Portland Rehab Centre gets $100,000 boost

Folly Road, Portland

Businessman Telief ‘Peter’ Hall and his team from Roots 21 fine-dining restaurant at lower West Street, Port Antonio, have donated $100,000 to the Portland Rehabilitation Centre to assist with their day-to-day operations.

Hall, who also committed to providing additional assistance, expressed the desire to see to the well-being, growth, and development of the rehab centre, especially to assist with its poultry, rabbit, and goat farm production

“And so, going forward, it is my intention to provide financial assistance to this rehab centre, first and foremost,” commented Hall.

“There are approximately 35 residents at this rehab centre who are in need of care, and I am simply doing my civic duty by giving to the less fortunate and the underprivileged. I am hoping that other business operators will at least come on board and provide the resources needed to assist with the day-to-day running of this facility.

“There is a mini chicken farm here, and they are rearing goats and rabbits to sell to the community. It is obvious that there is a high level of independence here, however, they do need help to keep the facility going. So I am looking at adopting this facility, but the need is great. It is absolutely necessary for all of us to see how best we can help these residents and to ensure that this facility remains open,” added Hall.

The Portland Rehabilitation Centre is home to approximately 35 permanent residents and an additional 20 temporary ones. Most of the residents were either living on the streets of Port Antonio, abandoned by family members, and/or affected by mental issues.

Carla Gullota, principal director of the Portland Rehabilitation Centre, who is also the executive director of Stand Up For Justice, expressed appreciation for the funds donated by Hall and his brother, Aubyn ‘Din-Din’ Hall, who also fêted the residents with a warm lunch.

“This is just awesome and special. I thank you guys from Roots 21 for your kind gesture, which is well needed,” said Gullota.

“We operate a small chicken farm here, and so we were able to sell some chickens last year to community residents to assist with the day-to-day operations. Our residents here are learning varying skills and some are enrolled in programmes such as skills training with HEART Trust. So this is really big, and I thank Roots 21 for their contribution. I am hoping, though, that Roots 21 will be able to at least provide us with a small monthly contribution going forward, which will be greatly appreciated,” she concluded.

In the meantime, Hall said he would look into the likelihood of honouring the request made by Gullotta as according to him, the need is great.

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