WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – In a significant post-hurricane recovery initiative, Couples Resorts has launched a comprehensive rebuilding program for employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. Through its philanthropic arm, the Issa Trust Foundation, the resort group welcomed its first volunteer construction team on December 1, shortly after reopening to guests.
The volunteer mission, spearheaded by Wisconsin-based contractor Dirk Bartolazzi of Bartolazzi Homes, dedicated the past week to reconstructing and repairing homes of severely impacted staff members from both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away resorts in Westmoreland. Beyond immediate construction work, the program includes distributing essential building supplies to affected team members, with plans for the volunteer team to return in the new year to continue reconstruction efforts.
Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, explained the strategic shift in focus: “While our foundation has historically concentrated on pediatric health care, we made a decisive pivot following Hurricane Melissa to address the urgent housing needs of our Couples Resorts staff. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our loyal repeat guests and various donors, we are actively executing this mission.”
Bartolazzi emphasized the urgency of their mission: “When families lose their homes, time becomes critical. Our objectives were straightforward: act swiftly, maintain safety protocols, and restore homes that families can truly call their own. Witnessing the immediate transformation and the restoration of hope is precisely what motivates our work.”
The hurricane response included extensive relief measures beyond reconstruction. Couples Resorts mobilized immediate support through care packages containing food, water, batteries, and other essentials, provided temporary housing for over 100 displaced employees, and continued wage payments throughout the recovery period.
A transparent disaster relief fund, established with contributions from dedicated resort guests, friends, and partners, has distributed approximately US$455,000 in financial assistance based on damage assessments. This total includes a substantial US$100,000 contribution from Couples Resorts itself.
The rebuilding process has received personal attention from leadership, with Couples Resorts Chairman Lee Issa and his brother Paul, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, personally visiting reconstruction sites in Westmoreland to monitor progress and support affected staff.