DalleyTenesha Thomas, Gleaner Writer
Yesterday the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Horace Dalley, began distributing more than $248 million to persons who suffered damage during the passage of Hurricane Ivan.
Speaking at a press conference at his office on Thursday morning, Mr. Dalley said the parishes to benefit immediately include St. Catherine, Clarendon, West-moreland, Manchester, St. Eliza-beth and St. Thomas.
He said the assistance cheques will be issued in four denominations based on the property damage sustained: $20,000 for total destruction, $10,000 for severe damage to block and steel structure, $5,000 for other types of structure, $5,000 for minor damage.
Extremely daunting task
According to the minister, the government has taken the responsibility to assist the victims of Hurricane Ivan and it will keep its promise.
"We had to do something even though it was an extremely daunting task", explained the minister at a press conference on Thursday. "There was a very high price tag that was placed on the assistance package we wanted to give to those who were affected by Hurricane Ivan, but we tried our best to assist and rehabilitate those families who were affected."
Mr. Dalley said more than $98 million has already been distributed throughout the island.
Thousands of people in Ja-maica suffered damage during the passage of the hurricane last September.
