Press Releases 2005

USAID Funds New Footbridge for Grants Pen Residents

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its implementing partner, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), today handed over a new footbridge to residents of Grants Pen.  Residents had been using a ladder to climb in and out of the gully to go about their daily business since Hurricane Ivan washed away the old bridge eight months ago.

Hurricane Ivan caused severe infrastructural damage in Jamaica and the U.S. Government quickly responded with support and funds totaling J$1.6 billion to reduce immediate risks and to help organizations better prepare for future natural hazards.   Through its extensive Hurricane Rehabilitation Program, USAID provided J$2.8 million for relief response to Grants Pen.  A further J$1.3 million was used to construct the bridge under the PERF /USAID Community Policing Project. Community volunteers and police officers from the Constant Spring Police Station joined forces to construct the bridge.

Speaking at the handing over, Dr. Kevin A. Rushing, USAID Deputy Mission Director, said USAID was concerned about the level of damage and displacement within communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. “We looked at our programs and identified funds which we could use to help communities resume normality. Our policing program was no exception as the well-being and safety of residents is at the heart of this program.”

Dr. Rushing noted that USAID/PERF had undertaken several hurricane recovery activities in Grants Pen, among them, the repair of a large hole in the floor of the gully which had posed a threat to nearby properties, repair of houses, clearing of debris, and skills training and certification for construction workers. He pointed out that in sync with the build back better theme of USAID’s hurricane recovery program, the bridge has been constructed with special earthquake and hurricane resistance features.

Mavis Anderson, an elderly resident of Grants Pen, is happy that the new bridge has made it much easier for her to commute. Prior to the new bridge being put in place, “Mummy”, as she is affectionately called, had on occasions asked the construction workers to rub her feet after using the ladder. “I can now go to church without climbing into the gully to get to the other side and without the arthritis pain that it brings,” she said. 

Anthony Powell, a visually impaired resident, walked unto the bridge immediately upon completion and said “I have not done this in a long time.”