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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has successfully garnered over US$1 million in donations through its Support Jamaica portal, as revealed by Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Morris Dixon disclosed that the portal has accumulated a total of US$1.8 million and J$53.218 million in contributions. This financial aid is part of the nation’s recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage, particularly in the western and southern regions. The government has also facilitated the registration of 170 donors, ensuring the efficient distribution of aid. Additionally, 40 bilateral partners have pledged further assistance to support Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has pledged to restore electricity to the severely affected regions of Westmoreland and Hanover within the next two weeks. JPS CEO Hugh Grant announced this timeline during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that the company is not merely repairing but redesigning and rebuilding its infrastructure to withstand future challenges.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the House of Transformation Worship Centre in Portmore, Jamaica, has mobilized to assist the residents of Trelawny. Lead Pastor Keron Francis highlighted the church’s compassionate response to the widespread destruction observed across Jamaica. ‘Seeing the displacement and dire living conditions of our fellow citizens compelled us to act,’ Francis stated. The church swiftly organized a relief effort, gathering essential supplies from both local and international members. ‘We focused on providing the most basic necessities—food, water, clothing, and shelter—to those in need,’ he explained. The decision to aid Trelawny was influenced by reports indicating that the parish had received less attention compared to other severely affected areas like St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. ‘Social media and news reports revealed that Trelawny residents felt overlooked, so we decided to address their urgent needs,’ Francis added. The relief team, comprising 30 volunteers, including Dr Nastascia Wade-Saddler, provided medical care alongside distributing supplies. The church also collaborated with the Weeping Woman Foundation, led by Evangelist Shadae Graham-Clarke, to prepare and serve warm meals to the affected residents. ‘We wanted to ensure they received not just dry goods but also a comforting, hot meal,’ Francis noted. While the damage in Trelawny was less extensive than in western parishes, the church’s efforts underscored the vital role of faith-based organizations in crisis response. ‘The church is a beacon of light, and it’s our duty to show compassion and support in times of need,’ Francis emphasized. The initiative aimed to convey a message of love and solidarity to the affected communities, reinforcing the church’s commitment to humanitarian aid.