In a remarkable act of generosity, renowned horse racing trainer Peter-John Parsard has pledged to donate all his earnings from November to the hurricane relief fund, aiding victims of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica last week, unleashed sustained winds of over 185 miles per hour, torrential rains, and widespread devastation, particularly in the western parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, and St James. Thousands of families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and infrastructure severely damaged.
Parsard expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, ‘The destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa is heartbreaking. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble, and the suffering of many Jamaicans is unimaginable. I may be just one person, but I believe in the power of collective action. If my earnings can provide even a small measure of relief to affected families, it’s worth every cent. This is not just charity—it’s a duty to stand with our people in their time of need.’
The Jamaican Government has launched an emergency relief fund to address the urgent needs of over 400,000 affected residents. The Support Jamaica Disaster Relief portal has outlined critical requirements, including clean water, non-perishable food, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter materials. Parsard has also appealed to the Jamaican Diaspora worldwide, urging them to contribute to the relief efforts. ‘Whether you’re in New York, London, Toronto, or Tokyo—if you carry Jamaica in your heart, now is the time to act. We’ve survived hurricanes like Charlie, Gilbert, and Ivan. We will survive Melissa, too, but only if we stand together,’ he emphasized.