(CNS): Cayman’s Registrar for Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) is reminding the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of charities and associations before making donations in response to the challenges and humanitarian needs following Hurricane Melissa and the efforts to assist Jamaica in particular. Members of the public can check the most recent list of registered NPOs in the Cayman Islands, online at www.ciregistry.com.
The message comes in the wake of dozens and dozens of reports about scam calls for donations.
“Contributing to registered NPOs helps reduce the risk of fraud, misuse of funds, and other unlawful activities, while ensuring that donations reach their intended causes,” the registry stated in a release.
Government officials urged the public to make sure their donations reach those who need it most. Only give through verified sources: visit www.supportjamaica.gov.jm for official ways to donate, or the Hurricane Melissa Relief Hub at www.caymanprepared.ky/melissarelief for ways to support from the Cayman Islands.
Cayman has been mobilising through churches, charities and clubs across the island alongside the officials government efforts to help the nieghbouring island after the direct hit from Melissa last week as a category five hurricane — the country’s worst storm in history. While the government there is still taking stock of the true extent of the damage estimated at least $10billion, as well as the death toll and injuries from the powerful storm, people here have moved quickly to assist.
The Jamaican government is also set to receive a payout of US$70.8 million as a tropical cyclone claim from the Caribbean Catastrophic Reinsurance Facility in the next few days, the largest single payout in the funds history. It is also expecting to receive further funds under its excess rainfall policy, pending final model calculations. CCRIF CEO, Isaac Anthony, said the pay out was not just a financial transaction, but a reaffirmation of CCRIF’s mission to stand with our members in their most difficult moments.
As well as being part of this regional risk fund which is domiciled here in the Cayman Islands last year the Jamaican government issued US$150million in a catastrophe or “cat” bond with the help of the world bank which experts say will pay off in a matter of days The country also has other including insurance policies and a line of credit with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to help the country navigate the landscape it now finds itself in.
Jamaica’s Finance Ministry has said it has about $820 million US available in financing to draw from in the days and weeks right after a disaster.
Meanwhile, as the country works to restore power, water and communications, Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport officially reopened on Saturday to limited commercial flights despite seven gates having been damaged in the storm. Airport officials have said the goal is to restore operations swiftly but safely. Norman Manley International Airport, is already open to commercial flights.
As the scale of damage and destruction of the hurricane continues to unfold, JN Money here in Cayman is also waiving fees on money transfers to Jamaica until 6 November to help families and friends support their loved ones there. This is in addition to the facilitation of efforts under the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa.
Anyone with concerns about a particular organisation in relation to charitable donations of any kind is encouraged to contact the Registrar for Non-Profit Organisations at grcompliance@gov.ky.
