In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has delivered more than one million hot meals to residents in western Jamaica, offering crucial support to those impacted by the disaster. This milestone was announced by Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during a press briefing following an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting on November 20. Mayor Vernon highlighted the significant aid provided to St James and expressed gratitude for WCK’s ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable communities across the municipality. He praised the dedication of volunteers and donors, urging continued contributions to sustain the initiative, which serves a vital humanitarian purpose. WCK, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés in 2010, specializes in rapid food relief during emergencies, setting up kitchens and collaborating with local partners to deliver immediate assistance. Shifting focus, Mayor Vernon also addressed the reopening of Montego Bay’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the city’s economy. He emphasized that tourism contributes 30% to Jamaica’s GDP and 25% of national employment, with Montego Bay relying on it for over half of its economic activity and jobs. Vernon detailed efforts to restore hotels safely, ensuring workers regain employment. He commended Sandals for retaining its staff and encouraged other hotels to follow suit. The mayor underscored the importance of reopening tourism facilities to maintain Montego Bay’s appeal to visitors and assured that recovery efforts would balance economic revitalization with addressing residents’ immediate needs.
World Central Kitchen serves over one million meals in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
