Arlington, VA, September 9, 2004 – The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) is pleased to announce a new private-sector partnership with SuperPlus Supermarkets of Jamaica. The announcement of this partnership coincides with the nearing of the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Gilbert's landfall in Jamaica, and aims to assist in improving relief activities in the event of a natural disaster.

In addition to considerable planning with SuperPlus Supermarkets, CIDI has consulted with Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to ensure that this program fits within their existing relief plan and as part of the CIDI's mission to provide information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief. While the hope is that no emergencies occur, seasoned disaster professionals know that it is always wise to have a plan!

Through the SuperPlus on-line store, US residents can now quickly donate brands familiar to local Jamaicans afflicted by a disaster - everything from canned foods to toiletries and baby items can be purchased easily by computer. By highlighting the donations capabilities of the SuperPlus web site, the CIDI hopes to provide a unique channel whereby potential donors can avoid many of the past problems with international disaster relief donations. Groups and individuals in the US can now purchase supplies for family, friends and local Jamaican relief charities through this website. By purchasing items already in-country, donors eliminate many of the complications encountered by groups hoping to send donated commodities from abroad. During Hurricane Gilbert, massive donations of used clothing, expired medications and other inappropriate items competed for valuable transportation channels and delayed the distribution of urgently needed supplies.

Suzanne Brooks, Director of CIDI comments that "Very often, inappropriate donations become a tremendous burden to the recipient country. In many cases, this type of aid arrives too late or is not appropriate for a relief activity." By collaborating with SuperPlus, CIDI hopes to do its small part by educating the general public while ensuring that Jamaicans receive sufficient quantities and the appropriate quality of necessary supplies in response to a disaster.

The CIDI program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA). Since its inception in 1988, CIDI has worked with both the public and the private sector to minimize inappropriate donations in response to international emergencies and to maximize the benefit of US public support for those affected by disaster. In the past the Center’s experience has been largely limited to working with US-based companies with operations overseas to promote employee and community preparedness activities as well as improving local response capabilities. Ms. Brooks notes, "This activity at the local level brings us closer to the heart of the international donations issue. The cost of transporting donations is often several times the value of the commodity being sent. In most cases, donors have no specific recipient in mind – which creates a problem of unclaimed shipments taking up valuable warehouse space." This partnership with SuperPlus Supermarkets is a groundbreaking opportunity for CIDI to work directly with a corporation based in a disaster-prone country and to capitalize on expediting appropriate relief efforts in-country.

In order to assist CIDI with efforts to educate the American public on appropriate types of donations, SuperPlus is examining the possibility of selling an assortment of "care packages." The market is working with a nutritionist to develop "baskets" that contain prepackaged grocery items tailored towards the needs of the population during an urgent situation.

To ensure that this partnership was on track, the CIDI consulted with ODPEM's Director General, Dr. Barbara Carby, who stated "We support the idea and welcome the initiative. We are willing to work with CIDI and SuperPlus to ensure that this initiative is integrated into the present relief plan."

Richard Chen, a director of SuperPlus Supermarkets says, "One of the objectives in our Mission Statement is to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we serve by being a responsible and caring corporate citizen, reflecting our own commitment to those communities in which we operate. To fulfill this objective, we work closely with a number of charities and service organizations in these communities and island-wide. At the heart of any retail operation is distribution, so we understand the logistical difficulties involved in redistributing relief items. Through this collaborative effort donors in the US will be able to go on-line and assist during an emergency or disaster by buying a care package; the market will then distribute basket vouchers to local relief agencies, charitable organizations, and individuals for redemption at SuperPlus Supermarkets in Jamaica."

This joint endeavor allows countless individuals to assist relief agencies and individuals throughout Jamaica during times of crisis. With more than 30 stores throughout the island, access to goods would be relatively quick when compared to the weeks and sometimes months delay faced when trying to ship, clear customs and distribute the contents of a shipping container. Keeping people employed within a country, particularly after a disaster, is exceedingly important. With SuperPlus being one of Jamaica’s largest employers, supporting local economic growth is critical after the emergency to ensure the survival and well being of Jamaicans.

What started as a small, family business a bit more than 10 years ago, SuperPlus has grown to become Jamaica's largest retailer. Despite the impressive growth, the company and the family remain true to their mission. Mr. Chen remarks, "SuperPlus is committed to our home, Jamaica. We see ourselves as an integral part of the many communities we serve."