In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.
