United Way of Jamaica Supports Poultry Farmers Affected by Hurricane Beryl

Approximately 95 poultry farmers in Clarendon have received a vital boost as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Rafael. Through a collaboration between the United Way of Jamaica and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), the farmers were provided with over 4,000 baby chicks and 90 bags of feed to help replenish their lost livestock.

The generous support was distributed on Monday during a ceremony at the Denbigh Show Grounds in Clarendon. Glenroy Stewart, president of the Grantham Farmers Group, expressed his gratitude, noting that the assistance would significantly aid in the recovery of farmers affected by the storms. “Hurricane Beryl affected the farmers greatly, but today will help them to bounce back,” Stewart said.

JAS Parish Manager Charles Killenback highlighted the extraordinary weather conditions farmers have faced this year, adding that many had lost their chicken houses and birds. “Farmers are suffering dearly. Some farmers have suffered more than others,” Killenback said, emphasizing the importance of such support in helping them rebuild.

Taneshia Stoney Dryden, CEO of the United Way of Jamaica, extended her thanks to the 11 donors who contributed to the initiative, particularly Scotiabank Canada, whose generous donation funded the outreach in Clarendon. “Scotiabank Canada is making today possible, where we can intervene and support over 90 farmers,” Stoney Dryden stated, stressing the importance of collaboration between the United Way and JAS in mobilizing resources to reach the affected communities.

Owen Dobson, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, praised the resilience of Clarendon’s farmers, acknowledging the difficult times they have endured. “We have been going through a very rough time as farmers. We have to think about picking up the pieces and moving on,” Dobson remarked.

Stoney Dryden also commended the farmers’ determination, urging them to keep pushing forward despite the challenges posed by the storms. “Thank you for feeding us back in Kingston. Thank you for your commitment. You could have given up, but we are fighters. We’re Jamaicans. We’re resilient,” she said, reiterating that the United Way and JAS would continue to stand by the farmers as they rebuild.

The Farmers’ Rehabilitation Fund has so far raised over $12 million of its $20 million target, with ongoing efforts to support farmers in Clarendon and other southern parishes affected by the storms. Donations to the fund continue to be sought to help farmers recover and restore their livelihoods.