January 15, 2010
That earthquake dealt a collective blow to the Caribbean and once again brings pain to all the islands of this archipelago, as happens every time there is disaster in the world’s first black republic.
There is no question that we must all respond the way family ought to in times of crises. And it is heartening to see that Jamaica and the rest of CARICOM have not only done so, but speedily. We can only hope that the rebuilding will get the financial and technical support from the world to make Port Au Prince and the rest of the country a better place for all Haitians.
We recall the memorable chorus from David Rudder’s ode to those who first made the Caribbean free. Watch video
Haiti, I'm sorry
We misunderstood you
One day we'll turn our heads
And look inside you
Haiti, I'm sorry. Haiti, I'm sorry
One day we'll turn our heads
Restore your glory.
For those who want to contribute below are all the initiatives from Scotiabank Group Jamaica that you can support.
Scotiabank Group Jamaica has partnered with the RJR Group to open the Haitian Crisis Fund (account#: 822 317) for cash donations. So far Jamaicans have donated more than J$5.4 million to the fund.
Scotiabank is also accepting donations for the Jamaica Red Cross at account #: 20499. The bank says it will donate $5 million to the Red Cross. This follows a donation from Scotiabank International of CDN$250,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
Scotiabank Group Jamaica is also collaborating with Food for the Poor Jamaica to finance supplying and shipping containers with resources for Haiti.
All Scotiabank branches island wide are acting as collection points for clothing, non-perishable foods and water for the Haitian people. “We are heartened by the response as people are taking in barrels, large garbage bags and several boxes upon boxes of items, too large to even store in the boxes which our branches have on hand,” says Heather Goldson, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Public & Corporate Affairs. “Compassion is alive and well in Jamaica. Scotiabank is pleased to be able to facilitate Jamaican’s need to do their part in helping our neighbours through this devastating time.”