标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, has unveiled the National Registry of Volunteers. This innovative initiative aims to streamline and coordinate volunteer efforts to provide effective relief to affected communities. The registry is now live on the Support Jamaica portal, accessible at supportjamaica.gov.jm.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica has stepped up its efforts to aid affected communities by donating beverages worth US$50,000. This contribution includes approximately 9,000 cases of water, Gatorade, and Pepsi products, aimed at providing essential relief to those impacted by the disaster.

The Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) has issued a heartfelt appeal to property owners across the nation, urging them to list their vacant homes, apartments, warehouses, and investment properties for both short and long-term rentals. This initiative aims to tackle the severe housing and storage shortages exacerbated by the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement released on Monday, the RAJ emphasized that property owners are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the country’s recovery efforts. RAJ President Gabrielle Gilpin-Hudson highlighted the importance of compassion and collaboration during this critical time. ‘This is a moment for compassion and partnership,’ she stated. ‘We encourage owners of vacant properties to put them to good use by listing them on the market to support relief efforts. This is our opportunity to make a tangible difference while ensuring investments serve a meaningful purpose.’ The RAJ has assured property owners of its members’ readiness to provide professional and efficient assistance in preparing, listing, and renting properties. Additionally, the association is committed to helping families and businesses identify suitable spaces for housing or storage. ‘Our realtors are trained to make the listing and rental process seamless and transparent for both owners and tenants,’ Gilpin-Hudson added. ‘Together, we can help families find stability and enable businesses to resume serving their communities.’

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL) has stepped up to support national relief initiatives. On Sunday, RAL, in collaboration with Project STAR, mobilized its teams and volunteers to prepare and distribute 1,300 meals to residents and essential workers in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. The company has vowed to sustain its partnership with local organizations to deliver critical aid where it is most needed.

Former Member of Parliament Lisa Hanna emphasized RAL’s commitment to Jamaica in an Instagram post, stating, ‘As a company deeply rooted in Jamaica, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities that have consistently supported us.’ She further highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts, noting, ‘In the coming days, we will continue to work closely with local authorities, relief agencies, and community partners to determine the most effective ways to contribute to the nation’s recovery, whether through meals, resources, or hands-on assistance.’

RAL, which operates several popular fast-food chains in Jamaica, including Burger King, Popeyes, Little Caesars, and Krispy Kreme, has demonstrated its dedication to corporate social responsibility during this crisis. The company’s swift action underscores its role as a key player in Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

The picturesque parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, once celebrated for its verdant landscapes and vibrant coastline, now lies in utter devastation following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Category Five storm, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, made landfall in New Hope on October 28, 2025, leaving behind a trail of destruction that has transformed the region into a desolate wasteland. Communities like McAlpine have been reduced to rubble, with residents grappling with the loss of homes, livelihoods, and cherished possessions. Adrian Cooke, a long-time resident of McAlpine, recounted the harrowing experience of losing everything, including his home and $30,000 worth of food. His story echoes the sentiments of countless others who have been left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The storm’s ferocity was unparalleled, with many comparing it to Hurricane Gilbert, but far more devastating. Raymond Blackwood, a 75-year-old resident, described the aftermath as ‘desolation,’ emphasizing the urgent need for assistance to rebuild. Despite the overwhelming loss, the community has banded together, sharing meager resources and supporting one another. Charmaine Carlene Walcott-Campbell, a local shop owner, has emerged as a pillar of strength, offering shelter and sustenance to her neighbors. However, with supplies dwindling, the community is appealing for government aid. Amidst the ruins, the spirit of resilience shines through, as residents express gratitude for survival and hope for a brighter future.

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.

On the morning of October 27, 2025, Charles Ferguson, a 78-year-old resident of Cave Mountain, Westmoreland, spoke to his cousin Winsome McPherson for the last time. He mentioned he would try to consume the food she had sent him. Little did anyone know, this would be their final conversation. The following day, Hurricane Melissa ravaged the area, leaving Ferguson trapped in his remote wooden home. Despite ongoing efforts by his family and neighbors to reach authorities, his body remained in the house for days after the storm. Ferguson, a well-known figure in the Kentucky district of Cave Mountain, lived in a secluded, hard-to-reach location. His cousin, McPherson, recounted the challenges of accessing his home, especially after the hurricane caused severe damage to the already treacherous roads. Ferguson, who had been in declining health and lived alone after his housemate passed away months earlier, was unable to escape when the storm hit. McPherson expressed her sorrow, stating she had anticipated the worst due to his immobility and the hurricane’s intensity. The community, now cut off by landslides and damaged infrastructure, has struggled to contact emergency services. McPherson described Ferguson as a cheerful and generous man, known for his herbal remedies, and lamented the tragic circumstances of his death. As recovery efforts continue, she remains hopeful that help will soon arrive to bring Ferguson’s body down from the mountain he called home.