My name is Hughart “Hugh” Roberts and I am asking for your support for my hometown, Bunkers Hill in Trelawny, Jamaica. As many of you already know, a category 5 hurricane named Melissa devastated the island of Jamaica. Bunkers Hill is a small community of about 1,500+ people, grounded in hard work and neighborly care that was literally pummeled by the storm. Hurricane Melissa destroyed our small, close-knit rural farming community, leaving families in unbelievable disarray. More than 85% of the homes have been destroyed, roofs were torn away, entire houses collapsed, debris everywhere, and families are now scrambling for shelter, food, and clean water. Families are sheltering in the community center and school that have damage themselves.

My own family home, built by my grandparents in the 1960s and lived in by four generations was severely damaged. My mother and her siblings were raised there and I too grew up there until I migrated to the United States. My brother still live in that modest two-bedroom home, which now needs major repairs just to be safe again.

Our primary school, Unity Primary, has major damage and loss with children not knowing when they will return to the classroom. Several of our churches, which have always served as places of refuge and togetherness, suffered severe structural damage. Many of our families are now without the spaces that once held our memories, our celebrations, and our spiritual anchor.

They currently now have no electricity, no cell/telephone connection, no running fresh water, no stores, no local businesses, and no stable outside resources. Restoration of these basic resources will probably take 6 months to be re-established. The community was initially cut off with road blockage from debris. People with jobs travel more than 90 minutes each day to work in the Montego Bay resorts that is now further impacted by roads that has been washed away. Most families rely on farming and each other in a community that has always survived through unity, with little resources.

For my entire adult life, I have been supporting several programs at the school such as the back -to-school supplies, meal program, computer equipment supplies, and sports equipment. Each year I buy and either send or bring supplies, school materials, clothing, donation received and anything else the community needs.

Right now, my community urgently needs help.

We need to repair the school. We need to repair/restore the churches. We need to help rebuild homes. And most importantly, we need food, clean water, and some basic supplies for families who have lost everything. I plan to assist my community in any way I can but I know this disaster is far greater than what I can address alone and without assistance from my community here in the United States.

Every dollar donated will go directly to the rebuilding and restoring the Bunkers Hill community. I will provide documentation and transparent updates throughout the rebuilding process. If you are able to give, no matter the amount, you will be helping an entire community get back on its feet. You will be giving children a school again, families a roof again, and a community its hope again.

I thank you in advanced for opening your hearts to helping the community I grew up in and love, Bunkers Hill.

With heart felt gratitude and appreciation,

Hugh Roberts