Jamaican Organisations Extend Hurricane Melissa Recovery Support Across Western Jamaica

A year after Hurricane Melissa devastated western Jamaica, the JN Foundation says it has helped restore livelihoods, health care and schools through relief grants, medical missions and repairs. Support has reached more than 1,400 patients in nearly 50 communities, while people like Westmoreland cookshop owner Richard Ruddock and St Catherine farmer Dorothy Angus have received help to restart income.

Western Jamaica’s major sports venues are steadily recovering a year after Hurricane Melissa, with the Montego Bay Sports Complex set to reopen for football on December 13. Jarrett Park is operating at about 65-70 per cent capacity, Wespow Park is near full use, and BREDS Sports Park & Academy in Treasure Beach is about 65 per cent restored.

A Hanover family battered by Hurricane Melissa last year is finally getting back on its feet, thanks to Hanover Charities, which built and furnished a new four-bedroom home for 79-year-old Elaine Smith and her three orphaned grandsons. The charity also covered temporary housing and school support, including scholarships for the boys and tuition help for the eldest, Howard, now at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College.

Sagicor Foundation Jamaica handed over restored facilities at Little London High in Westmoreland and Mayfield Primary and Infant in St Elizabeth, both damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and added $30 million for more school repairs. The projects are part of a wider recovery push to get western Jamaica’s children back into safe, functional classrooms.

A year after Hurricane Melissa, the JN Foundation says it has helped affected Jamaicans rebuild through grants, medical missions, relief supplies and school repairs, reaching more than 1,400 patients in nearly 50 communities. About $14 million was raised with partners to support recovery, including small business owners like Westmoreland cook shop operator Richard Ruddock and farmer Dorothy Angus.

McBride Caribbean, through ACADO Jamaica, donated to Rusea’s High School, Riverside Basic School and Cornwall College to help them recover and strengthen programmes after Hurricane Melissa. The company said the support reflects its commitment to education and community resilience, while school leaders welcomed the timely boost for students and families.