In response to the catastrophic damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s western parishes, the Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA) Jamaica has initiated a comprehensive humanitarian operation. The relief campaign specifically targets the most severely affected communities in St. Elizabeth and St James, addressing urgent water and sanitation challenges.
The agency distributed 400 specialized WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) kits to vulnerable households grappling with water shortages and damaged sanitation infrastructure. Each comprehensive kit contains a 200-gallon water tank with complete fixtures, two five-gallon buckets, and a family-sized hygiene package designed to facilitate recovery and maintain health standards during the rehabilitation period.
Execution of this large-scale distribution required mobilization of over 50 dedicated volunteers working in collaboration with local community leaders and church organizations to ensure efficient delivery to remote affected areas.
Pastor Wenford Henry, ADRA Jamaica Country Director, articulated the organization’s long-term commitment: “Our objective extends beyond immediate disaster response to restoring dignity and building resilience within affected communities. The water access crisis following Hurricane Melissa created unacceptable living conditions. These WASH installations represent our initial phase in reconstruction efforts, and ADRA remains committed to accompanying communities through full recovery.”
Beneficiaries expressed profound appreciation for the intervention. Michael Thompson, a St. Elizabeth farmer, reported: “Water storage became our primary challenge after my tank was destroyed. This new tank restores our family’s security. We’re grateful ADRA remembered us during this crisis.”
Shanice Brown, a mother of two from St. James, emphasized the psychological impact: “ADRA arrived precisely when uncertainty overwhelmed us. The hygiene supplies protect our children’s health, but equally important was the compassionate approach of volunteers who delivered hope alongside practical assistance.”
ADRA Jamaica maintains active field presence as reconstruction continues, strengthening community support networks and ensuring Hurricane Melissa affected families receive sustained assistance throughout recovery phases.