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In a heartfelt and emotional plea, Nekeisha Burchell, Member of Parliament for St James Southern and a representative of the Opposition People’s National Party, called for immediate relief assistance for her constituents devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s Old Hope Road Headquarters, Burchell highlighted the dire situation faced by the majority of her constituents, who are homeless, hungry, and trapped in their communities amidst the carcasses of their livestock.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has initiated a comprehensive recovery plan, including the establishment of a National Registry of Volunteers and a series of international fundraising concerts. The initiative aims to raise an initial US$1 million to support relief efforts and rebuild affected communities. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange announced these measures during a special media briefing at Jamaica House, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action in overcoming the crisis. The National Registry of Volunteers, accessible via the Support Jamaica portal (supportjamaica.gov.jm), provides a streamlined platform for individuals to offer their skills and time in areas such as food distribution, medical support, and clean-up activities. Grange urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to participate, highlighting the need for a coordinated and efficient response. Additionally, former Prime Ministers PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, along with former Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, have been enlisted to assist in the recovery efforts. Blair will coordinate the involvement of religious and faith-based organizations, which have historically played a crucial role in times of crisis. To further bolster resources, the Government has partnered with the entertainment industry to organize the ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert series, featuring performances by leading Jamaican artists in venues across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The series will kick off with a virtual concert and telethon on November 16, followed by events in London, Miami, and other cities. Grange also revealed that the Caribbean Premier League and former cricketer Chris Gayle will contribute to the fundraising campaign. The Reggae Boyz vs Curacao FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 18 will serve as another platform for donations, with the Jamaica Football Federation and Red Cross Jamaica coordinating the effort. Grange expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from various sectors, reiterating that Jamaica will emerge stronger from this unprecedented disaster.

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has brought profound emotional and logistical challenges to Jamaica, as recovery teams struggle to retrieve bodies from storm-ravaged communities. Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon described the process as one of the most painful aspects of the disaster response, with some victims still trapped in inaccessible areas only reachable by helicopter. Speaking at a post-hurricane media briefing, she emphasized the emotional toll on both responders and families, as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) work tirelessly to recover bodies scattered across isolated western parishes. The death toll has risen to 32, with eight additional cases under investigation to determine if they are storm-related. Recovery efforts have been hampered by impassable roads and washed-out bridges, forcing reliance on aerial missions. Helicopters have been crucial for transporting both the deceased and emergency supplies, though unstable terrain and lack of safe landing zones have added to the complexity. Morris Dixon stressed the importance of timely reporting from local representatives, who play a critical role in identifying marooned communities and prioritizing rescue missions. Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. revealed that 25 communities remain cut off, with hundreds of families displaced and many having lost everything. The government’s relief operation has expanded into a large-scale logistical effort involving multiple agencies and international partners, including Food For the Poor and the World Food Programme. Over 40,000 relief packages have been prepared, with plans to sustain affected families in the coming weeks. Despite challenges, Charles affirmed that aid has reached every parish, with social workers, JDF soldiers, and partners working tirelessly even in areas with no connectivity.