Hello everyone my name is Jedidah Gayle-Brown, a Jamaican national who is currently living in Texas.

As many of you may have heard, my beautiful island of Jamaica was recently struck by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that made landfall on October 28, 2025, in the parish of Westmoreland where I was born and raised.

Since the hurricane has passed, many people have been unable to contact their friends and family due to widespread power outages and downed cell towers. Personally, I have not been able to reach my father, who lives in the community of Kentucky. However, I’ve received reports that the roof of his home as well as those of his neighbors was destroyed.

I’m also deeply concerned about my mother’s house. Based on limited footage circulating online, it appears that our community of Water Works has also suffered severe damages. My mom is currently off the island, so we haven’t been able to see any photos or videos of her home as yet. Still, reports indicate that nearly all board houses have either been completely destroyed or left roofless, so we are preparing for the worst.

As such, I’m reaching out to ask for your help with rebuilding my community. All proceeds will go toward restoring roofs, buying and sending non-perishable food, clothing and other essential items via barrels.

Thanks in advance for your generosity and support. If you’re unable to donate, even sharing this message helps tremendously. I’ll also continue posting updates along the way.