President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), Dale Parson, has confirmed that the TTMA mobilised a total of TT$8 million in relief efforts to Jamaica, including goods and cash donations.
He said the initiative, executed in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, was launched within 24 hours of the hurricane making landfall in Jamaica.
Speaking at the TTMA’s annual President’s Dinner and Awards on Tuesday, Mr. Parson praised the manufacturing sector’s rapid mobilisation, noting that even more assistance was deployed.
“Since then, we have collected another $3 million to date, total $8 million from our manufacturers. On behalf of this partnership between the TTMA and Government, I personally want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of our members who contributed and to those who have pledged continued support in our relief efforts, as our Prime Minister has requested of the TTMA assistance for our neighbours in Haiti, who were also extensively affected by Hurricane Melissa.”
The TTMA also came in for high praise from Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Satyakama Maharaj for the timely initiative.
“Only a few days ago, we were able to come together to show our solidarity and support for our Caribbean neighbours. Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean are key to our success, and with our support and generosity, they will be back on their feet again.”
Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane on record to strike Jamaica, made landfall last Tuesday, crippling the island’s infrastructure and damaging nearby Haiti as well, resulting in more than 30 fatalities there.