KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has ramped up recovery initiatives at its western campus in Montego Bay following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across western Jamaica. The hurricane inflicted widespread damage, leaving many students and staff grappling with personal losses, including property destruction and, tragically, the loss of loved ones. The western campus, which accommodates approximately 500 students across two locations—Barnett Street, home to the Caribbean School of Nursing, and Dome Street, offering programs in business administration, nursing, public health, computer information systems, law, and professional development—was severely impacted. In the aftermath, UTech conducted comprehensive assessments across all campuses before resuming academic activities. UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its community. “Our western campus family has demonstrated remarkable resilience during this challenging period,” Dr. Brown stated in a press release. “Despite the significant setbacks, our priority remains ensuring that every affected student and staff member has access to essential resources, including food, shelter, connectivity, and emotional support through our counselling and chaplaincy services.” The Dome Street campus, which experienced severe flooding, underwent extensive cleaning and partial repairs, reopening on November 10 with generator power until electricity was restored the following week. Water was supplied from on-site tanks, and a Starlink system was installed to ensure uninterrupted internet access. However, the Barnett Street campus remains closed due to extensive structural damage, including roof failure and water intrusion, with repairs ongoing to meet safety standards. Dr. Brown highlighted the expanded support provided through the Student Welfare, Counselling, and Chaplaincy units, including options for affected students to withdraw from classes without academic or financial penalties, special grants, fee waivers, and care packages. Western Campus Coordinator Antoinette Smith expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from staff, volunteers, and the broader community, which has been instrumental in the recovery efforts. A university delegation visited the campus on November 5 to distribute essential supplies, including bottled water and generators, as part of the relief operations coordinated by the university’s Emergency Operations Centre. Additional support continues through staff initiatives and ongoing care-package distribution. Dr. Brown called for sustained assistance from partners, alumni, and friends, emphasizing the collective effort required to rebuild and restore the western campus. “We cannot do this alone,” he said. “Every act of generosity, whether in cash or kind, helps our students and staff recover and return to learning.”