July 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DERRIMON TRADING COMPANY LIMITED PROVIDES CRITICAL RELIEF TO
SOUTH COAST COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY HURRICANE BERYL
DISTRIBUTES OVER 200 CARE PACKAGES TO RESIDENTS IN ST. ELIZABETH AND CLARENDON
(Kingston, Jamaica) In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, Derrimon Trading Company Limited (DTL) has mobilized its resources and rallied its team to provide essential relief to some of the hardest-hit areas on the south coast of Jamaica. The hurricane has left a trail of destruction across the island, with communities in St. Elizabeth and Clarendon bearing the brunt of the impact. Many residents in these areas are still without electricity and water, and their homes and livelihoods have been severely impacted.
Group Brand Manager, Georgia Strachan, expressed, “Our Chairman and CEO, Derrick Cotterell, said, ‘Georgia, we have to help our people,’ which immediately spurred us into action that Thursday morning. St. Elizabeth is not just a place; it is family and for some of us, it’s home.” In March, our team spent a month on the road across Jamaica, with our first week in St. Elizabeth and Manchester building bonds with customers and communities. On Saturday, we saw both the wreckage and the resilient spirit of our South Coast community, their hope and optimism, inspiring us to stand by them.”
As a major distributor and manufacturer of consumer goods in Jamaica, Derrimon recognized the urgent need to support these affected communities. Over the weekend, Derrimon‘s team, led by Group Chief Financial Officer, Ian Kelly, and Group Brand Manager, Georgia Strachan, delivered over 200 care packages containing essential items to residents in St. Elizabeth and Clarendon. The care packages included Refresh bottled water, canned foods, products from their Delect Foods brand, paper products from the Gentle line and feminine hygiene products from Woman’s Touch.
“There was a pressing need to provide immediate assistance to our fellow Jamaicans who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” said Ian Kelly, Group CFO of Derrimon Trading Company Limited. “We are always willing to assist our Jamaican people, especially in the face of such disasters. Being on the ground and witnessing the resilience and spirit of those affected was truly humbling. It reinforced our commitment to continue supporting them in whatever way we can. We are grateful for our Derrimon family and team members that came out to support these efforts.”
Derrimon has also collaborated with various local churches and organizations, including the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA), Good Samaritan Foundation, The West Indies Union of Seventh Day Adventist, and the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh Day Adventist, to ensure effective distribution of additional care packages. The relief efforts focused on the most affected communities, including Alligator Pond, Ballards Valley, Top Hill, Tryall, Yardley Chase, Southfield, Seaview, Mannings Boys Home and Treasure Beach.
“We saw firsthand the strength and determination of those affected, and it was a reminder of the importance of community and collective action in times of crisis,” added Kelly. “We encourage other individuals and companies to join us in giving back and extending a helping hand wherever possible. Together, we can make a significant difference and bring hope to those in need during these challenging times.”
Derrimon remains deeply committed to supporting the recovery efforts and providing support and resources to rebuild lives and restore hope. The company will continue to work closely with local organizations and community groups to provide ongoing assistance to those affected by Hurricane Beryl.
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