DALLEYNEARLY 150,000 homes have been confirmed damaged and more than $1 billion in benefits are to be handed out to homeowners in the wake of hurricane Ivan, Horace Dalley, minister
of labour and social security, indicated yesterday.
In a ministerial statement to the House of Representatives, Mr. Dalley announced that the islandwide verification of damaged homes has been completed, and members of Parliament would immediately receive lists of those to receive benefits.
"It should be noted that some persons may not be listed in the correct constituency based on their postal addresses, but this will not create any difficulty in the receipt of benefits," the social security minister said.
VARIFIED
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson had announced last month that benefits would be disbursed in four categories. With verification now concluded, they include $20,000 each for 7,209 totally destroyed houses; $7,500 each for 20,428 severely damaged block and steel houses; $10,000 for 47,697 other severely damaged houses; and $5,000 each to 73,330 houses with minor damage to structure or household effects.
"Disbursement of benefits is being done in batches and cheques valued at $193 million have already been disbursed to approximately 21,000 households," Mr. Dalley said.
The disbursement process is slated to continue throughout the rest of December via the post office network, and beneficiaries are to be advised when their cheques are ready.
