Belizean Students Gets Boost in Return to Jamaica

Belizean students studying in Jamaica are getting much needed financial relief after an unexpected strain on their resources. Many of the students had depleted their savings in preparation for Hurricane Melissa, spending it on food, travel, accommodation and emergency supplies. They are now returning to school for full, in-person classes and say the funds coming from the Government of Belize will help them get back on track as the new academic term begins. Here’s Bernard Pitts, President of the Belizean Student Association of Jamaica.

 

Bernard Pitts, President, Belizean Student Association of Jamaica

“I can confirm that we have received funds from the government. It has not been dispersed as yet. Most people have traveled and for those who remain in Jamaica I’ve made arrangements for them to receive their funds. I’m not certain if they receive it yet because it would’ve been difficult if they didn’t have a bank account to do an easy transfer. But that has been put in place for them and for those returning in January, definitely they will receive theirs as well. So in the process – in terms of recovering I wouldn’t say that we are, we’re off. We are, we’re at, I would say ninety-five to almost a hundred percent recovered.”

 

Shane Williams

“And what’s the, in, what’s the use? What will the funds be used for or is intended to be used for?”

 

Bernard Pitts

“I think most persons will use it for food, accommodation and transportation because that’s what they were expending their funds on. Some use for traveling out within their region, stacking up on extra stuff and so on. It was out of their budget and so I think the funds will come in quite handy to replace that and get them back on track.”