Milton Walker, Senior Reporter - The Voice

Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), through its United Kingdom (U.K.) remittance arm, is giving up approximately £100,000 in revenue this week as part of its effort to assist Jamaica's hurricane relief efforts.

"It's an unusual period and we expect increased volumes with back to school and the hurricane" said Rhoda Lee, operations manager of JN Money Transfer U.K.

All this week, Jamaicans have been attending JN Money Transfer branches across Britain sending money back to loved ones traumatised by Hurricane Dean. Last evening, several persons, including Jacqueline Miller of Camberwell in South London, stopped to send money back to her family in Paradise, Norwood, St. James.

"I am here to send money to my family back home," said Miller. "They say all the roof top gone," she related.

Trying to help

Tritian Mills has not heard from her mom who lives in eastern St. Thomas since the hurricane. "My sister is in Kingston and she is OK, but I can't get through to my mom in Dalvey," said Mills.

Marsha Levy from Brixton in South London was more philosophical as she left the JN Branch on Brixton High Street. "My family is not really affected, but I am sending money anyway."

At the Brixton branch, co-manager, Alicia Young, said she has seen an increase in traffic since the hurricane. "They have also been ringing up about any offers we have for the hurricane and asking if the offices are opened in Jamaica," said Young.

Rivals Victoria Mutual Money Transfer (VMMT) is also trying to help. "We have reduced our fees from £9.99 for sending £500 to Jamaica to £2.99 from August 20 until the 31," said Odelle Campbell, agent network manager for VM Money Transfer U.K. She reckons VMMT will forgo about £2,500 in revenue as a result of the reduction in fees charged at its four branches and 20 agents across the U.K.

Meanwhile, Jamaicans in Britain are being urged to contribute to as many as three funds established to assist hurricane victims. The Jamaican High Commission in Kensington has started the Hurricane Dean Relief Fund. The Jamaica Diaspora has also reactivated its Jamaica Diaspora Recovery Fund, which had been created after Hurricane Ivan hit the island in September 2004.

"This time we are not collecting items, only money," said Paulette Simpson, president of the Jamaica Diaspora U.K. "The organisation in consultation with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management can then decide where is the greatest need."

Over in the Midlands, the church is at the heart of the relief efforts. Bishop Winston Powell, overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy, told The Voice: "Its early days yet, but we are mobilising the community. RAFA the church-sponsored international develop-ment agency is being activated," he said.