Gov’t sets up collection centers to send storm aid to Jamaica

“Each donated item represents hope and support for a sister island that needs our help today,” Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana said.

By THE STAR STAFF

Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced Tuesday that the Puerto Rico government will establish five collection centers in San Juan, Manatí, Ponce, Fajardo and Mayagüez to gather supplies destined for communities in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

“Puerto Rico knows what it means to rebuild after a hurricane. We have experienced uncertainty, loss, and the process of reconstruction. We are a people of solidarity who always respond when others need us,” said Rivera Santana, alongside the secretaries of Public Safety, Health, and Housing, the director of the Ports Authority, and the spokesperson for Haiti Rises Up. “Today, we invite all citizens to join us in providing support to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica who are facing difficult times after Melissa.”

The collection centers will operate this Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan, Siragusa Court at the Acropolis in Manatí, Juan Pachín Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce, Tomás Dones Coliseum in Fajardo and Isidro Cholo García Stadium in Mayagüez. They will be accepting canned food, personal hygiene items, first-aid supplies, water, baby formula, pet food, pots, cups, utensils, medications, cots, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, bedding, mosquito repellent, mops, brooms and cleaning supplies.

Rivera Santana noted that the Department of State, the Ports Authority, and the Puerto Rico Shipping Association signed a collaborative agreement to channel the humanitarian aid. She added that Gov. Jenniffer González Colón ordered the activation of the effort and that shipping companies will provide containers and maritime transport free of charge to send the supplies to Jamaica.

Public Safety Secretary Arturo Garffer said his department and its bureaus are ready to collaborate with Jamaican authorities, and that personnel will be deployed to the Fajardo collection center to receive, sort and dispatch the items.

Health Secretary Víctor Ramos Otero stated that the Health Department is prepared to offer clinical support and biosafety resources, and to receive patients at the Medical Center if necessary.

Those interested in helping can contact the Department of State via email at info@estado.pr.gov to coordinate the delivery of supplies. Monetary donations can be made through the official website supportjamaica.gov.jm.