In a significant humanitarian response, the Alkaline Foundation Corporation has mobilized to deliver essential relief to communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Founded by renowned dancehall artist Alkaline, the organization provided critical aid packages to residents in the severely impacted parishes of Westmoreland and Trelawny.
During early December, a dedicated 10-member team from the foundation conducted outreach missions to multiple affected communities, including Stratbougie in Westmoreland, along with Bunkers Hill and Deeside in Trelawny. The distributed relief packages contained vital food supplies, necessary toiletries, and other crucial household items for families struggling in the aftermath of the catastrophic weather event.
Kereena Beckford, official spokesperson for the Alkaline Foundation Corporation, emphasized the grassroots nature of the relief effort. “This initiative operated without corporate brand sponsorship. All provisions were funded directly through the foundation’s resources, supplemented by generous contributions from compassionate individuals who recognized the urgency of this crisis. Their solidarity enabled us to extend support to the most vulnerable families,” Beckford stated.
The assistance arrived as these regions continued grappling with extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. The hurricane resulted in tragic loss of life, claiming 45 victims nationwide, while causing widespread destruction across multiple parishes including St Elizabeth and St James alongside the targeted areas.
Established in 2014 by the artist behind hit tracks such as ‘Things Mi Love’ and ‘Live Life’, the Alkaline Foundation has maintained a consistent philanthropic presence. Previous initiatives have supported institutions like the Maxfield Park Children’s Home and various cancer-related causes.
Beckford described the emotional impact of witnessing the conditions in affected communities, noting the resilience of residents amidst overwhelming challenges. “Community members openly shared their profound struggles, revealing the depth of their current hardship. Despite facing unimaginable despair and uncertainty, they demonstrated remarkable gratitude and uplifting joy throughout our interactions. The experience was both humbling and profoundly inspiring,” she reflected.