Sep 4, 2008 9:55 pm US/Eastern
Citizens Of Cuba, Haiti Jamaica Seek Storm Relief
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
An urgent appeal for donations is being made to help speed recovery efforts for the victims of the hurricane season that has taken a toll on countries in the Caribbean.
At a local Western Union store, people who want to send money to loved ones in Cuba are coming across a stumbling block. They can only send $300 to relatives every three months.
Because of the recent storms, many would like if those restrictions can be lifted, at least, temporarily.
Erelio Pena explained to
CBS4 Reporter Peter D'Oench, "They need help today. They need help today."
Cubans in South Florida are saddened when they view video from Cuba, showing the massive floods from recent storms. There are reports of 100,000 homes destroyed or damaged.
Teresa Tapia has tried to contact some of her twenty cousins and nephews in Cuba, but she can't get through by phone.
"There's no electricity, no food. It is very bad,." Tapia said. "Their houses are down. They have nothing. They have nothing."
Storm victims are receiving some supplies, but Tapia said it's not enough. She asks that money restrictions to Cuba be temporarily lifted.
"The people need to eat," she went on say. "They need electricity. We need to do something about it."
Haiti and Jamaica have received relief supplies from
Food for the Poor, but many have not been able to reach loved ones. Pharmacist Tony Stevens is worried about his son and godson.
"My concern is I don't know where they are. They need help. They need food and medicine. I cannot get in touch with them. The telephone lines are off."
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