica.
Melissa then hit Cuba as a downgraded storm packing 120mph winds yesterday and also caused loss of life along with significant damage in Haiti.
Red Cross said it would be monitoring impacts on the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, who is a patron of the charity, said: “Hurricane Melissa is creating a path of destruction which will leave many individuals and families in need of urgent assistance.
“Having worked with the Red Cross movement for many years, I have always been impressed by their expertise and ability to act quickly to help get humanitarian aid to where it is needed most.
“They work well with local authorities to supplement and support their efforts, ensuring that donations go to where the need is greatest.
“I fully support this disaster appeal and urge those wanting to help those affected to give what they can. Every donation makes a difference.
“I would like to thank the Bermuda Red Cross for their initiative in calling this appeal.”
David Burt said the Government sets aside funds to support disaster relief each year and that it will work with the Jamaican Association to co-ordinate support for Jamaica, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Reflecting on the damage there, the Premier said: “It is heartbreaking.
“The storm has had a devastating impact on the people of Jamaica, as seen in the damage to homes and the local infrastructure.
“As I shared with Prime Minister [Andrew] Holness before the storm, Bermuda will stand in solidarity with Jamaica and her people in this challenging time.
“Annually, the Government sets aside funds to support disaster relief.
“Bermuda will donate in support of the recovery efforts and we will co-ordinate that support with the local Jamaican Association and our contacts in Jamaica.”
A spokeswoman noted that the Government of Jamaica has issued official notification of the best way to make donations and the public was reminded to only respond to official appeals, and use only official channels to support this relief effort.
The link is supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs.
Mr Burt added: “The path to recovery and rebuilding will be a long process and we will continue to work with the Government and people of Jamaica to help where we can.
“Jamaica is a resilient country with a proud history and a strong connection with Bermuda.
“We will play our part as that resilience is tested and join the regional and international effort to aid the recovery.”
Ann Spencer-Arscott, the executive director of Bermuda Red Cross, urged members of the public not to drop off unsolicited goods at the charity at this time.
The charity added: “The best way to help a disaster victim is through a financial donation to the Red Cross.
“Financial contributions allow the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for the disaster relief operation.
“The Red Cross initially responds to most international relief efforts with monetary support, and, when needed, ships items such as comfort kits, clean-up kits, medical supplies, tents, tarps and water.
“Monetary donations also enable the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies close to the disaster site, which avoids delays, and transportation costs in getting necessities to disaster victims.
“Because the affected community has generally experienced significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy.”
Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account: Bermuda Red Cross, Bank of NT Butterfield, account number: 20-006-060-663859 200.
To make a payment via credit card over the phone, call the charity on 236-8253 extension 2 from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm with card details at the ready.
Donors can also stop by the office.
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