Coreas Hazells Inc doing all in its power to assist affected persons – GM

Persons who suffered damage to property during the Christmas disaster are in line for discounts on building supplies from Coreas Hazells Inc.{{more}}

This concession is in addition to the more than two million dollars in food and material donations and credit on building supplies, extended to the Government by the company.

Coreas and Hazells general manager Joel Providence, at a press conference Tuesday, said that the undertaking is the fourth in a series of steps his company has taken, since floods wreaked havoc on a number of communities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day last year.

As well as providing discounts on materials for home repairs and reconstruction, Providence stated that discussions are ongoing concerning the reconstruction of homes for families who lost loved ones during the disaster.

“Coreas Hazells is committed to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and we will do whatever is in our power and within our resources to assist at this time of need.

“There is a lot more that we can do and we will do whatever we can to assist where appropriate,” Providence told the media.

Brian George, the company’s divisional manager for building supplies, explained that as much as 25 per cent discount will be offered to affected individuals, and that the supplies which will be discounted are not limited to “traditional supplies”.

He said Coreas Hazells will also offer advice, guidance, and support to those affected by the floods, who are uncertain of how to proceed with the reconstruction process.

“The host and range of materials is unlimited, once it relates to the reconstruction relative to damage caused by the flood… so, as well as the lumber, cement, steel, plywood, items such as fencing products; because we all know a number of fences across the country got damaged; persons have to repaint; those types of items will be part of this special assistance for those persons.

“So, in the first instance, we are trying to help you to get your money reach a bit further, but we would also help you with guidance and advice.”

George also added that a verification process would have to take place, to ensure that the process is not abused, but this procedure should not be a stumbling block.

He said that affected individuals can take advantage of the offers immediately.

“As a company, we believe that it is our duty to assist. Our company is morally obligated to assist and we are more than willing to assist… we are not just assisting the government, but also individuals, and we hope that our assistance will go a long way in alleviating some of the suffering that persons are encountering.

“We realise that there are a number of persons suffering out there. There are a number of persons who should not be taken for granted; life is no longer normal for them,” he added.

Along with building supplies, the company has also been active in the distribution of food supplies, and according to food divisions manager Jimmie Forde, this is being done in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

“We have been informed that there are several persons in shelters, and there are several persons who are not in shelters and they are assisted by persons….

“We were able to put together a very significant package for NEMO… a wide range of items and what we are basically doing, we are delivering to NEMO. NEMO will then repackage to suit the needs….

“After they repackage the products, we use our resources to deliver to the shelters.”

Forde said that the assistance was also extended to other groups and organizations who were involved in the recovery and relief effort, including fund-raising events.

“This is our way of assisting… because in a small state such as ours, when one is affected, all is affected.”

Earlier in the media briefing, Providence outlined the steps taken as a result of the storm. He stated that the company’s first response was to enquire of the status and welfare of their staff, as well as the status of their clients, which was followed up by visits.

“Our second response was to put two trucks on the road, delivering water to those in need, both on the leeward side of the island, as well as the windward side of the island, as far as we could possibly go….

Our third response was to listen attentively to the media briefing provided by the Prime Minister and other government officials and then to attend a meeting with the appropriate government authorities to determine how best we could assist in this relief effort.”

Providence then confirmed that Coreas Hazells will contribute $500,000 worth of food and building materials to the recovery efforts, and a credit line of $1.5 million to the government for building supplies, along with the discount to individuals.

“It is our civic responsibility to make a contribution as citizens of this country. The damage has been tremendous,” Providence stated.(JJ)