The supplies are being presented, courtesy of the Canadian government, to aid hurricane-affected communities in Jamaica. The supplies sent yesterday are in addition to Canada's $2 million (cdn) financial commitment made on August 20, 2007 for relief and recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Dean; and a February 2007 contribution to the $20 million (cdn) Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility-proving governments with insurance against government losses caused by catastrophic natural disasters; and a $20 million (cdn) regional disaster risk reduction program.

Canadians wishing to help with relief efforts are encouraged to visit:

http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/library/howcanadians-en.aspx.

Meanwhile, a hurricane emergency relief committee has been established to co-ordinate relief efforts in Toronto, Canada, following the passage of Hurricane Dean and its devastating impact on Jamaica. The Committee is headed by Consul General, Anne-Marie Bonner.

Four bank accounts have been opened in the Toronto area to accept monetary donations.

• The Consulate's Hurricane Relief Fund is at the Bank of Montreal - transit number 2418, account number 806-4589.

• The Jamaica Hurricane Relief Fund is at the Toronto-Dominion (TD) bank - branch number 1020, account number 0690526-8137.

• The Jamaican Diaspora Disaster Relief Fund is at Bank of Nova Scotia - transit number 50062, account number 0038318,

• and the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) also has a Disaster Fund at the Royal Bank, transit number 6702, account number 107-651-2.