Intro

On the southern coast of Jamaica lies Black River, a town steeped in history and resilience. Once a thriving port and commercial hub, Black River made its mark as a trailblazer in Jamaica’s modernization, the first place in Jamaica to receive electricity in 1893, the first to welcome a motor car in 1903, and the first to have a telephone system just ten years after its invention. This pioneering spirit lives on in its people, proud, hardworking and deeply rooted in community.

Black River sits within St. Elizabeth, called “the breadbasket parish of Jamaica” for its vital role in sustaining the nation’s food system. The parish’s farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners are central to Jamaica’s agricultural output and food security.

Sadly, Hurricane Melissa has left our beloved Black River and surrounding areas in St. Elizabeth devastated. Homes have been destroyed, families displaced, and many small businesses and farms, the lifeblood of this parish — have been wiped out.

We are daughters of the soil, born and raised in Black River, and we wear our hometown on our sleeves with pride. Together, sisters Shanek Williams and Jodi Bernard-Kerr and their friend Dainalyn Swaby have come together once again to support our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

With Shanek coordinating efforts from the U.S., we’re building on the same grassroots model that Jodi and Dainalyn used to mobilize relief following Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. This initiative is dedicated to helping the wider Black River community recover, rebuild, and regain hope after yet another devastating storm.

Your contribution can provide:

Household Support

- Food and Water: Tin & non-perishable food items, bottled and trucked water, ramen noodles, ice (block or party).

- Safety and Comfort: Mosquito repellent, candles, flashlights, batteries, solar/battery rechargeable lanterns/flashlights and fans, power banks (solar too), generators (solar/fuel)

- Bedding and Hygiene: Mattresses, sheets, towels, hygiene products (alcohol wipes, sanitizer, soap, Lysol, disinfectant, tissue, bleach), first aid kits, sanitary products (pads, wipes, tampons).

- Baby and Children’s Needs: Baby products (pampers, wipes, formula, cereal), snacks for kids, clothing and shoes for all ages and genders.

-Elderly Care: Adult pampers and pads, nutritional supplements (Ensure, Glucerna).

Infrastructure Support

- Rebuilding Supplies: Tarpaulins, tents, ply, zinc, nails, rope.

- Construction Tools: Wheelbarrows, power saws, shovels, rakes, machetes, buckets, barrels, jumbo garbage bags.