Farmers may be regarded as a very resilient group of people, and this was proven following the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 3, 2024. Though it has now been one year, the devastating impact of the Hurricane is still etched in the farmers’ minds, especially since many have not been able to bounce back as quickly as they usually do. Thanks to Ms. Judy Douglas, the Director of Programmes at Episcopal Charities, (c/o Christ Church San Marcos, Tarry Town, Episcopal Diocese of New York), the Southfield Cure Farmers Group received the 2024 Sustainable Development Goal Grant, which is an Emergency Farmers’ Relief Grant valued at $2,239,506.50. The funds will enable the farmers to re-establish operations in areas of need identified, as well as benefit from sustainable support as they recover.
Extensive Losses
The farmers on the Southern belt of Jamaica were badly affected by the wind and heavy rainfall from the Category 4 Hurricane which washed away soil and crops. Some farmers also lost equipment, including water drums, drip irrigation systems, spray pumps, workstations, as well as their chicken coops, huts, and livestock, such as chickens and pigs. In addition, many faced the challenge of having to repair their homes, even as they grappled with how they were going to rebound in a sustainable way.
A Mission to Help
Approximately two months after the Hurricane, Ms. Douglas contacted Rev. Fr. Olando Gayle, Rector of the Southfield Cure, to offer assistance to the Southfield Cure Farmers Group. With permission from the then Diocesan Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and Archbishop of the West Indies, The Most Rev. Dr. The Hon. Howard Gregory, Mrs. Douglas applied for the Sustainable Development Goal Grant, as a partnership between Christ Church San Marcos, Tarry Town and the Southfield Cure. On October 5, 2024, we received the great news that the grant was approved, and by February 25, 2025, the funds were received.
Mission Accomplished
A Committee, which was established to oversee the Programme, agreed on the amount that each farmer should receive based on the damage sustained and the needs that were to be addressed. Consequently, 37 farmers and 3 Cure church farming groups benefitted from this grant, and on April 26, a handing over ceremony was held at St. Mark’s Church, Mayfield for the distribution of cash donations, livestock, and farm supplies – which included a variety of seeds, fertilizers, bag feed, spray pumps, hives, and baby chickens. The ceremony was attended by farmers from the six churches in the Cure; Mrs. Janet Gordon (President of the Southfield Cure Farmers Group); Mrs. Isadora Powell (Treasurer of the Southfield Cure), Rev. Olando Gayle (Rector and Administrator) and Rev. Carol Vaughns (Administrative Assistant). Miss Judy Douglas, Director of Programmes at Episcopal Charities, joined the Service virtually.
St. Paul’s, Tryall received the greatest contribution, as it has the most farmers in the Cure – the majority of whom are women. The beneficiaries are as follows:
St. Paul’s: $445,000.00, St. Mark’s: $195,000.00, St. Mary’s: $50,000.00.00, St. David’s: $110,00.00, St. Aidan’s, Bull Savannah: $188,000.00 and St. Alban’s, Stanmore: $172,000.00. The two Cure Farms and the Women’s Auxiliary Apiary Project also received $120,000.00 and $200,000.00, respectively towards their recovery efforts. A comprehensive report on the management of the funds was sent to the sponsor, and was approved by Ms. Judy Douglas of Episcopal Charities.
In expressing thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Hilary Dennis, a farmer of St. Alban’s Church, described the Grant as an expression of love which would enhance the lives of the farmers.
Contributed By: The Rev. Olando Gayle
Rector, Southfield Cure
St. Elizabeth
