My name is Jovan (Wayne) Newland, and though I now split my time between the United States and Jamaica, my heart has never left Little Bay, Westmoreland, Jamaica — the small seaside community where I was born and raised. Every year, I spend a few months in Little Bay, soaking in the warmth of the community and the beauty of the island. It’s where I met my wife, right in front of my family home, 13 years ago, and where we bring our two daughters every year — sometimes twice a year — so they can grow up surrounded by the love, culture, and spirit of Jamaica.

Our family has deep roots here: the home where I grew up has been in our family for four generations, and over the years we’ve built two guest rental structures, which we use for Airbnb and hosting visitors. We were in the process of building a third cabin when disaster struck. Sadly, the hurricane destroyed one of the structures we worked so hard to create. Despite the loss, our commitment to Little Bay and its people remains as strong as ever.

When the hurricane hit, we were in the United States and could only watch and pray from afar. The uncertainty was agonizing as we anxiously awaited word from our family and neighbors. Thankfully, our loved ones are safe, but the storm left massive destruction across Little Bay. Entire structures were blown away, roofs torn off, trees and power lines down — and the entire community is still without electricity, clean water, or reliable communication.

We are preparing to return to Jamaica as soon as airports and shipping ports reopen. Our plan is to fly to Florida by mid-November, use the funds raised by that time to purchase essential supplies, pack them in barrels, and ship them directly to Jamaica, ensuring that every contribution reaches the families who need it most as quickly as possible.

The supplies we aim to bring include:

We need to raise as much as possible by mid-November. Every dollar raised will go directly toward purchasing, shipping, and delivering these essential supplies. Jamaica has always been a place of resilience, pride, and love. Through this heartache, Jamaican spirit still shines. We are a people who know how to rise. We come together — neighbor helping neighbor, stranger helping stranger — because that is who we are. And with your help, we can bring light, hope, and connection back to the people of our community.

Please donate, share this campaign, and keep Little Bay and all of Jamaica in your thoughts and prayers.

“Wi likkle, but wi tallawah.” Together, we will rise again.

For updates, photos, and progress as we rebuild, please follow our journey on Instagram: @humbleboyjamaica