The front page of The Gleaner yesterday told yet another heart-wrenching tale of a situation caused by Tropical Storm Gustav.

Three children from the Mustard Seed Communities died and 24 severely disabled children are now living in unsafe conditions because of the damage caused by the storm.

Amid the sadness and despair, there is also some hope. After the community said it needed money to repair the building and estimated that it will cost about $12 million, a number of private-sector organisations are pledging their support.

Important role

They, however, need more and Jamaicans are being asked to make further contributions.

The Mustard Seed community plays an important role, and so we hope that Jamaicans will answer the call and give to the community. While we are giving to them, however, we must also remember their neighbours and friends whose homes were destroyed and their lives interrupted.

As we try to put our lives back together after the storm, let us not forget the poor and helpless among us who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. We hope Jamaicans capable of helping will do so, so that the country can soon return to normal.