Michael Capponi, founder of the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), has called on the Jamaican Government to ensure that disaster relief efforts address not only immediate needs but also the nation’s long-term identity, stability, and economic future. His remarks come in response to the Government’s plan to deploy pre-built container homes as a temporary housing solution for victims of Hurricane Melissa. Capponi, a seasoned humanitarian with decades of disaster-response experience, warned that short-term solutions could inadvertently harm Jamaica’s cultural authenticity and tourism-driven economy. He emphasized that Jamaica’s global identity as a premier tourism destination could be compromised by the introduction of foreign, prefabricated structures. Drawing parallels to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States, Capponi highlighted the long-term complications of temporary housing solutions, such as structural issues and environmental hazards. GEM, a 14-year-old charity, has already dispatched significant aid to Jamaica, including 18 container loads and 18 plane loads of relief supplies, supported by over 1,300 volunteers at a cost exceeding $4.3 million. Capponi’s leadership has transformed GEM into a globally recognized organization that prioritizes swift, strategic, and sustainable aid. His three-phase model—disaster relief, stabilization, and sustainable development—has enabled GEM to respond to over 370 disasters worldwide, delivering more than $620 million in aid. Capponi’s unique approach bridges private enterprise and public service, advocating for local empowerment and long-term solutions over short-term fixes.