Humanitarian Assistance Programme of US donated more than US$22,000 in school supplies to Jamaica

Jamaica: The Southern Command of the United States, via its Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP), has funded a back-to-school initiative in partnership with the – Jamaica Public Service Company Community (JPS), Renewal Department through the National Education Trust.

It has donated more than 800 backpacks and associated school supplies valued at over US$22,000 forms part of ongoing scholastic support and other initiatives by the US Embassy and the Department of Defense to support the educational needs of children in Jamaica. 

The back-to-school items would be delivered to students living in Kingston, St Thomas and St James, including the Bickerstethh Primary, Harbor View Primary, St. Benedicts Primary, Anchovy Primary and High School. 

In addition, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has stated the social media posts that went viral wrong, which alleges that JDF has purchased new equipment recently. 

Bursting the inappropriate social media posts claims, the officials of JDF, in a statement, cited that, “We have purchased no such equipment.” Besides this, the Defence force has also urged people to be responsible in what they share on social media.

JDF stated that “The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) advises the public that the social media posts that are currently in circulation regarding a shipment of military equipment, as a purchase made by the force, are false.” 

Following the statement, it stated that “The JDF has not made a purchase of the vehicles shown in the circulating video. The organ is by force not aware of the origin of the post and dissociates itself from this video or any material related to it.”

“The JDF reminds everyone to act responsibly and verify all information before sharing. We thank the public for the opportunity to provide clarity on this matter,” the statement further reads. 

Jamaica Defence Force is the combined military of Jamaica, which consists of an infantry Regiment and – Reserve Corps, – an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and – a supporting Engineering Unit.