59 disabled children arrive in Portland from Haiti

Fifty-nine children with varying disabilities are now undergoing screening and medical check up from the local ministry of health in Port Antonio, Portland after arriving in the parish from Haiti.

The disabled children, along with their 13 caregivers, arrived by boat shortly before 9:00 a.m. and landed at the Ken Wright shipping pier in Port Antonio. 

They were escorted into port by a Jamaica Defence Force coastguard vessel and the marine police, where they were fed and provided with drinking water.

The arrival of the children is part of a initiative between the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) Jamaica, who will provide  accommodation for the children and caretakers.

They are expected to be housed at the newly built Ephesus Village, Jacob’s Ladder, Moneague. It is understood that the arrangement is initially for two years and funding will be provided by various established donors.

In a statement today, Father Garvin Augustine, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities International,  said that following a series of meetings with government agencies, MSC was granted permission for the children to enter Jamaica legally and to get the necessary care in a safe environment.

- Gareth Davis 

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