Jamaica's High Commissioner in London, Burchell Whiteman, said the high commission had started the Hurricane Dean Fund to ensure that there is a swift response to the recovery efforts. - File

The country is to receive financial assistance from the United States (U.S.) Government and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partner, Trinidad and Tobago, to help in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean.

Meanwhile, relief supplies are also expected from the governments of Spain, Brazil, Venezuela and Canada.

Releasing funds

Patricia Attkisson, public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy told The Gleaner yesterday that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would be releasing the first instalment of hurricane funds to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) today.

"They are not sure about the amount of that instalment and there will be a second instalment later this week, which will be slightly larger than the first," she told The Gleaner.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said during a press briefing at the ODPEM on Monday morning that a number of foreign governments had signalled their intention to assist in the recovery effort.

"I did indicate that the United States Government and the United States Agency for International Development have started to give assistance from the preparation stage and they will continue," said the Prime Minister. "A large vessel will be coming into Jamaica as soon as possible."

She said CARICOM was also standing by to provide assistance.

In addition to usual food items, the Prime Minister said she would be requesting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade get in touch with ambassadors overseas to help with sourcing roofing material and housing assistance.

She also noted that residents of Portland Cottage, in Clarendon, and Caribbean Terrace in Kingston, whose homes were damaged as a result of the hurricane, would benefit from the donation of housing material.

Relief fund in UK

Meanwhile, the Jamaican High Commission in London has launched a Hurricane Dean Relief Fund in response to damage caused by Hurricane Dean.

Jamaica's High Commissioner in London, Burchell Whiteman said, while he awaits details of the extent of the damage, the High Commission had started the fund to ensure that there is a swift response to the recovery efforts.

"Our heart is with our country-men and women at this time. We express profound sympathies and concern for all those who endured and have been affected by the force of this very strong hurricane." he said. "We hope that the relief fund will assist in a very measurable way to the speedy return to our island's recovery and return to normality."