Local business helps Old Harbour residents to cope during ‘no movement days’

This is courtesy of the immense goodwill of local business Koncept Appliance and Furniture in ensuring that the less fortunate among us will at least have some food to take them through what is most likely going to be a very difficult period for many, many persons.

Rohit Gangwani, proprietor of the popular establishment, said he was moved by the thought of how those below the poverty line will cope in light of a series of scheduled lockdowns announced Thursday by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

"We are all one people no matter what class, colour or race, we are all one. This pandemic has been very difficult for all of us but it is important that we look out for each other moreso now than ever. It is not about how me and you can survive this crisis as individuals, but how we as a people can come together and make this challenging period less difficult for everybody. The virus is a big threat already but if you can't find food then you have a bigger problem,” he said. "Koncept Appliance and Furniture has been giving back to the community of Old Harbour for many years, so this is nothing new. But when the Prime Minister announced the 'no movement days' all I could think about was the less fortunate living among us because this lockdown is going to affect them more than any of us.”

Through his company the businessman, who hails from Mumbai, India, sought the assistance of the Old Harbour Police Station to donate packages containing food.   

DSP Mark Harris, commander in charge of Old Harbour, immediately affirmed his commitment and assigned a team of officers to work out the logistic.

Sgt. Princess Bayliss-Ranger, who led the team, was pleased with the initiative, stating everything went smoothly. The packaged items were distributed to some persons at the Old Harbour Police Station this afternoon, while the officers made delivery to homes of those who are incapacitated or hampered by the rain. 

“This is far above the standard and I really want to thank Mr Gangwani of Koncept Appliance and Furniture. The Old Harbour police really appreciate this partnership with Koncept Appliance and Furniture,” said Bayliss-Ranger who is the community, safety and security head for the Old Harbour zone

In highlighting the dire situation of the beneficiaries, the Woman Sergeant said: "In the areas we've visited especially the Church Pen, Africa, Darlington and surrounding areas.

"These persons really don't have a daily meal… and have expressed to me that they really need something (food) especially at this time."

Following the announced period of nationwide curfew by Prime Minister Holness, Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke declared that the government has disbursed $189 million to aid some 350,000 Jamaicans living below poverty line. However, when broken down equally each person stands to gain very little. Some may not benefit whatsoever due to political tribalism and factors.

Both the police and Gangwani are also calling on other individuals, businesses and non-governmental organisations to partner and help the most vulnerable of the society particularly in these times.

Starting August 22 the country will undergo three consecutive days of curfew, with the process repeating at the start of the following week and then for a single day – September 5. This, the government said, is necessary due to a rise in covid-19 cases and hospitalization and confirmation that 22 persons returned positive test for the delta variant.