ADRA Jamaica committed to support before and after Hurricane Melissa

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the western parishes of Jamaica, ADRA Jamaica, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The organization swiftly activated its National Emergency Management Plan, ensuring a coordinated response to the crisis. Prior to the hurricane’s landfall, ADRA Jamaica volunteers prepared and distributed 800 units of food supplies in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, anticipating the immediate needs of affected communities. Pastor Wenford Henry, Director of ADRA Jamaica, emphasized the proactive approach, stating, ‘We chose these parishes as our initial response based on the hurricane’s predicted path.’ Following the disaster, ADRA teams and volunteers conducted daily visits to severely impacted areas such as Black River, Middle Quarters, and Lacovia, providing hot meals and essential support. On November 4, ADRA International leaders, in collaboration with the Adventist Church’s youth department, conducted a volunteer training session at Victor Dixon High School in Mandeville under the ‘Yes with ADRA’ initiative. Over 100 volunteers participated in data collection and clean-up drives on November 5, with plans to distribute food and supplies based on assessed needs. Volunteer Anthia Adderley praised the training, noting its interactive and detailed approach. Pastor Henry reassured affected communities, ‘We will not leave you. ADRA Jamaica and our overseas partners are committed to rebuilding your lives better than before.’ Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, commended ADRA’s efforts, highlighting the collaboration with government and faith-based organizations to alleviate hardships faced by hurricane victims.