The Jamaica Consulate General along with the Diaspora Foundation Advisory Board are coordinating emergency preparations for Jamaica in light of Hurricane Dean now approaching the Caribbean region.

Meanwhile, drop off points have been set up at several churches including the Holy Family Episcopal Church in North Miami, Kendall Community Church in Kendall, and the Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church in Pembroke Pines.

In the interim, persons interested in making donations can make checks payable to the Jamaica Consulate General (Hurricane Relief) and mailed to the office at 25 Southeast Second Avenue, Suite 609, Miami, FL 33131.

Donations should include a list of critically needed items such as non-perishable food items, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, battery operated radios and bottled water.

For further information, persons can call the Consulate office at 305-374-8431, extensions 223 and 232.

Diaspora Advisory Board member, Marlon Hill has urged other Jamaican communities as well as members of community associations throughout the Diaspora to be on the alert in their specific communities to collaborate effectively as preparations are put in place.