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KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has left a trail of destruction across western Jamaica, the JN Group has intensified its humanitarian efforts to aid recovery. The organization has revived the ISupportJamaica Fund to facilitate donations from overseas Jamaicans, targeting relief and reconstruction in severely impacted areas such as early childhood institutions, healthcare facilities, and homes for the elderly. Claudine Allen, General Manager of the JN Foundation, expressed gratitude for the global response, highlighting contributions from Jamaicans in the UK, including essential supplies destined for Food for the Poor. Donations can be made through JN locations in the UK, remittances via JN Money Services, or direct bank transfers to JN Bank account 2094768349. Further details are available on the JN Foundation website. Beyond financial aid, the JN Group is mobilizing employee volunteers in collaboration with St John’s Ambulance and the Jamaica Automobile Association to provide medical care and debris clearance. The first volunteer team will assist communities in St Elizabeth on November 2, with plans for continued support. Allen emphasized the urgent need for medical assistance, as local hospitals are overwhelmed and debris hampers movement. She also stressed the importance of sustainable aid, leveraging the JN Circle network, which has distributed $20 million in aid over the past two years. Allen urged Jamaicans to volunteer through organizations like the Council for Voluntary Social Services, calling for unity in recovery efforts. ‘We will only recover and rebuild if we do it together,’ she concluded.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Houston Moncure, Managing Director of Bluefields Bay Villas, has shifted his focus from luxury hospitality to humanitarian aid. His primary mission now is to ensure the survival of the storm-ravaged community surrounding his resort. Moncure has repurposed his property into a critical relief hub, providing essential resources such as food, water, and internet access to residents and emergency responders. Despite significant damage to his own resort, including structural losses to several villas and suites, Moncure remains steadfast in his commitment to community recovery. He has equipped his vehicles with Starlink satellite systems to maintain connectivity during disasters, a strategy that proved invaluable during the hurricane. Moncure estimates the recovery process will take four to six months and cost millions of dollars, excluding additional landscaping repairs. He is also collaborating with NGOs and plans to convert shipping containers into temporary housing for displaced residents. Moncure emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, ‘Without the community, it’s not the experience that our guests have come to love.’ His efforts highlight the resilience and compassion needed in the face of natural disasters.

Renowned dancehall artist Masicka has taken a proactive role in aiding communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa through his charitable organization, the MADE Foundation. The foundation has initiated the first phase of a comprehensive relief program aimed at supporting affected areas, with a particular focus on the parish of St Elizabeth. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Masicka emphasized the importance of community solidarity during times of crisis. “Jamaica is home. When the people are hurting, I feel that too,” he stated. “The MADE Foundation is about making a difference and showing that we care beyond the music.” Although Masicka’s immediate family was spared from the hurricane’s impact, he expressed deep concern for friends and supporters in St Elizabeth who suffered significant losses, including homes, farms, and access to basic utilities. Collaborating with local representatives, the MADE Foundation has identified urgent needs and is providing essential supplies such as food, building materials, steel, and cement. The initiative has also garnered support from Red Stripe and producer Mario Dunwell, who have joined the mission to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Masicka highlighted that this effort aligns with his long-standing commitment to philanthropy, which includes donating computers to schools, organizing back-to-school events, and supporting youth initiatives. The MADE Foundation, established to empower communities through education, mentorship, and crisis support, aims to create lasting change across Jamaica and the Caribbean. Masicka’s connection to St Elizabeth, where he performed early in his career, adds a personal dimension to the relief efforts. The foundation plans to expand its outreach to other parishes as part of an ongoing national recovery initiative.

In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, two Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) helicopters touched down at Belmont Academy in Westmoreland on Sunday morning. The mission aimed to deliver essential relief supplies to communities grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster. As the helicopters landed, local residents gathered to witness the operation, observing JDF soldiers meticulously unloading numerous bags of aid from the aircraft. This initiative is part of a broader, coordinated effort to provide urgent assistance to those impacted by the hurricane. The JDF’s timely intervention underscores the government’s commitment to supporting affected regions and ensuring the well-being of its citizens during times of crisis.