JWN FoundationSOURCE: Our Today
In the wake of devastating Hurricane Beryl, J. Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN) has launched an immediate relief operation to support communities surrounding its operations in Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Kingston, to rehabilitate and restore activity in the communities.
The company has deployed mobile generators within five communities to provide electricity and aid in charging essential devices to ensure communication continuity. Wray & Nephew has also made available potable water where needed to residents affected by infrastructural damage or water supply shortages.
Additionally, the JWN Foundation in partnership with the Lasco Chin Foundation is distributing food packages containing essential non-perishable items to families in the parishes of Kingston, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth.
“Hurricane Beryl has had a devastating effect on the parishes of Clarendon and St. Elizabeth, home to two of our production sites Appleton Estate and New Yarmouth Distilleries. Over the last few days, we have been diligently working to assess the situation and coordinate our efforts,” said Tanikie McClarthy Allen, senior director of public affairs and sustainability at J. Wray & Nephew Limited.
“We are now working closely with local authorities and have mobilised resources, including water, food, and generators, to provide essential support such as charging cellular phones and other critical devices within the affected areas,” she explained further.
The relief efforts are focusing on these especially affected areas near JWN’s facilities, including Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse and Henley Road in St Andrew; Gimme-Me-Bit, Milk River and Racecourse in Clarendon; and Siloah, Aberdeen, Appleton in St. Elizabeth among communities on the southern section of the parish.
Company employees, through the JWN Foundation, have volunteered to assist in the packaging and distribution efforts.
McClarthy Allen said, “We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to assess how we can best continue supporting the recovery efforts. Relief efforts are no stranger to J. Wray & Nephew. In 2021, in the fight against COVID-19, we were quick to respond and through our collective efforts with all JWN affiliates, we donated over $516 million to the COVID-19 response call. While the road to recovery may be challenging, J. Wray & Nephew stands ready to support our neighbours every step of the way. Should persons wish to help with our response, please visit www.jwnfoundation.org and donate to our foundation to aid our relief efforts.”
The company plans to continue its support in the coming weeks as the full extent of the hurricane’s impact becomes clear.