On the 28th October 2025, a category 5 hurricane hit Jamaica at wind speeds of 185 mph. This made it the strongest hurricane to ever hit the Island causing catastrophic winds and torrential rain which caused widespread destruction.

Entire communities, especially in the western and southern parishes such as Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny and Hanover experienced severe damage from winds, flooding and landslides.

Many homes, businesses, schools and public buildings were damaged or destroyed. Roofs were torn off and entire structures collapsed.

Power and communications networks were extensively disrupted, with large areas losing electricity and contact with emergency services.

Roads were blocked by debris and landslides, isolating some communities and slowing rescue and relief efforts.

Agriculture was damaged. Tourism was affected.

Many families were misplaced and took to shelters. 54 people lost their lives.

Ipswich Jamaica Aid (IJA) formed in response to the disaster. IJA is a collaboration of local community groups and community members.

We set out to raise awareness to raise funds and collect essential supplies which went directly to the relief programme. Our first GofundMe raised over £7,000. We are looking to raise more funds to continue to support the relief effort, as the rebuild will take years to restore Jamaica to the country that it was.

As well as the public, we reached out to local businesses to support us with essential building items, pharmaceutical products and personal items. We were grateful for their support. Our first container left England on December 3rd 2025, and we look forward to continuing to help Jamaica.

Jamaica has and continues to contribute so much to the UK, and we have all at some point enjoyed those contributions. Whether that be through, music, food, literature, fashion, sport and not least the efforts to re-build Britain after World War II. In addition, it has provided a holiday destination to many.

Jamaica now needs us and IJA are happy to support the re build effort.