Gustav restoration fund launched

KINGSTON:

The United Way of Jamaica has launched the United Way Gustav Restoration Fund. The target is to raise $50 million and the United Way has committed $2 million to start the fund.

Tropical Storm Gustav has caused severe dislocations to many. The decision to launch the fund was taken at the United Way executive meeting on Thursday. Board chairman, Noel daCosta, in making the announcement, said that the United Way of Jamaica will invite its partners to join in the effort to bring relief to schools that suffered severe damage to buildings, equipment and material, in particular early childhood institutions.

GraceKennedy and Western Union have already committed to make a substantial contribution to the Gustav fund. The United Way of Jamaica is appealing to all its partners corporate and individuals, to support this initiative.

JPS lights up Portland

BUFF BAY, Portland:

Following the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has restored electrical power to almost all its customers in east and west Portland. The company said that all should receive supply by next week.

Parish manager of JPS, Marilyn McDonald, explained that about 31 kilometres of its power lines were destroyed during the tropical storm, which was compounded by 129 utility poles that were affected.

"The eastern end of the parish accounted for the bulk of the damage," she said. "We lost approximately 28 street lights, along with a number of transformers. Only about 20 customers are without electricity at this time."

- Gareth Davis, Sr.

It could have been worse - doctor

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth:

Medical Officer of Health for St Elizabeth, Dr Derrick Ledford, said that if the recent emission at alumina bauxite company, Alpart, had occurred in a more populated area, it could have been more devastating for residents.

Dr Ledford was speaking at the monthly meeting of the parish council on Thursday. "A report is being prepared by the health department and we are trying to cover as much of the area and the impact the explosion had on the residents," he said. "The problem must be treated as a serious one, and the chemical which spilt as a result of the explosion could have negative health-related implications for the community."

Alpart aids students

NAIN, St Elizabeth:

The Nain-based Alpart has assisted 250 students in the company's mining areas in St Elizabeth with vouchers to purchase uniforms and other back-to-school supplies.

Speaking with The Gleaner, public relations manager Lance Neita said the assistance formed part of Alpart's general educational assistance programme. He said the programme was ongoing and caters to a wide cross-section of educational needs.

"This year we covered some 17 schools and we will certainly be reaching a lot of the schools in the communities around the mines with assistance," said Neita.

- Rayon Dyer