In a significant humanitarian effort, the Lions Club Paramaribo Central has donated 10 tons of rice to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica. The donation was handed over to the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR), which will oversee the distribution of the relief supplies. The need is urgent, with critical shortages of drinking water, batteries, and construction materials reported in the affected areas. Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba over the past few days, with international news sources confirming 49 fatalities. Glen Tewari, the project committee chairman, emphasized the Lions Club’s mission, stating, ‘Our slogan is We Serve. As Lions, it is our duty to extend a helping hand to humanity.’ The donation, comprising 1,000 bags of 10-kilogram rice, was made possible with the support of NV Sunrise. The Lions Club has a history of mobilizing during disasters, both domestically and internationally. Colonel Jerry Slijngaard, NCCR coordinator, noted that the center is awaiting clearance to ship the rice, as ports in the affected regions remain closed. ‘Rice is at the top of the list of urgent needs,’ Slijngaard said. ‘Additionally, there is a high demand for construction materials, such as zinc sheets, batteries due to power outages, and drinking water. Suriname will contribute to the best of its ability—what we have, we will share.’